When you have questions about skin care topics like microdermabrasion, it is best to turn to the experts. Skin Rx Clinic has put together a comprehensive list about microdermabrasion treatments and everything involved. If you still have additional questions about microdermabrasion systems or home microdermabrasion, please post a comment and we’ll get back to you with an answer! Q: What Do Professional Microdermabrasion Treatments Involve? A: First, your skin will be cleaned using a specially formulated cleansing gel. The microdermabrasion procedure is then started with the use of a special hand-held device. The microdermabrasion crystals are then sandblasted onto your skin through a small tube. The same tube simultaneously vacuums off the dead skin cells which were removed. The flow of microdermabrasion cream begins at the moment the microdermabrasion wand is applied to the skin. The wand will be moved across your whole face, not just your problem areas, to achieve a consistent skin texture and color. Following your microdermabrasion treatments, a special soothing cream will be applied to your skin to nourish it and protect it from the sun. You can then get back to work or whatever your daily routine is immediately following the treatment.

Q: Can Microdermabrasion Treatments Only Be Done By Skin Care Professionals? A: Originally, microdermabrasion could only be performed by trained plastic surgeons and later a variety of skin care professionals such as beauty spas and dermatologists became specially trained to perform professional microdermabrasion treatments. Today however, home microdermabrasion products allow anyone to perform this simple, yet effective, skin care treatment. Q: Do Microdermabrasion Systems Work To Even Out Red Marks On The Face? A: Microdermabrasion products work to remove the top surface layer of the skin. Over time and with multiple microdermabrasion treatments, red marks can fade or even disappear depending on their severity to begin with. Some red marks on the face will not disappear with microdermabrasion alone. Q: Does Microdermabrasion Do Anything For Younger People With Skin Problems? A: Microdermabrasion treatments are considered safe for young people with a variety of skin types. Microdermabrasion creams should not be used on anyone younger than 14 however, especially since teenagers and younger people still face major hormonal changes that could diminish the results of the microdermabrasion treatments. Q: Can Home Microdermabrasion Improve the Appearance of Stretch Marks? A: Yes, a microdermabrasion kit is design to exfoliate and shed the top layer of skin. For all intents and purposes, stretch marks are a part of your skin that has an uneven tone and texture. Microdermabrasion treatments have been proven to even out the skin’s texture and tone and can therefore reduce or erase some unsightly stretch marks. Q: Can I Use Microdermabrasion Creams On My Eyelids? A: No, home microdermabrasion creams are not meant to be used on your eyelids under any circumstances. This eye area is extremely thin and therefore prone to irritation or possibly even scarring because the skin can be easily damaged. There are alternative eye wrinkle creams that you should use on your eyelids instead to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Q: Can I Use Microdermabrasion Products for Skin Lightening? A: No. While microdermabrasion treatments do exfoliates and help you to shed the top layer of skin, it can not entirely lighten your complexion. Microdermabrasion products can, however, help even out blotchy skin tone for a more even appearance. Q: Who Is Suitable To Receive Microdermabrasion Treatments? A: If you are over the age of 14 and you have skin care concerns such as mild acne scars, blotchy or uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and/or age or sun spots, our microdermabrasion systems can probably help you. Microdermabrasion products work for all skin types and colors. Q: How Many Microdermabrasion Treatments Will I Need? A: The answer to this question depends on the severity of your skin care issues. For most people, significant changes are noticeable after at least five microdermabrasion treatments when done on a regular schedule. If you were to go to a dermatologist or other skin care professional for personal microdermabrasion, you would more than likely be told that you will need six to ten treatments, each about two to four weeks apart. However many treatments it takes you to reach your desired results, you will have to continue to use microdermabrasion products every two to three months to maintain the effects. Q: How Long Does a Microdermabrasion Treatment Take? A: Usually, your microdermabrasion treatments should take no more than 20 minutes from start to finish. If you are doing other areas of the body such as your neck or hands, the process will take longer. Home microdermabrasion is very simple, so you should be able to complete the process even in a half-hour lunch break! Q: Does Microdermabrasion Remove Acne Scars? A: For mild acne scars, microdermabrasion treatments can even out the skin’s overall texture and improve superficial acne scarring. If you have deep acne scars, microdermabrasion will not likely provide significant improvement. Q: Can Microdermabrasion Work as a Treatment for Hyperpigmentation? A: Skin Rx’s microdermabrasion system is a good choice for treating hyperpigmentation issues. The microdermabrasion creams help to remove the surface layer of the skin where those hyperpigmented skin cells gather. While it normally requires several microdermabrasion treatments, you will usually see significant improvement in a more even skin tone.

