Are you unhappy with the tone and texture of your skin? Do you have dull, rough skin, brown spots and age spots that you would like to remove? Would you like to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Do you desire to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and mild acne scars? Would you like to even out skin color and gain a healthy glow? At Horizon Dermatology and Cosmetic Center in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, Torrance, Fullerton and Encinitas, CA, one of our favorite tools to treat all these concerns is Microdermabrasion.

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive procedure to gently exfoliate the outer layer of skin that is discolored, dry and rough, and thickened due to the sun, wind, chemical, and environmental insults. Gentle exfoliation will reveal healthy new skin, with diminished fine lines, blemishes, dullness, and sun spots.

Microdermabrasion is a gentle physical abrasion of dry, dead skin cells. No chemicals are used that can irritate sensitive skin. And the micro crystals are non-allergenic. This is a low-risk procedure with no downtime that can brighten the skin. It is safe and effective for all skin types.

Microdermabrasion has been called a “lunch hour” procedure because the treatment can be done over the lunch hour.  Since there is no downtime, you can go back to work with minimal or no discomfort and with a healthy, refreshed glow.

What are the benefits of microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is used to treat light scarring, discoloration, and sun damage, and lessen the appearance of stretch marks. It can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, crow’s feet, and age spots. Treatment will improve the appearance of mild acne scarring and hyperpigmentation caused by acne. Patients with active acne can benefit by clearing the pores and exfoliating dead skin cells. Treatments can reduce enlarged pores.

Microdermabrasion will improve the appearance of age spots, reduce blackheads, lighten patches of darkened skin, and brighten the complexion.

Exfoliation reveals new healthy skin that is smoother, and has higher levels of collagen and elastin for smoothing and tightening. Microdermabrasion encourages the growth of new skin cells with increased collagen for that radiant, youthful glow. The result is a refreshed appearance.

Who is a good candidate for microdermabrasion?

Patients who are healthy, have only minor skin imperfections, and desire to smooth and brighten their skin are good candidates. You may not be a good candidate if you have deep acne scars, active acne, an autoimmune disorder, herpes, or are pregnant. If you have rosacea, Dr. Cole will determine whether you are a good candidate.

The microdermabrasion procedure

A minimally abrasive handheld instrument is used to spray tiny/micro crystals of aluminum oxide to gently sand the skin, removing the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion is painless, so no numbing medication is needed.  Old, damaged skin is gently removed to reveal new, healthy skin. Some swelling may occur which should resolve within a few hours of the procedure. Pinkness is temporary, and should resolve within 24 hours after the procedure. The skin may feel tight for about 24 hrs. The skin may be dry and flaky for a few days.

After the procedure, your new skin will be more sensitive to the sun, so extra sun protection is important. Hydration is important to calm the skin and add comfort. You will receive information on how to care for your skin to keep it healthy.

Improvement is immediate, but lasting results may require a series of treatments. Your complexion will be smoother, softer, and brighter.

Whether you have acne, mature skin, supersensitive, dry, or oily skin, at Horizon Dermatology and Cosmetic Center, we will listen to your concerns, pinpoint exactly what your skin needs, and recommend the perfect treatment to help you look your best.