At-Home Microdermabrasion vs Professional Microdermabrasion

Living in the age of convenience, we naturally want everything to be quick and simple, from food, to work tasks, to finances, to our cosmetic treatments. Given that, it's no wonder skin rejuvenation fans were ecstatic to hear about the newest fad in cosmetic convenience, at-home microdermabrasion kits. But for those who've had amazing skin rejuvenation results with professional microdermabrasion, the question must be asked: are at-home kits effective, as well as cheap and convenient?

At-Home Options

There are a few at-home microderm kits available now, ranging from scrubs and creams to battery-powered applicators. While the microdermabrasion tools can differ among these at-home treatments, they all share some universal similarities that are worth looking at to answer the question at hand.

At-home microdermabrasion systems like DermaNew, Timepeel, and those branded by beauty powerhouses like Neutrogena, are definitely cheaper and more convenient than professional microderm; however, they're rarely, if ever, as effective as professional microdermabrasion or even vibradermabrasion, microderm's cousin. The reason home microdermabrasion systems can't compare with professional results is largely due to the technology they use.

Technological Differences

A professional microdermabrasion treatment utilizes advanced microderm machines that, in effect, "polish" the skin. By emitting a pressurized stream of abrasive crystal particles onto treated areas, these machines remove dead skin cells, improve the look of acne, fine lines, and skin imperfections, and smooth out the texture and tone of treated skin. Professional microdermabrasion can use aluminum oxide crystals (the most common type), sodium chloride or magnesium crystals, or crystal-free, diamond-tipped applicators during treatment. Aluminum oxide microdermabrasion is the most popular choice because it's effective but not too expensive, and because its bacteria-killing properties have even been shown to prevent acne from forming. Patients should always consult with a cosmetic specialist prior to microdermabrasion treatments to learn which form of microderm the clinic uses, and the procedural risks and benefits that are involved.

At-home microdermabrasion kits, although designed to treat the same skin problems as professional microderm, and very safe to use, their inferior technology can't produce the same level of results. Even with at-home systems that use crystal or diamond particles, the particles are often mixed with a face cream that's applied by hand, or they're rubbed on with a scrubbing applicator. These systems will improve the look and feel of skin slightly, but they aren't powerful enough to benefit skin more than your standard exfoliation scrub can.

So, when choosing between professional and at-home microdermabrasion, you may want to ask yourself another question: Do I want to sacrifice quality for convenience? Because, when it comes to quality skin care results, especially for older patients with advanced wrinkles and skin damage, at-home methods just aren't going to "scrub" it!

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