Acne is a very scary word to teenagers. 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 a cosmetic procedure used in doctor’s offices and spas. It is simple and non-invasive. Microdermabrasion revitalizes the skin, diminishes wrinkles and fine lines, and lessen the appearance of stretch marks and age spots. The technician uses a small hand held device that blows a crystallized substance onto the skin. This substance will gently polish and abrade your skin. The technician then uses a vacuum tube to remove the crystals and the dead skin.

The acne scars and the blackheads are stripped away through the combination of gentle skin abrasion and vacuum suction. Though a fine layer of the skin is removed, the skin is not damaged.

One factor you may want to consider before getting microdermabrasion treatments is the cost. The price of a treatment can vary between $50 and $300. If you have moderate to severe acne, one treatment will certainly not eliminate the problem. You may require several treatments. Also, microdermabrasion is usually not covered by your health insurance. Several treatments can add up to a substantial amount of money.

In the literature you will find a few studies done on the effectiveness of microdermabrasion for 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.

It seems that microdermabrasion is best for mild to moderate forms of acne. If you have a more severe form of acne, it might be best to seek other treatments as microdermabrasion may not help. With severe acne, it may possibly make the acne worse.

Like any medical treatment, microdermabrasion does come with a few side effects. It may cause temporary mild or moderate redness to the treated area. Blotchiness and peeling may also occur. There have been instances where the skin may become discolored in certain areas.

Microdermabrasion is not a cure for everyone’s acne. 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.

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