Battling acne through your teen years and into adulthood can leave unsightly scars that affect your appearance and your self-confidence. When you need a boost to your self-esteem, consider the many benefits of rejuvenating your skin’s appearance with microdermabrasion.
How acne scars form
Acne scars develop when the deep tissues of your skin become damaged by breakouts. There are different types of scars commonly caused by acne, including atrophic scars that are most common on your face. These scars develop when your body doesn’t produce enough collagen during the time the wound is healing, resulting in a depression in your skin.
Another type of acne scar is known as a hypertrophic scar. They are the raised scars you see on your skin caused by too much collagen production during healing of the acne wound.
Additionally, acne breakouts can cause skin discoloration, leaving behind marks that are brown, red, or purple in color. These discolored marks often disappear on their own, but may need additional treatment to completely clear the skin.
The basics of microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation process that gently removes the outer layer of your skin. This procedure reveals the softer, healthier skin underneath, reducing the appearance of acne scars and other skin flaws.
Treatment requires an application of exfoliating crystals directly onto your skin to eliminate the dead surface skin cells. A unique sanding instrument massages the crystals into your face and neck, without the need for incisions or injections.
As a result, you can enjoy immediate benefits of smoother, younger-looking skin that glows from the inside out.
The versatility of microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is generally safe for all skin types, textures, and colors. The crystals are fine enough to remove dead skin cells without damaging the nearby healthy skin.
Not only can the microdermabrasion technique eliminate the appearance of acne scars, it is highly effective in treating common skin conditions caused by sun exposure and age.
Our anesthetists can also use microdermabrasion to treat skin blemishes like:
- Age spots
- Brown spots
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation
In addition to effective treatment of scars resulting from acne, microdermabrasion can also reduce the appearance of scars left over from injuries, surgeries, and childhood chickenpox.
Microdermabrasion after-care
Depending on the severity of your scarring, you may need more than one treatment to achieve your desired results. You can rely on the expertise of your anesthetist to create a custom care plan based on your specific needs and skin condition.
Following each treatment, you must take proper care of your skin to help maintain your results. Daily moisturizing is necessary, especially after your treatments, as your skin may become dry and flaky as it heals. A high-quality moisturizing cream is important to protect your skin and keep it looking young and fresh.
You also need to use a reliable sunscreen on your face and neck to protect skin from exposure to the ultraviolet light of the sun. Even in the winter months, you should apply sunscreen regularly as an added layer of skin protection and to prevent the return of wrinkles and discoloration.
Find out if microdermabrasion is right for you by calling Dermatology Center of Northwest Houston today.