It's natural to want smooth clear skin free of acne scars, blackheads, or wrinkles. Many people in search of clear skin do things that will actually damage their skin in the long run. It's important to remember that different people can have the same treatment but have different results.

If you have acne scars or hyperpigmentation, you may have considered microdermabrasion as a possible remedy. It's a good choice since many people have success with it. However, if you are considering having this procedure done, you need to thoroughly research it before you take that first step. Make certain you are a good potential candidate or you won't get the result you want.

So what's the allure of microdermabrasion? Basically, it's a non-invasive procedure that uses a crystaline-like substance applied directly to your skin. The crystals act as an exfoliant that removes dead cells to reveal the underlying skin that is made up of newer, unscarred skin.

Microdermabrasion is not a miracle cure for acne scars, but has been very effective in facilitating healthier looking skin and, in a minor way, will also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and facial lines. You get the best results when microdermabrasion is performed as a series of treatments. Although your skin will appear healthier and smoother after just one treatment, multiple treatments will give you the most benefit.

A series of treatments usually results in less oiliness and tighter pores. If you are using additional skin care products such as moisturizers, serums, or skin lighteners, you will notice that they seem to work better. This is because once the layer of dead skin cells is removed, your skin care products are able to penetrate better.

If you have microdermabrasion done by an aesthetician, the cost will vary with the amount of treatments that are performed, and it is probably your safest overall option to choose as long as you are realistic with the results you expect to get from the treatment.

If the cost prohibitive to you, consider doing it yourself. An 'at home' microdermabrasion kit is probably the most cost effective of all your options. Experts say that these kits are safe, as long as you don't overuse them, and follow the directions closely. The 'at home' kits are generally milder than those done at a day spa, but you can still get irritation. After the treatment, be sure to use a moisturizer, avoid direct sun, and use lots of sunscreen.

People who undergo microdermabrasion, report smaller pore size, faded acne scars, and smoother application of makeup. In fact you may have less need for makeup. If your problems are minor, you may even see immediate results after just one treatment.

So, wondering if there are any conditions that are not good candidates for microdermabrasion? If you have one of the following conditions, you should not have microdermabrasion --

* Active rosacea
* Fragile capillaries
* Vascular lesions
* Widespread acne
* Herpetic lesions (herpes)
* Warts
* Open sores
* Skin lesions
* Anyone who takes anti-coagulants
* Eczema
* Dermatitis
* Psoriasis
* Lupus
* Erythematosus
* Diabetes melitus

There are many ways to rejuvenate the skin and microdermabrasion is one of the most popular. Since there is no 'down time', and the results are almost instantaneous, many people are attracted to this procedure. If you have enlarged pores, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, or mild pigmentation problems, microdermabrasion is an effective option.

One benefit is that the procedure is quick, and you can schedule the treatment on your lunch hour and still have time to eat before heading back to work. More invasive treatments will require a recovery period of days, if not longer before your skin's appearance returns to normal.

The fact that your appearance will return to normal so quickly is often enough to make this the treatment of choice for those that are looking for healthier skin and want to steal back a few years from Father Time.