Microdermabrasion treatments are an easy, non-invasive procedure which renews and rejuvenates dull skin, improves fine lines and wrinkles, reduces the appearance of large pores, lightens acne scars, reduces the appearance of stretch marks and age spots, and improves mild hyperpigmentation problems. Personal microdermabrasion is just as effective as other skin treatments to reduce the appearance of superficial imperfections but it does not require any down time so that you can immediately return to your normal routine after a treatment. Microdermabrasion works to resurface the skin to get rid of the dull dead skin cells and restore one’s natural glow. Home microdermabrasion is a simple procedure for anyone to do and it is completely painless. When compared to the results of treatments like dermal abrasion and laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion treatments are equally effective and provide comparable results. Although personal microdermabrasion can be performed at home, it previously was performed only by skin care professionals, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists who utilized a hand-held machine, much like a sandblaster, which sprayed and circulated a high-pressure flow of special facial crystals onto the patient’s skin.

Home microdermabrasion has significantly lowered the cost of this skin treatment. Personal microdermabrasion kits will differ in contents depending on where it is purchased, however, the majority of them will contain a crystal cream and an applicator. The applicator is usually a small hand-held wand to re-surface the skin or foam type of applicator which is used to massage the cream into the skin. Microdermabrasion treatments consist of polishing special crystals onto the surface of the skin which in turn helps to remove dead cells, debris, and sebum to get to healthier, younger-looking skin underneath. Some of the best microdermabrasion products or kits include additional creams, gels, and moisturizers which are formulated specifically to enhance the results of microdermabrasion treatments. Skin Rx, for example, offers a unique formulation which combines a home microdermabrasion treatment with glycolic acid for a “double peel” effect for even better results than other personal microdermabrasion kits available.

True glycolic acid comes from the natural acids of fruit, also called alpha hydroxy acids. As a skin treatment, glycolic acid products are used to renew a person’s skin through peeling old, dead sun-damaged skin cells on the surface. Overall, glycolic acid is the most commonly used form of alpha-hydroxy-acid used for glycolic acid facial peels. There are 5 common fruit acids used for facial peels: citric acid peels (derived from the citrus fruits), lactic acid peels (derived from sour milk, but it’s still considered a fruit acid), glycolic acid peels (derived from sugar cane), malic acid peels (derived from apples), and tartaric acid peels (derived from grapes). Lactic Acid Peels - Lactic acid peels are a derivative of sour milk. Lactic acid is sometimes said to be a more mild chemical peel compared to a glycolic acid peel, though it is similar to how a glycolic facial peel works. People with super sensitive skin, such as those with Rosacea, sometimes prefer to try lactic acid peels first before moving on to glycolic acid products. Citric Acid Peels - Citric acid peels are easy to use, minimally invasive, but take many treatments to see significant improvement on the skin. Malic Acid Peels – Malic acid is used in the same way as a citric acid peel in that it is only mildly invasive and requires several treatments to get significant results. A malic acid peel is also used for acne treatments as it can open pores to allow the sebum to be cleared out which helps reduce blemishes. Tartaric Acid Peels – Tartaric acid is a derivative of grape extract. This type of peel is very similar to all other fruit acid peels and works to improve the skin and reduce acne with repeated treatments over time. Buffered Glycolic Acid - Buffered glycolic acid peels are neutralized to some degree to about a 2.1 on the pH scale. For the home user, a buffered glycolic acid product is considered safer. Unbuffered Glycolic Acid - Unbuffered glycolic acid peels have a lower pH and are known to be more aggressively and to produce faster results when applied to the skin. Unbuffered glycolic acid products should only be applied by a skin care professional or dermatologist for best results. Alpha-hydroxy-acids including the lactic acid, fruit acids, and glycolic acid, are a safe alternative to chemical peels which home users can use to obtain smoother, younger-looking and more even colored skin for those who do not want to or can not afford to get a peel from a physician or dermatologist. AHA facial peels can treat and improve the appearance of fine wrinkles, dryness, uneven skin color, and also acne. Different concentrations of an alpha-hydroxy-acid peel can be applied at regular intervals to achieve significant results. Skin Rx Clinic offers the very best glycolic acid products with high quality ingredients formulated to give home users the same results that can be achieved from a doctor strength glycolic peel. Skin Rx Clinic has 15% Glycolic Acid, 30% Glycolic Acid, and 40% Glycolic Acid products and a variety of Glycolic Peel Kits for beginners and experienced glycolic facial peel users alike.

