According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, "Microdermabrasion is a skin-freshening technique that helps repair facial skin that takes a beating from the sun and the effects of aging. The plastic surgeon uses a device like a fine sandblaster to spray tiny crystals across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin. As with other skin rejuvenation techniques, more than one treatment may be needed to reduce or remove fine wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation."  Scary; isn't it? With steps like abrasion and suction, you are probably thinking of industrial environments. But relax; we are talking some very high-tech stuff here. The system used today is so gentle that most people actually like it. It feels almost like a facial.  No wonder then that celebrities like Gillian Taylforth are big fans.

The University of Michigan Health System informs that, "Regardless of your skin's condition, most patients will notice an improvement in their skin's appearance. Fine lines and age spots may be erased, and many patients report that their skin is softer, smoother, and younger-looking." The performance of microdermabrasion was so remarkable when it was first launched that its popularity soared immediately among consumers. Almost all spas and beauty salons started to offer this treatment. It was at that point that the technology matured to a level that several companies started to conduct serious research into developing kits for home use. As you can imagine, home kits make it easy for anyone to undergo a microdermabrasion treatment without any help at all though I like the idea of having a "microdermabrasion party."  Get a couple of friends together and it is a great excuse to have a spa day at home.  (Related article:  Looking younger using Dr. Perricone's approach)

Most kits today come with everything that you will need for microdermabrasion and all you need to do is to follow the directions. Surprisingly enough, men are pretty good at this (or they pick up it really fast because it is so similar to shaving). So make sure lots of men are around to help out.   Like anything else in personal care, the prices are all over the place. Here are the choices that you have:  (Related article:  Spas for men)

• Dermanew Microdermabrasion Best Results Kit is my favorite because everything that you need is here and it is cheaper to buy the bundle rather than trying to buy everything separately. It is also a good idea to have a complete kit when you are doing it for the first time.  Apart from the Microdermabrasion Kit, it comes with cleanser, refresher, and moisturizer. 

• You can also buy theMicrodermabrasion Kit alone if you either have the cleanser, refresher, and moisturizer or if you do not wish to use (though I would strongly suggest that you do).

• You can buy a less known brand kit like Visage Naturel Home Microdermabrasion Exfoliation System for less than $50. Of course it is much cheaper than the alternatives mentioned above, but I was not particularly impressed with the quality of the serum. Remember that it is not the hardware that is the key. What is really important is the stuff that you put on your skin.

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