This service could be the best anti-aging treatment or the worst..

Microdermabrasion

or more commonly referred to as "microderm".

Microdermabrasion is a machine-based mechanical exfoliation method. There are two variations of this modality. Crystal and Crystal -Free (aka diamond tip). Crystal Microderm is not as popular these days, for many reasons, but mainly convenience. Diamond- tip however is very well known and loved!

The goal of the microderm services is to help to thicken collagen production by creating a controlled wound in the epidermis to stimulate fibroblasts and new cell activity, which results in a younger-looking complexion. Collagen is a protein in your skin that (abundant when you're a child) makes skin appear taut and smooth. Collagen production declines as we age, resulting in looser, uneven skin.

Now that we know why it's beneficial for aging, we should know how it can be harmful!

The first reason is the risk of spreading infections from one part of your skin to another, due to its dragging/suction technique. If there are any indications of skin infections such as impetigo or staph, OR are prone to warts, or herpes simplex I (fever blisters), this service should either be avoided or discussed with a physician prior to service to have an action plan in place to prevent a breakout, such as a medication treatment like Valtrex.

The second reason is that it can sometimes it can cause inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea to flare up. Now, this is not to say a rosacea condition can not be exfoliated because all skin needs exfoliation to invite new healthy cells to rejuvenate the surface of the skin. Inflammation-prone skin needs to have a different treatment plan than "normal" skin where the lipid barrier isn't damaged.

This can cause more damage, and trauma, and create long-term issues. This will do everything but create an anti-aging effect on the skin. In fact, it will accelerate it by igniting the inflammation cascade.

You should not perform microderm on inflamed skin, couperose skin (dilated capillaries), or skin that is extremely compromised, dehydrated, and angry. However once the skin has been treated and is no longer in that state, a microderm session could very well be a great option in a treatment plan!

Watch the video below to learn more in-depth about how microderm impacts the skin!