Though many things contribute to a younger, healthier appearance, one of the most important is an amazing molecule called collagen. About 80% of your skin is made from collagen, giving the skin its basic structure. Collagen makes skin stronger, thicker and more supple, which is what makes skin smooth, firm and strong - and young looking. But unfortunately as we age the skin loses collagen and your body gradually produces less and less.

Scientists now understand that the gradual loss of collagen with age results in the fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and other blemishes associated with looking older. This process is further accelerated by exposure to the sun and elements. As collagen gets depleted, skin begins to weaken, getting thinner, less supple and prone to fine lines, wrinkles and other blemishes.

Some skin care products have collagen in them. Unfortunately, collagen is an extremely large molecule - way too big to be readily absorbed though the skin. These high-priced concoctions do not even contain actual collagen - they use partially hydrolyzed proteins and vitamins that supposedly help stimulate collagen production by the body.

Doctors also now inject collagen directly into the skin. This is a painful and costly process that can cost up to $1,200.00 per injection. Of course, since it doesn't help your body produce new collagen, it is an expensive temporary solution. Now some doctors also inject a toxic substance known as Botulinum Toxin A (derived from the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium) into facial skin to create a temporary paralysis, thus reducing wrinkles. In addition to being expensive and uncomfortable, these injections may actually be dangerous. Side effects from these so-called treatments may include severe facial damage and allergic reactions that can cause immobility in other body muscles, as well as major allergic reactions.

Despite all these costly efforts, as far as we know the cosmetic industry is still looking for an anti-aging breakthrough.

Look no further - microdermabrasion IS the miracle breakthrough you've been waiting for. Professional microdermabrasion is a more natural approach. Instead of ineffective creams, costly surgery, dangerous chemicals or painful injections, microdermabrasion removes a layer of dead and damaged skin cells by "abrading" the skin with aluminum oxide crystals. Doctor's and aestheticians use an expensive medial-grade machine to "sand blast" skin with the crystals.

This process of abrasion not only enhances the surface of the skin, reducing many blemishes, it goes much deeper, stimulating your body to actually produce more collagen and elastin. This makes your skin thicker and stronger naturally -from the inside out. Now your body is making more collagen like it did when you were younger.

In fact, a study by a well known cosmetic surgeon found that a series of six microdermabrasion treatments definitely increased collagen production and thickening of the skin. This is what makes professional microdermabrasion the most effective, and most popular non-surgical procedure for the treatment of aging, wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, age spots and other blemishes. As the skin gets stronger, thicker and more supple it gets firmer, smoothing out the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and other blemishes.

Now, thanks to home microdermabrasion, you don't need an expensive sand blasting machine - you can do it yourself at a price everyone can afford! Until home microdermabrasion, a series of six professional microdermabrasion treatments could actually cost you several thousand dollars. Now home microdermabrasion lets you safely, effectively do it yourself in the comfort and convenience of your own home.

About the author:

Kathleen Williams is the developer of the economical Dermanesse Professional Home Microdermabrasion System. She is an expert on collagen and younger skin.