Microderm what? The very first time I ever heard someone say this word my mind filled up with crazy thoughts of scientific experiments gone wrong. It sounded bizarre and painful and I was sure it was something I wanted nothing to do with. But like most of the unknown things in life, I soon changed my mind after finding out what microdermabrasion was all about.

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that gently wipes away the outermost layer of the skin. The procedure is not very painful and allows you to undergo treatment without anesthesia. This is great news for anyone too afraid to undergo invasive treatments that demand to sit still in a chair surrounded by Frankenstein-like equipment.

How Microdermabrasion works on your skin

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that is administered by spraying micro-crystals onto the skin to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This non-invasive treatment is also believed to encourage skin renewal by stimulating the production of a new underlying layer of skin cells with higher levels of collagen and elastin. Be careful not to confuse microdermabrasion with dermabrasion which is a more intensive procedure for skin tissue removal and used to treat deeper facial lines and scars .

In a microdermabrasion treatment, the dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will use a handheld device that will spray fine crystals onto the surface of your skin. Each treatment will take about 30 minutes to an hour. This process will require that you submit yourself to at least five to twelve microdermabrasion treatments for optimal results.

Home microdermabrasion - an exfoliant treatment for your skin

Most people don't have the time or patience to be going to a specialist for treatment. However, there is a simple option, a home microdermabrasion treatment that saves you time and money. There are various exfoliation treatments out there, but when you are trying to remove acne scars, for example, you'll need the help of a specially formulated home microdermabrasion cream for acne scars .

Acne Scars are clear signs of damaged tissue and lost elastin and collagen. In order to treat this type of skin problem you need a treatment that can penetrate deeply into the skin and cause the skin to renew the cellular processes common in young skin.

An effective microdermabrasion treatment should contain skin renewal activators that cause the skin cells to increase the filtering of toxins and free radicals. The rate of skin cell production and shedding should be increased while old, damaged skin cells and other toxins are flushed out and rapidly stripped away.

This will help the skin replenish itself with collagen, elastin and its very own natural moisturizers, replacing the old dull outer layer of skin with new and fresh skin cells.