Is it possible to buff and polish your skin to retain a youthful look? Microdermabrasion may be a buzzword in beauty circles, but aside from the most skin care-savvy among us, many people are unaware of how this treatment actually works on the complexion.

An excess of dead cells can accumulate on the surface of the skin, leading to a dry, flaky texture and a lackluster appearance. Microdermabrasion offers results that are more effective than a basic facial but less dramatic than laser resurfacing.

Patients of all skin types and tones who have acne scars, sun spots, age spots, dullness, uneven pigmentation, and clogged pores may benefit most from this cosmetic dermatological procedure. It can also have a positive impact on sensitive skin types, or patches of skin that have shown to be resistant to other forms of topical or cosmetic treatments.

Microdermabrasion sessions typically last about 40 minutes and offer a high level of precision when it comes to targeting skin cells. The treatment involves exfoliating dead skin to reduce the appearance of lesions and blemishes while generating an even, clear, and smooth complexion. People of all ages, from 20-somethings to those approaching their 50s or 60s, can benefit from its brightening and revitalizing effects.

There are several approaches used for microdermabrasion. Germain Dermatology offers SilkPeel^®, which employs a diamond-tip handpiece. The tip gently scrubs the skin to abrade it, then suctions away loosened dead skin cells from the stratum corneum (the superficial layer of skin). The suction also serves to clear out pores. SilkPeel^® simultaneously infuses the skin with hydrating serum, which penetrates into the deeper layers and gives the skin a fresher, plumper look.

While some patients may notice a difference after a single procedure, others may find they want to undergo multiple sessions to achieve their cosmetic goals or to maintain their results.

For more information about microdermabrasion and other available exfoliating treatments, contact Charleston, South Carolina’s Germain Dermatology directly by calling (843) 881-4440 or fill out an online contact form.