Aggressive Microdermabrasion Causes Significant Remodeling of the Dermis

In a recent study published in the Archives of Dermatology investigators have shown that aggressive microdermabrasion does lead to significant changes in the dermis similar to what is seen in healing wounds.

Microdermabrasion is a popular procedure for skin rejuvenation. The procedure involves buffing the skin with tiny hard beads of aluminum oxide or diamonds which gets rid of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin giving the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Some have suggested that microdermabrasion can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, dark spots, and other signs of aging skin. In order to do this, microdermabrasion would have to cause collagen (the scaffolding of the skin) to be produced, but previous studies with aluminum oxide beads don't always show changes in collagen.

In this study the investigators used diamond-studded handpieces with medium grit and coarse grit on the forearm skin of people with sun damage. The medium grit handpieces did not induce a wound healing response, but the coarse grit handpiece did. In addition the investigators found precursors to collagen production in the skin of the coarse microdermabrasion subjects.

All this talk of buffing the skin with coarse grit diamond pieces may conjure up pictures in your mind of faces with the top layer of skin removed like with a road rash. But the subjects only experienced minimal redness that lasted less than 2 hours.