The skin gives shape to the body and protects the underlying tissues and organs. It also serves as a protective barrier to germs and helps regulate the body's temperature.

As we age, supporting structures in the skin undergo changes. Production of collagen, the substance that provides firmness to the skin, decreases. There are fewer elastic fibers in the skin. And those that remain may start to thicken and lose their ability to maintain the skin's ability to retain shape. The skin may appear to sag. Tiny lines and wrinkles can develop, especially around the outer corners of the eyes and lips. The production of sebum (oil) decreases, causing the skin to dry.

The earliest signs of aging can sometimes be seen in people as young as their late twenties. Genetics play a big role in the rate of skin aging. Some people look much older than their peers, while others are lucky to retain youthful looks well into middle adulthood and beyond. Excessive exposure to the sun and cigarette smoking can speed the rate of skin aging.

Cosmetic Skin Treatments: Microdermabrasion

There are many different cosmetic procedures that can be used to erase some of the signs of aging. One popular treatment is microdermabrasion. Doctors use a hand-held device to spray a fine blast of tiny crystals. It's like mild sand-blasting for the skin. The crystals and abraded dead skin cells are then suctioned into a vacuum. The procedure rejuvenates the skin by stimulating the production of new, healthy looking skin cells and collagen.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, microdermabrasion is the fourth most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the U.S. About 1,023,930 procedures were done in 2005.

Microdermabrasion is good for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, some types of pigmentation problems, age spots, and some acne scars. A single treatment takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The effect is only temporary and patients may need several treatments and periodic follow-ups.

Vibraderm

Another type of treatment is called Vibraderm. The treatment uses special abrasive paddles against the skin and low frequency vibration to mechanically abrade the top outer layers of the skin. Plastic surgeon, Charles Wallace, M.D., says Vibraderm is like having five to six microdermabrasion treatments all at once. The low frequency vibration is gentle to the skin and patients feel no pain. It can be used on the face or other areas of the body. Depending upon the needs of the patient, a single treatment can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.

Vibraderm temporarily opens the pores. Wallace uses another paddle and special skin care products developed for use with the Vibraderm system (the product line is called Seda Skin Care). The products are designed through a process called oxo delivery, which uses a man-made molecule to electronically deliver active ingredients, like vitamins, antioxidants and sunscreen, deep into the skin.

Vibraderm is recommended for treatment of many different kinds of skin problems, from wrinkles and fine lines to drying skin, rosacea, inflammation, pigmentation problems and acne. Patients can often see some results after the first treatment. However, for the most effective treatment, Wallace recommends what he calls the "boot camp" approach. After the initial treatment, patients take home a packet of products to use for five to six days. Then another in-office treatment is given. The process is repeated with at-home skin care and weekly office visits for 30 days. Patients should stay on some type of maintenance plan to keep the effects.

The cost of the 30-day boot camp will vary, depending upon the needs of the patient. Wallace estimates most patients will pay about $1,000 to $2,000. The cost includes a personal kit of paddles (good for 6 to 10 treatments), five in-office visits and home care products for 30 days.

Vibraderm works for patients with most skin types. It is not recommended for patients with severe acne scars, those who are very old, patients with sunburn or patients with extensive areas of skin discoloration. Patients with skin disorders or extremely sensitive skin should speak with their provider before starting treatment.

For information about Vibraderm, or to locate a nearby provider, check out the company's website at http://www.vibraderm.com.

Information is also available from the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery™ (Ceatus Media Group).

For information about the Seda Skin Care product line:

Seda Cosmetics

For general information on facial cosmetic procedures:

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

For information about aging skin or other skin conditions:

American Academy of Dermatology