The way the microdermabrasion works is that the stream of crystals using a microdermabrasion wand is used to abrade the skin and then the dead skin plus the microdermabrasion crystals are removed using the vacuum machine.
Now the major thing here to note is that microdermabrasion crystals that are most commonly used are the aluminum oxide crystals. There are other crystals like the baking soda crystals. These are known as sodium bicarbonate crystals. The aluminum oxide crystals are much harder and hence used for treating deep lines and deep acne scars. Apart from the use of crystals there are other types of microdermabrasion which is available and that is known as the crystal free microdermabrasion or the diamond microdermabrasion and some call it the diamond peel microdermabrasion.
The aluminum oxide crystals are used on the skin using a special hand held device. These have been in use in the microdermabrasion industry for the last 20-30 years.
The reason why it is sued is that this chemical is non injurious to health even when ingested. This is a proven fact. It does not cause any allergy also. Another major reason for the aluminum oxide crystals to be used is the fact that each of these has a non regular shape and that helps in causing the abrasion. This is also known as Al2O3.
Now the home microdermabrasion kits using the aluminum oxide crystals can only remove about 25 microns from the surface.
The thing with these as opposed to diamond tips is that you will have to reorder the crystal supplies every now and then. The cost of a 14lb bag of aluminum oxide crystals will cost you around $75.00
There are some disadvantaged of using these aluminum oxide crystals and these are that you will need to replenish them after some time. Another major factor is that a lot of propel with sensitive skin feel that it can cause skin issues and irritation. Then a lot of people also have the feeling that inhaling these crystals while undergoing the treatment can cause breathing problems. It is better to avoid such problems and go for the diamond tip microdermabrasion