There are so many beauty terms that it can make your head spin. Confused as to what it all means? Our Glam Glossary will help you sort it all out. Follow Allison each week in her quest to decode popular beauty terms, from Alpha Hydroxy Acids to Zinc Oxide.

Microdermabrasion

Where you see it: At the day spa, doctor’s office, medical spa and now on the shelves as home systems.

What it does: Microdermabrasion is a procedure in which the outermost layer of the skin is removed by light abrasion. As an alternative to chemical exfoliants (products with AHA or BHA), microdermabrasion instead uses physical power to remove the skin. Though the procedures vary, there are two main types of microdermabrasion methods that we see:

Crystal Microdermabrasion: This traditional method involves blasting tiny abrasive crystals onto the skin’s surface to exfoliate.

Diamond Microdermabrasion: This method involves a diamond tipped head with a roughened surface. The head rubs against the skin in order to exfoliate.

Though the procedure itself does not involve any chemicals, an esthetician may or may not choose to use them in conjunction with your procedure. The treatments do not require medical oversight, generally create little to no pain and can show results almost immediately. The at-home treatments popping up generally contain crystals to polish your skin; results, therefore, are less abrasive than a clinical procedure.

As with any exfoliant, peeling off the top layer of skin can be used to aid in the treatment of scars, acne, sun damage, wrinkles and the appearance of pores.

Is it safe? Not for anyone who’s taken Accutane in the past 12 months! While that is one strict rule of thumb, there are few others. Because procedures and standards vary across the board, there are little regulations on the subject. However, those with sensitive skin should think twice about signing up. As always, it’s important to have your treatments done by a skilled, certified esthetician. Ask for references!

Photos: B.Kamins, Dr. Brandt