If you've tried several acne creams and washes and have had less than optimal results, then perhaps it is time to try a new approach to treating your acne. A procedure called microdermabrasion involves using a special instrument to gently remove the top layer of the skin, revealing the fresher, less blemished skin underneath it. For many patients, microdermabrasion effectively gets rid of acne. However, the procedure is not the right choice for everyone. Here's a look at the pros and cons of microdermabrasion as a treatment for acne.

Pros

Microdermabrasion treats both acne and acne scars.

Most acne treatments only alleviate the breakouts, but microdermabrasion treats both your active pimples and your old acne scars at the same time. Since the procedure effectively peels off the outer layers of your skin, each time you undergo a treatment, you'll notice that your scars fade a little bit more.

Microdermabrasion is chemical-free.

If you're sensitive to a lot of medications, including the antibiotics and steroids often used to treat acne, then microdermabrasion may be a great choice because it does not involve taking any medications or applying them to your skin. Fine pieces or sand or silica are used to polish your skin, and these components are completely natural and inert.

Cons

Your skin will feel and look irritated after microdermabrasion.

You don't just get the treatment and expect to look like a million bucks the next day. There's a healing period. For a few days after the procedure, your skin will be red and irritated, and you'll have to stay out of the sunlight and avoid using any harsh washes or makeup on your skin. Thus, you must carefully schedule your treatment appointments so your face is not red for any important events.

Microdermabrasion alone won't get rid of deep, cystic acne.

It's great for treating surface acne, like blackheads and whiteheads, but if your acne lesions are deep beneath the skin, you're not likely to see much improvement after microdermabrasion. Your dermatologist will likely recommend a different kind of treatment, such as steroid medications, to get your cystic acne under control. Then, when the cysts have been reduced and addressed, you can use microdermabrasion to fight the last traces of surface acne.

If your acne is mostly surface level and you don't mind having a red face for a few days, microdermabrasion can be an excellent treatment for both acne and acne scars. For more information, contact Babich Skin Care Center or a similar location.