Imagine a little man (or a little woman, for that matter) taking a professional sanding machine and sanding away the top layer of skin, all over your body.
While this might sound like a scene out of an S & M film, the reality is far from that.
We're talking about microdermabrasion, a form of skin smoothing that can leave your skin soft as a baby's bottom - if not just a little bit red and raw.
People have been relying on various types of exfoliation for centuries, and microdermabrasion falls into this category, although it's a bit more intense than using a gritty lotion to get rid of dead skin cells on the face.
In early times people rubbed themselves with rocks and bits of bark to feel more clean, silky and and smooth, in modern times a plethora of lotions and potions have been made readily available.
But if you want to do more than just a surface sweep, then a professional spot of the old Microderm may be for you.
What is Microdermabrasion? As the name suggests, this is a skin rejuvenation technique that sloughs off the entire top layer of your skin to reveal new, glowing skin underneath.
Proponents of this method say it can be used effectively on stretch marks, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles and age spots or other types of skin discoloration, although its efficacy is under discussion.
Microderm is good for almost any area of the body, except where the skin is especially fine and thin.
It is not recommended for use on the eyelids (ouch!) or the feet, as the skin there is extremely fine, and you will need to go very easy on the area around the lips.
Suffice it to say that it is also not recommended for the genital area (unless you truly are into S & M).
Fans of Microderm say another advantage of this technique is that it allows skin products to penetrate deeper into the skin, thus helping them build up both elastin and collagen.
One of the building blocks of our skin, which is found naturally in the body, collagen is what makes skin look thicker, firmer, stronger - and therefore more youthful.
Currently, three main types of Microderm, also known as a particle peel, power peel or Parisian peel, are the most popular (it's also sometimes referred to as a "lunchtime peel", as you can get at least some parts of your body sanded away during your lunch hour).
They are: * Crystal Microderm * Diamond Microderm * Home Microderm Crystal Microderm.
Your practitioner will wield a special device which blows aluminum oxide crystals across the parts of the body you have targeted.
The result is that the "damaged" top skin layer is removed, while fresher layers are revealed underneath.
At the same time, a vacuum-like system will manage to suck away all the dirt and dead skin that has built up in the area.
Diamond Microderm.
Much like the above but the device used is fitted with a diamond tip (don't worry about the price- it is used more than once!).
This is considered especially helpful when performing Microderm on areas that are either sensitive or more difficult to access.
Home Microderm.
The do-it-yourself kits usually contain a crystal-based cream for home use, often with a motorized applicator.
The advantage is that it's a lot cheaper, but it's a question of trial and error for most people as you may have to shop around for a while before you find a cream compatible with your skin.
Acne break-outs with home kits are, unfortunately, all too common.
Some also provide DIY chemical peels.
What Can Go Wrong? Microderm is considered generally a safe cosmetic treatment, but you should be aware of the following: * You can suffer some skin discoloration, with patches of different colored skin as a result.
This is common with similar procedures as well, such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing.
The skill of the practitioner is key, as is the case with many types of cosmetic treatments.
* You could get an infection if the equipment is not sterilized properly.
* You could get scarring if the practitioner is unskilled.
* You can suffer eye problems if stray pieces of crystal land in your eyes.
These days most med spas require that goggles be worn, so this should not be an issue.
Insist on them.
* You may notice redness or skin streaking, and even see some blood, for a few days after treatment until everything has healed.
This is normal and should clear up on its own.
Please note that Microderm is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, teens or people taking certain medications, specifically for acne.
That is because prescription drugs such as Accutane make the skin a lot more sensitive than normal.
It is advised to wait at least one entire year before coming off the drug before having Microderm performed.
Other people who should refrain from Microderm are those with certain types of diabetes, rosacea, certain types of ketaratoses, eczema, lupus, active herpes and other conditions, such as present sunburn.
You should always consult with a trained medical professional first before having any type of invasive or non-invasive treatments.
Finally, certain types of dermabrasion machines can be used by trained beauticians; while more "aggressive" machines that dig deeper into the skin should only be used by a medical professional.
If you decide this technique is for you, make sure you come to it with realistic expectations.
If you have deep pitted acne scars, for example, don't expect to walk away with a flawlessly smooth, creamy complexion.
Know what you want - but also what you can realistically get.
People who have had Microderm carried out by a qualified professional are usually happy with the results - but that was because they knew what to expect from the start.
For acne scars, age spots on the face and chest and mild blemishes it can be said to work wonders, and also, at least to some extent, to minimize the signs of aging.
In a recent poll, 68 percent of people who had Microderm said that it was worth it.
If you think it could help make your skin more soft and smooth and virtually blemish free, you may want to give it a whirl.
Keep in mind that with any type of cosmetic surgery as a rule, people with lower expectations are usually those most satisfied with the outcome! The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider.
We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.