Ask the Dermatologist
|
Craig A. Kraffert, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist with degrees in biochemistry and cell biology.
He graduated from the UCLA School of Medicine with honors and studied dermatology at the University of Miami.
Dr. Kraffert implemented this website so that everyone might have access to quality products and accurate
dermatologic information.
Other Resources |
|
Search the Skin Care Question Database
We have compiled a database of many common skin care questions,
use this tool to help find the answer to your question.
Microdermabrasion Products |
| Question |
| How do over the counter microdermabrasion products compare to the clinical procedure? Do you recommend any? |
 |
| Answer |
|
Microdermabrasion's beneficial effects on skin appearance may be the
result effects on both the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and dermis
(inner layer of skin). Microdermabrasion's abrasive cleansing effects
on the epidermis result in a smoother and more glowing epidermis with
less clinically evident pores. Microdermabrasion's suction effect is
thought to stimulate the dermis and may have a favorable effect on the
skin's collagen and elastin balance. Sustained strong demand for
microdermabrasion procedures is a clear indication that the combined
epidermal and dermal skin effects provide cosmetically relevant benefits
at least in the short term and in some cases possibly longer. Recently
scientific studies have begun to document some of these beneficial
effects but the main evidence for the effectiveness is in the durability
of its popularity.
Microdermabrasion procedures are typically performed by trained skin care professionals that can utilize experience and judgment to tailor therapy for a particular client to optimize results. Home based microdermabrasion treatments do not share this advantage and most do not have a suction component. There are many products on the market that offer microdermabrasion-like benefits from topical application. One of my favorites is Dr. Brandt's 'Microdermabrasion in a Jar.' These products are very effect as exfoliants and can produce great improvement in skin's appearance. For example, using Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion in a Jar on one of my hands and not treating the other led to clinically relevant improvement on the treated side. While microdermabrasion skin care products are beneficial, they do not have the suction component and do not allow for the trained eye of the skin therapist to play a role in optimizing the therapy. Thus microdermabrasion skin care products are very good and in some cases great but are generally best thought of as an adjunct to rather than a replacement for microdermabrasion services performed by a talented and experienced skin care professional. Craig A. Kraffert, MD |
Disclaimer: The information provided by DermStore.com and ReddingDermatology.com is intended solely for educational purposes. This information is not to be used for medical diagnostic purposes and is not intended to serve as a recommendation for treatment and/or management of any medical/surgical condition. Most of all, this information should not be used in place of a physician or other qualified health provider. If you believe you have a medical condition, please contact your physician immediately.