Microdermabrasion is quickly becoming one of the most popular skin care treatments available. However, don't make the mistake of believing that it is useful for just about every skin problem you might have, because this is not the case.

As with any skin treatment option, it is contraindicated for some skin problems. Let us review which problems microdermabrasion can treat and which ones should be treated with other methods.

Microdermabrasion: It's Not just Skin Exfoliation

Microdermabrasion is a procedure in which abrading crystals "sand off" the upper layer of the skin. A special machine pumps and removes these crystals from the surface of the skin. After completing the treatment you will need to apply a good sunscreen to help protect your skin.

This procedure can help you deal with problems such as:

*Uneven skin tone or skin texture

The abrasive action removes dead cells and sun damaged cells while stimulating the production of new skin cells. Undergoing successive treatments can help treat hyperpigmentation.

*Fine wrinkles

Microdermabrasion is may not be able to treat deep wrinkles as easily as it can eliminate fine lines.

*Saucer-like acne scars

It can also help treat other types of scars. If you do decide to use microdermabrasion to treat scars, you'll need to undergo several treatments.

*Rejuvenate Damaged Skin

Since microdermabrasion can remove smaller blemishes it can be used for rejuvenating the skin. The outer layers of the skin usually become dull with age and microdermabrasion helps replace this tarnished skin with newer, younger looking skin cells.

What Microdermabrasion should not be used For

You should not use microdermabrasion on keloids, jagged scars, or ice-pick scars. This procedure can deal with a variety of scars, but it may stimulate further keloid scar formation, especially when used to treat keloids.

You should not use microdermabrasion to treat skin cancers or precancerous actinic keratoses. These problems should be dealt with using other forms of treatment.

Precautionary Measures when Contemplating Microdermabrasion

Once you have decided that microdermabrasion is for you, there are certain precautions that you must keep in mind. Firstly, do not insist on having this type of procedure if you are recovering from a sunburn or you will irritate your skin further.

Treat yourself with a certified professional. The worst mistake most people make when undergoing microdermabrasion is having it performed by an inexperienced operator. It is best to go directly to a dermatologist who can insure sanitary measures when performing this procedure.

As you can tell, microdermabrasion isn't for everyone. In fact, if you feel that microdermabrasion is too harsh for your skin, you might want to try a more gentle alternative: at-home microdermabrasion system or a microdermabrasion cream.