Microdermabrasion vs Exfoliation. Differences?

I know Microdermabrasion uses smaller beads, but does this exfoliate the skin more or less than normal exfoliators? I ask because i'm interested in evening out my skin tone, and read in one of the threads that microdermabrasion helps. I do exfoliate regularly, but have never tried using a microdermbrasion kit.

Any differences between what the products do? Thanks!

I wanna know too! do u do both or one or the other? if u do both how often should each be done? Im new to all this stuff and Im taking notes /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Microdermabrasion uses Aluminium Oxide crystals, which are stronger than regular exfoliators. So, to answer your question, microderm is more effective. You should do microderm once a week, until finished. They do the same thing, except micro is at a more accelerated rate. I would suggest avoiding microderm if your acne-prone. Try a chemical peel instead. It will help to even out your skintone too. Otherwise though, it's micro is ok. :icon_chee

i'm curious too... i have acne prone uneven skin that is very sensitive and prone to flakiness when i use certain products (and oily all other times!) ... i was thinking of using stuff with AHA's in them.

Oh ok. Thankyou for your input! Sounds like something i do want to try out!

thanks for clearing that up! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

sounds nice! u are lucky your insurance covers it! Is this common? I would think it would be considered cosmetic...

wow. so would i. how cool that the insurance covered it!

Well on my first visit, my Dr ask if I had insurance, she said that if you have any active acne MOST insurances will pay..... What a blessing!! The only thing they will not pay for (so far) is my glyco peel, which is only $45.00. But I was searching online and I found on Ebay the same EXACT peel they used on me,,,,made by Glytone for $20.00 each . All you do is open pack and apply to face, (the gauze/pad in the pack has the glyco already on it). The glyco didn't do much for me at all... No peeling or anything. I ordered some TCA,,,,gonna give it a try just as soon as I get my nerve up.

hi.. i hear you mention that you have acne prone skin. did your blemishes react to the microdermabraison? did it help? i have acne prone skin but i've really been dyin to try a microderm..

They CAN burn your skin though, but nothing too drastic, if you use too high or a concentration or do it too often.

Oh! I did not know that. I guess since it is called a "Peel" I assumed that it was sappose to peel. Thanks for the info.

Mac, Yes I do have acne prone skin. I have cystic acne, which I take antibiotics for. I also have sun damage and large pores. Microdermabrasion takes care of all of that....especially the large pores. It did help with the acne...I did have a few breakouts but it wasn't bad. You do have to keep it up,,,like one ever 6 weeks,,, for how long you have to have it done, depends on how bad your skin is. If you can't get to a Dr or another place that does microderm you should try ordering aluminum oxide crystals and do it yourself using an electric toothbrush. I do this, it does a good job. I also use a little bit of crystals in my facial wash every morning and night.