Acne; many teenagers cringe at the word. Doctors and specialists have been searching for years to find a cure for this annoying and frustrating ailment. People with acne have been applying lotions and creams, taking medications and herbs, and searching for the next great cure. Microdermabrasion for acne might be an alternative treatment to consider.
In recent years, acne sufferers have been trying microdermabrasion for acne scars. The procedure removes dead skin cells. These dead skin cells clog the pores which help to cause acne. Removing dead skin cells can decrease blackheads and acne breakouts.
Microdermabrasion is an easy and non-invasive procedure. It refreshes and revitalizes the skin, reduces pore size, erases stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles, and eliminates age spots. The procedure involves using a hand-held device that blows crystals onto skin. These crystals gently polish the skin before a vacuum tube removes the crystals and the dead skin cells.
Through the combination of suction and gentle skin abrasion, blackheads and acne scars can be stripped away and eliminated. Though a fine layer of the skin is removed, the skin is not damaged.
If you have sever acne or acne scarring, one microdermabrasion treatment will probably not be all you need. Several treatments would be needed to show an improvement in your acne. You should know that microdermabrasion is usually not covered by most health insurance. The cost of several treatments can add up quickly. One treatment can cost between $50 and $300.
There have been a few clinical studies on microdermabrasion and its effectiveness in treating acne. One small study showed good results when treating acne with microdermabrasion. The small study had 25 subjects; 72 % had excellent or good results, 17 % had fair results, and only 12% had poor results. Larger studies would need to be done to prove its effectiveness.
Microdermabrasion is most likely best for mild to moderate forms of acne. If you suffer from moderate to severe acne or acne scarring, this treatment may not be right for you. The cost may be too high, and some experts have questioned the effectiveness of the treatment when the acne is severe.
Like any medical treatment, microdermabrasion does come with a few side effects. It may cause a temporary redness on your skin. Blotchiness and peeling may also occur. Rarely, the skin color may change and you may have some areas of lighter skin color.
Microdermabrasion for acne is not a panacea for everyone’s acne problem. It doesn’t work for all acne sufferers. You need to consider the cost of the treatments, the potential side effects, and the type of acne you have before submitting to this procedure. Microdermabrasion does show promise and should be evaluated further. If you suffer from acne or acne scars, you should talk to your physician to see if microdermabrasion for acne is right for you.
