Dermabrasion at Home

Most of us cannot really do much about the signs of aging and not many of us really have the budget to go under the knife (and even if we do have the budget, a lot of us lack the bravery!) However, the bi-monthly visit to the parlor will only help in getting rid of visible cells and does not really go beyond the uppermost layer. In fact, even a vigorously done scrub will barely scathe off a few corneal cells. So, what options do we have? Well, we can go in for what is known as dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is the process by which the upper superficial surface of the skin is removed to reveal healthier and fairer looking skin. This process is usually done by a professional at a beauty treatment clinic. However, there are options available for you to do dermabrasion at home. These are explained below.

What is Dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a non-invasive surgical procedure wherein, with the help of controlled sandpapering or with the help of an external mechanical device, the upper skin cells are removed. It is commonly seen that this procedure requires lasers and the topical application of local anesthesia. This procedure basically aids in smoothing the skin and thus, makes the appearance of acne scars lighter. Thus, this a procedure that is opted for when there is need for superficial acne scar removal.

How to Do Micro Dermabrasion at Home?

Yes, you read that right. What is available in the form of kits, actually microdermabrasion instruments and not instruments that help in doing dermabrasion. This is because dermabrasion is quite an invasive procedure and should ideally be done by an expert in a beauty clinic. So, when you wish to do natural dermabrasion, you will first need to procure a dermabrasion kit. This kit will usually have a bottle that contains microdermabrasion crystals and one that has a moisturizer for after use. If you can opt for an expensive kit, then you will also get with it a battery-operated hand-held massager that has a soft sponge at one end, which is to be placed against the skin surface with the crystals on it. So, now that you have the kit, you're ready to start with your dermabrasion facial. Follow the steps given below:

• First and foremost, wash and cleanse your face. Ensure that there is no dirt, grime or make-up on your face, because, when you remove the superficial cells, there is slight trauma to the skin and this may lead to the grime entering the deeper layers of skin, which may eventually lead to acne and other such problems.
• So, once you are done with cleansing the face, keep your face not dripping wet but slightly damp. Now, take the micro dermabrasion crystals on your fingertips and start rubbing them on your skin in slight, gentle, circular strokes. Do not do this very vigorously in the hope for better results, because you may just end up damaging your skin instead.
• Continue rubbing in circular motion for about two minutes. If you have a hand held machine, then you can use that instead of your fingers.
• Ensure that you time yourself while doing this procedure. As soon as two minutes are up, wash your face with cold water and pat dry. Ensure that all the crystals have been washed away.

This is merely an add-on beauty treatment that helps to give a slight glow to the face, provided you have reasonably healthy skin to begin with. Many dermatologists consider this more of a mild beauty treatment, only marginally better than a scrub and facial and do not advocate microdermabrasion for acne scars, as far more invasive procedures, like laser resurfacing, will be required for that. In the end, if you wish to give a slight glow to your face without having to go to a skin clinic and shell out a bomb, then a dermabrasion at home may just be what you're looking for!