Factors of Ageing and the Skin

In 2001, Microdermabrasion was the fourth most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment in America, according to the annual survey of cosmetic procedures conducted by ASAPS, (the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), and it is growing in appeal with a 50% increase in treatments since the year 2000.

Its popularity continues to be highest with baby-boomer females (aged 35-50) but there is also heightened interest in microdermabrasion from men and ethnic minorities.

As the ASAPS survey shows, greater numbers of people are demonstrating an interest in maintenance and ameliorative procedures to care for their skin.

The basic rules are to keep the skin clean and hydrated whilst avoiding environmental factors such as nicotine and UV radiation which have a prematurely ageing effect. Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet also plays a part in good skincare. Yet some negative influences cannot be wholly avoided, whether it's the natural ageing process, stress, lack of sleep, hormonal fluctuations, the sun or environmental pollution.

The following is a brief guide to the problems typically associated with skin in its various stages of maturity and how microdermabrasion can help.

Teens

Theoretically, this is when skin is at its best but excess sebum production often marrs the teenage complexion. Breakouts and acne benefit from the smoothing, drying action of microdermabrasion.

UV protection is just as important at this age as later on. Some suggest that as much as 3/4 of the lifetime dose of UV radiation is acquired before age 20. Microdermabrasion can help as an alternative to the sun in drying out oily skin without damaging it. It can also help prepare oily skin for sunscreen by drying out the skin first.

20s

Skin tone continues to be firm and elastic but problems can occur. Continuing breakouts and acne can be cleared and controlled by microdermabrasion; acne scars can be smoothed; blackheads and whiteheads benefit from the exfoliating action of microdermabrasion crystals; emerging lines and uneven skintone are treated; dry skin is sloughed off and moisturizers penetrate more deeply to hydrate parched skin.

30s

As the skin matures it dries out, although some still have a problem with acne and breakouts. Collagen starts to break down and cause wrinkling, especially around the eyes, mouth and the forehead. Environmental damage caused by smoking and UV rays also begins to take its toll. Stretch marks may be an unwanted side effect of pregnancy or weight loss. Microdermabrasion comes to the rescue and helps deal with anything from clogged pores and blemishes to dry, flaky skin cells, from stretch marks to lines and early wrinkling.

Post-microdermabrasion, the skin also takes on a more youthful glow and is more responsive to topical treatments (including anti-oxidant and vitamin preparations, for example).

40s

The supportive layer of collagen just beneath the skin surface shows signs of wearing down. The skin may sag a little, lines and wrinkles may deepen and age spots may start to emerge. Microdermabrasion improves skin firmness whilst also stimulating cell turnover and collagen production. Post treatment, skin tone and texture are more even and smooth. Microdermabrasion is also effective in difficult-to-treat areas such as the hands and the neck where the skin is thinner and more delicate but quick to age.

50s and up

The ageing process that became more pronounced in the 40s is even more evident here. One of the major problems is the skin's loss of elasticity. Skin, particularly on the neck and the jawline, loosens and sags. Microdermabrasion continues to rejunenate skin tone and texture (stimulating cell turnover and collagen production) and may be used as a preparatory treatment if more radical, invasive surgical lifts are desired.