Micro Dermabrasion For Acne Scars Removal

I can distinctly remember when I had acne 20 years ago (had it for 4 years in my teens). I can especially remember how it made me feel which is why I can sympathize with you -- if there is one skin disorder that can really mess up someone in their early life, acne is it. Apparently (and this is quite shocking) more than 80% of all teenagers suffer from acne and more than a quarter of them will have permanent, visible acne scars. About 20% of all adults also suffer from active acne. That certainly helps put things into perspective!

Does Micro Dermabrasion Work On Acne Scars Removal ?

Before I can explain how micro dermabrasion helps with acne scars, it's important to understand how acne works. Basically, acne is a medical skin condition in which oil and dead skin cells clog the pores, causing pimples, blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads, or more severe problems, like nodular or cystic acne.

Some of the sebaceous glands in the skin produce oil (also called sebum) in excess. Oil combines with cells found on the walls of these glands and clogs your pores. The result are pimples which can appear on your face, neck, arms, shoulders chest or your back.

What I do know for certain is that micro dermabration works on superficial acne scars. But the question remains: does it help fade deeper acne scars as well? (for acne treatment, read my article on micro dermabrasion for acne).

Basically, microderm abrasion peels off a very, very fine layer of skin (but thicker than the one removed by regular facial peel) where superficial acne scar cells are stuck. I had many superficial scars on my cheeks (but no red marks) which faded to the point of becoming invisible after a full spa microdermabrasion treatment (I suspect the results wouldn't have been any different in a clinic).

I needed 12 micro dermabrasions before the scarring on my cheeks had almost faded, though I could see improvement after the first few abrasions. Before I started the micro dermabrasion treatment I was told there are things I can do to improve the results. I drank lots of water, avoided alcohol and smoking and kept my skin clean and well moisturized. I cannot say exactly what effect these had on the final results but I'm sure they are better because of them.

I often meet people with moderate or deep acne scars who have been left disappointed with micro dermabrasion (particularly with over-the-counter products). The fact is that micro dermabrasion kits don't work on deep acne scarring (many websites selling home micro abrasion products conveniently fail to tell you that) but neither does spa or medical microderm abrasion. Severe acne marks need more aggressive procedures like chemical peels and laser resurfacing which go deeper into the skin than micro dermabrasion can.

While home micro dermabrasion kits cannot compare to the professional procedure in terms of effectiveness, some brands like Youthful Essence do a good job at removing some of the more superficial skin imperfections. Dermanew is also very good (very professional-like results and components) though much more expensive.