A common, non-invasive treatment becoming increasingly popular these days is dermabrasion.Since our face is always under critical scrutiny, these skin-resurfacing techniques are becoming a regular at medical spas and salons. This cosmetic rejuvenation technique helps to lighten the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, tattoos, scars and acne. It is aimed at producing smoother and blemish-free skin. However, no cosmetic procedure is free of side effects and disadvantages, and dermabrasion is no exception to this.

What exactly is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion simply is a controlled way of scrubbing the skin, stimulating natural wound healing to enable new skin growth that does not have any scars or blemishes.Although this treatment has gained tremendous popularity due to its seeming harmlessness and simplicity, one needs to understand the side effects associated with this procedure. In fact, the harm caused may be more than any good produced through this treatment.

Reasons why this procedure needs to be banned

  1. This procedure requires numerous sessions to actually produce any difference in the skin tone and texture. Multiple sittings are required that are not only expensive, but can also damage the skin.
  2. Redness and swelling caused after a session of this treatment can last for many days.New skin that appears may remain pink for couple of months.
  3. If equipment is not sterilised, chances of an infection, such as bacterial, fungal and viral,are very high.
  4. Constant sessions of dermabrasion alter the sensitivity of the skin which requires heavy protection from the sun. As a result, constant sunscreen application and moisturisation isrequired.
  5. Certain patients show bruising, hyper pigmentation and scar formation if the device has not been used by expert professionals. In extreme cases, permanent scarring can also occur if skin is abraded too deep.
  6. Some individuals experience not only change in sensitivity of the skin, but also experience constant redness, flakiness and certain hyperpigmentation patches.
  7. Inhalation of the crystals used for dermabrasion, especially aluminium oxide, is no thealthy for the lungs, as they can cause an allergic reaction in response to these crystals.
  8. Reactivation of cold sores may occur especially if you have dermabrasion around the lip area.
  9. Occasionally, white bumps may be noticed. which are known as Milia. These are blocked sweat pores of the face and can look bad- a bad bargain!
  10. Other skin conditions. such as allergic rashes, may get aggravated. Therefore, if you are prone to allergy, dermabrasion may aggravate existing skin conditions and is definitely not recommended.

Thus, it is best to avoid these cosmetic treatments that have potential to alter the sensitivity and texture of your skin permanently, unless absolutely necessary.