What is Melasma? Melasma is a skin disorder which can affect both men and women; however it is more common for women to have the condition. It is often seen on women during pregnancy and is sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy”. It appears on the face as a skin rash which is darker in color than the rest of the skin and has irregular borders. Melasma usually looks like a symmetrical pattern on the cheeks, nose, lips, and/or forehead. It may also appear on the upper arms. The skin darkening can be greatly varied in color. Melasma has been seen in all ethnicities and cultures but it is much more common in Arabs, Hispanics, Asians and North Africans or in those who have higher levels of melanin in their skin. People with fair skin may also experience melasma, albeit a lighter shade which is not always easy to spot. Alternatives to Laser Skin Resurfacing Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is a common and effective treatment option for melasma. Microdermabrasion is a good option for you if:

• You are looking for a treatment which involves no down-time
• You prefer a treatment which is minimally-invasive
• You are seeking an option for melasma with little to no side effects

Microdermabrasion works by sanding the outer skin layers off in order to remove dead skin cells. This process renews the skin’s texture and pigmentation. It works by using tiny crystals (or other abrasive substance) which are applied onto the skin’s surface with a special tool. The crystals are removed, and immediately the skin’s appearance is improved. Since microdermabrasion treats only the top layers of skin, there is hardly any risk involved and little to no side effects at all. Microdermabrasion can be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home whenever you have free time. Skin Rx recommends Microdermabrasion Kit #4. Skin Lightening Cream Skin lightening creams work to lighten skin by decreasing the production of melanin pigment granules at different stages while also breaking down the melanin already present. Hydroquinone is the active ingredient in most skin lightening creams and can be purchased without a prescription at up to 2% concentration. This highly effective treatment for melasma is inexpensive, non-invasive, and typically has no side effects. If you want to try a skin lightening cream to treat your melasma, try Skin Rx’s Skin Lightener. If you are not ready for a laser skin treatment and want to try real alternatives with proven results, microdermabrasion or skin lightening creams may be right for you.

While it is a miracle to bring a life into this world, pregnancy certainly isn’t always easy. There is the weight gain, stretch marks, nausea, and even sacrificing food and drinks you normally love for the health of your baby. Then there are the women whose feet grow half a size for each baby born to them…not a very pleasant side effect, especially if you already have big feet! On top of all of that, many women also must deal with hyperpigmentation of the skin during pregnancy, too. This darkening of the skin can cause embarrassment, especially at a time when a woman is already self-conscience about her self image. Hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is caused by pregnancy hormones. These hormones can cause an over production of melanin, which is the pigment in our skin. During pregnancy, freckles, scars, and moles can appear darker and the “mask of pregnancy” may also make an appearance. This “mask” often looks like dark splotchy patches all over the face which can become worse with each pregnancy. Hyperpigmentation can not be treated during pregnancy, but after the baby is born, there are effective products to lighten the skin back to normal. Since you can not use products to treat the condition during pregnancy, it is recommended to wear a strong sunscreen at anytime you will be exposed to the sun, as the UV rays do make the condition appear worse. The spots that do remain after pregnancy are likely to fade over time, but it may seem like forever if you leave it to nature to get your skin back to normal. If you want to use a treatment for your pregnancy hyperpigmentation, Skin Rx recommends: Skin Lightener – with 3% Kojic Acid and 2% Hydroquinone, this is a powerful skin lightener that will eliminate stubborn dark patches on the skin Also try: Skin Lightening Kit – with the Skin Lightener, Microdermabrasion Peel, and Advanced Protection SPF 30 which work together for maximum results.

If you are concerned that your skin has lost its glow, your dull skin needs some TLC! As an adult, dull skin is a common problem. During your youthful teenage years, the skin exfoliates itself naturally about every two weeks so fresh, glowing skin is revealed while the dull, lifeless dead skin cells are shed. This exfoliation process helps to keep the skin youthful and gives that “glow” that we all want. If you are a smoker, dull skin is often a side effect. When the blood flow and oxygen to your skin is decreases due to the toxins of cigarette smoking, you tend to develop dry, dull skin which is prone to fine lines and crow’s feet. With a few simple skin care techniques and some TLC, you can brighten up your complexion and get your glow back! Besides the obvious of not smoking, it is important to stay hydrated. The more water you drink, the better your skin looks. Six to eight glasses of water a day is a must if you want your complexion to look its best. Exfoliation is the best way to shed dull, dead skin cells and rejuvenate your complexion to reveal more youthful skin. Microdermabrasion is a great way to achieve maximum results if you really want to brighten up your complexion. Skin Rx recommends Microdermabrasion Peel Kit #1 which features an exclusive “double peel” technology and an all natural formula. You will also want to make sure you are replacing any moisture loss to your skin which can happen as a result of the upcoming cold weather. A good quality moisturizer should be applied directly after cleansing the skin. Try Skin Rx’s Herbal Moisture Crème 2 which can replace moisture loss to even the driest skin.

Which products are recommended for my "brown spots"?

The treatment is painless and allows you to continue your daily routine just as you normally would without any downtime.

Lentigines often go by more common names like “liver spots”, “brown spots”, or “age spots”. They are not caused by age or by anything to do with your liver or your age, though. These brown spots are skin discolorations which are caused by sun damage.