While there is a vast range in age, most people start noticing the subtle signs of aging in their mid-30’s. Early signs of aging consist of a dull complexion, smile lines that don’t fully go away when you stop smiling and an overall loss of skin tone.

If you are noticing these signs, it’s time to start putting extra effort in picking the right skin care products and extra steps to your skin care routine.  One step to consider adding is a microdermabrasion.

You can get an in-office microdermabrasion or purchase an at-home microdermabrasion product.  In-office treatments are more effective, but can cost up to $200 per treatment.

In-Office Microdermabrasions

An in-office microdermabrasion is a procedure that uses aluminum oxide crystals to blast off the dead skin cells on your face.  The treatment is painless, fast and highly effective in reducing early signs of aging.

The microdermabrasion machine has a hand-held wand that the technician sweeps over your skin, forcing the crystals to essentially blast through the dead layer of skin cells. The wand then vacuums away the crystals and dead skin cells leaving you with visibly smooth, exfoliated skin ready to absorb the anti-aging ingredients in your skin care products.

At-Home Microdermabrasions

If you don’t have the time or money for an in-office treatment, there are tools and products to help you get good results at home.  One option is buying an at-home microdermabrasion machine such as the Crystalift.  At-home microdermabrasion machines do have an initial upfront cost, but are effective and affordable to replace the crystals. The Crystalift machine costs $200 and has enough crystals to initially give you four treatments. Refills crystal pods cost $40. We recommend using once per week.

You can also use a microdermabrasion product which is like an intense facial exfoliator.  This is typically a creamy topical product packed with small exfoliating particles. There are many options to choose from, from drugstore priced products all the way to high-end priced products.  ZENMED’s Renewing MicroDermabrasion Complex is one option.  It uses crushed walnut shells to thoroughly exfoliate the skin.  To use, apply to damp, clean skin using small circular motions with your fingers and rinse thoroughly.  We recommend using an at-home microdermabrasion product once or twice a week for best results.

Important to Note:

We recommend using SPF products year round, but after your microdermabrasion, being vigilant with protecting your skin from the sun is vital.  This is especially important if you use products with AHA’s – Alpha Hydroxy Acid, a chemical exfoliating ingredient often included in exfoliating and anti-aging products.  AHA’s can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn, but any time you exfoliate, you are bringing fresh, new skin to the surface.

Any anti-aging skin care regimen is incomplete without the addition of daily, regularly reapplied sunscreen.