Microdermabrasion is a skin rejuvenation process designed to smooth skin and to treat minor problems like age spots, mild acne scars, dull skin, fine lines, and brown spots. Tiny crystals sprayed onto the skin are used to peel off the outer layers of skin in a process that has been compared to sandblasting. Because it is quick and effective, it has become an enormously popular procedure.

Dermabrasion is similar, but it is considerably more severe than microdermabrasion. In dermabrasion, the outer layers of skin are frozen and then sanded off with a specialized instrument. This often causes bleeding of the skin, and patients receive anesthetic. In contrast, microdermabrasion is nonsurgical and patients do not receive anesthetic.

Dermabrasion is also more appropriate for more serious skin conditions than those addressed by microdermabrasion. It carries greater risk, and patients receiving it endure considerably more pain. It is also a more intense treatment, which has a more pronounced effect.

Microdermabrasion also has a shorter recovery period than dermabrasion (about 24 hours) after which skin generally looks and feels younger and more healthy. There is usually a visible reduction in skin blemishes, and the skin is softer and more youthful.

In this age of reckless resistance to old age, microdermabrasion has become incredibly popular because of this effect. The improvement is generally temporary, but since it is a nonsurgical, easy procedure - and since the skin constantly regenerates - many patients feel that it can be performed again and again without causing damage.

Another effect of its popularity is that a variety of at-home microdermabrasion products have appeared on the market, and more and more beauty products are co-opting the term "microdermabrasion" for face creams that have a similar effect. A number of products now sell exfoliating creams with the word "microdermabrasion" in their names. Some at-home microdermabrasion machines are also available, starting at about $250.

Although there are few side effects of microdermabrasion, there are some. One of the most common (though minor) side effects is an upset to the skin's color balance. That is, a patient might get light or dark patches from the microdermabrasion process. This is especially true for a patient with darker skin, since darker skin tends to be more prone to skin problems. Also, although teenagers and pregnant women might experience skin conditions (like acne) that they want to get rid of as quickly as possible, it is generally considered better to let the hormonal causes of those problems resolve themselves before applying any kind of cosmetic solution.

It is little wonder that microdermabrasion has become so popular, or that products based on the process continue to hit the market. When the side effects are compared to the effects, the real wonder is that more people don't have the procedure done.