Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and it works hard to protect us from the elements. Indoor and outdoor air pollution can clog your pores and leave your face looking dull and tired. Thankfully, there are several in-office, minimally invasive options for exfoliating your face and leaving you with a healthy glow. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of these cosmetic solutions.
Why Do You Need to Exfoliate?
First, what’s the purpose of exfoliating and skin resurfacing procedures? Your skin cells are in a constant state of turnover. Approximately once a month, skin cells die off, and new ones replace them. However, if you do not do anything to remove the dead skin cells, they form a compact layer on top of the healthy skin underneath.
Exfoliating procedures such as microdermabrasion gently remove the dead cells, which allows the skin to “breathe” and improves the circulation to your face, making your pores appear smaller and causing your face to have a fresh, radiant appearance. As a bonus, your topical anti-aging serums and moisturizers will be able to absorb into your skin better after you remove the layer of dead cells.
How Does Microdermabrasion Work?
Microdermabrasion has been a top cosmetic treatment since it first became available in the U.S. in 1998, and it’s not hard to understand why – this non-surgical, zero-downtime procedure can address multiple concerns at once, leaving your skin looking refreshed and renewed. Microdermabrasion uses a specially designed handheld device to painlessly remove the top layers of dead skin cells.
Since treatments only take about 30 minutes and there are no activity restrictions afterward, you can get microdermabrasion done on your lunch break and return to work immediately thereafter, with your skin noticeably brighter, smoother, softer, and younger-looking.
Are There Other Skin Resurfacing Procedures to Consider?
As effective as microdermabrasion can be for promoting new collagen growth and healthier skin, the results generally only last about one month. If you are looking for longer-lasting improvements, we also offer Fraxel® skin resurfacing and intense pulsed light photofacials. You may choose to have these procedures on their own or in conjunction with microdermabrasion to maximize your outcomes and renew your appearance.
Fraxel® and IPL both use light energy to rejuvenate and resurface the skin and resolve skin issues such as sun damage, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, enlarged pores, and scars. You will not need to plan any downtime for recovery after getting a Fraxel® or IPL procedure, and the most common side effect is mild redness and swelling.
Though IPL and Fraxel® are similar technologies, there are some unique pros and cons of each. After meeting you in person, asking you questions about your concerns, and evaluating the quality of your skin, Dr. Matarasso will recommend the best treatment plan for you. You might benefit from a series of IPL and Fraxel® treatments, spaced out over several months, to see optimal results.
Learn More About Microdermabrasion and Laser Skin Resurfacing
If you live in the greater San Francisco area and would like to explore non-surgical, minimally invasive ways to refresh your appearance, schedule your consultation now. Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco is proud to offer many of the most sought-after procedures available in the Bay Area.
