Microdermabrasion is a dermatological procedure that gently removes the top layer of skin. It can even out skin tones, fade acne scars and brighten a dull complexion.
Since this is a professional skin care procedure, you will usually go to a dermatologist or esthetician for microdermabrasion. It takes about 30 minutes and can be done at the same time as other skin treatments. The procedure usually does not hurt, but you may need several microdermabrasion sessions to get the results you want.
This article covers types of microdermabrasion procedures, what the benefits and risks are, and what to expect during and after microdermabrasion sessions. You will also learn how to prepare for a microdermabrasion session and how to care for your skin afterwards.
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Benefits of microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion encourages the skin to repair itself by removing the top layer. It also stimulates the production of new cells and boosts collagen, a protein that helps smooth the skin.
There are many benefits of microdermabrasion, including:
- Overall skin improvement
- It reduces signs of aging and improves skin texture and firmness
- Treatment of acne scars
- Reduce the appearance of large pores
- Cleansing blocked pores
- Evening discolored or hyperpigmented skin
Guys
There are two main types of microdermabrasion procedures: crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion. Both types of microdermabrasion deeply exfoliate the skin and have benefits for the skin.
During crystalline microdermabrasion, tiny crystals are shot from a tiny tube into your skin and vacuumed up at the same time (think of it as a high-powered scrub).
Diamond microdermabrasion is a crystal-free version that uses a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate the skin.
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Who is microdermabrasion good for?
Most people in good health can safely undergo microdermabrasion, but it is best for people with specific skin problems or skin care goals. Microdermabrasion could be a good option for you if you have:
- Sun damaged skin
- Acne scars
- Large or clogged pores
- Lines and wrinkles
- Abnormal skin
Who should not have microdermabrasion?
The microdermabrasion process can be harsh on your skin. If your skin is irritated before the treatment, your provider may want to postpone the procedure.
Do not undergo microdermabrasion if you currently have any of the following skin conditions or problems:
- An active outbreak of cold sores
- Moderate to severe acne
- Open wound or other skin irritation
- Skin rash
- Rosacea
- A suspicious mole
- A sunburn
You should also not have a microdermabrasion if you have used the acne medication isotretinoin in the past six months.
How long does microdermabrasion last?
The microdermabrasion procedure takes only 15 to 30 minutes. When you arrive, your technician will take you to the treatment room and ask you to put on a gown. You will lie on a bed and the technician will clean your face to prepare your skin for the procedure.
After crystal microdermabrasion, the technician will cleanse your skin to remove any stray crystals. As a final step, they will put moisturizer and sunscreen on your face.
Salons, day spas and medispas often include microdermabrasion in a full facial, along with a mask and facial massage. You can expect to spend approximately 60 to 90 minutes in the treatment chair for the total package.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of microdermabrasion treatments you need depends on your skin’s goals. As a unique spa treatment, a microdermabrasion session will leave your skin glowing and buttery smooth.
If you want to correct a specific skin problem, you will need a series of treatments to see the skin benefits. Generally, the results you get from microdermabrasion add up over time.
The number and frequency of microdermabrasion treatments depends on your skin’s needs and your goals. Your technician can recommend the best treatment schedule for you, but you can probably expect to schedule six to 10 treatments a week up to 14 days apart.
Could I see results after just one microdermabrasion session?
You may notice that your skin looks better soon after having just one microdermabrasion session, but it may take several sessions to get the results you want.
Cost of microdermabrasion
Depending on where you live, the cost of microdermabrasion can range from $75 to over $300 per session. For example, if you go to a fancy spa in an affluent city and get a full facial package, you’ll pay more than you would for a session or two at a local salon.
Can I do microdermabrasion at home?
If you’re on a budget, you can find microdermabrasion machines and exfoliating scrubs online or at beauty supply stores. Kits can gently remove dead skin cells, but a dermatologist’s treatment can go deeper and provide better results than what you can achieve at home.
Preparation for microdermabrasion
There are a few things you should do two to three days before your treatment to prepare your skin for microdermabrasion:
- Avoid aspirin and aspirin-based medications.
- Do not wax the treated treatment area.
- Stay out of the sun to avoid sunburn.
- Stop using exfoliants, Retin-A and glycolic acid.
Avoid using topical treatments the morning of your appointment unless your provider tells you otherwise. If possible, come to your microdermabrasion appointment with a clean face and no makeup.
Side Effects and Risks
Microdermabrasion is considered safe when performed by a skin care professional, such as a dermatologist or esthetician. If not done correctly, microdermabrasion can cause scarring.
Side effects of microdermabrasion are temporary and may include:
- Bruises
- Dry or flaky skin
- Increased sensitivity to the sun
- Mild abrasions
- Recurrence of cold sores
Does microdermabrasion hurt?
Since it only works on the surface layers of the skin, microdermabrasion usually doesn’t hurt. Some people say that microdermabrasion feels like a rough lick of a cat’s tongue or a harsh facial massage. It’s normal to feel some pulling on your skin, but it shouldn’t be painful. If your technician is a bit heavy handed, speak up.
What to expect after treatment
There are some side effects of microdermabrasion, such as tenderness, swelling or slight bruising. It is common for your skin to be a little pink immediately after your session, but this usually fades within a few hours.
For a day or so after microdermabrasion, you may feel like you have a slight sunburn. Otherwise, you’ll be able to get on with your day right after your session.
Acne treatments, toners, and medicated cleansers will likely burn or sting if you apply them right after your microdermabrasion treatment, so you may want to take a day off from your normal skin routine.
Make-up, moisturizers and non-medicated cleansers can usually be used immediately after treatment without problems. You will need to use sunscreen because you will be more prone to sun damage after treatment.
The benefits of microdermabrasion to your skin are usually temporary and last up to a month. Since your skin is always shedding dead cells and forming new, healthy ones, you will likely be able to enjoy the results of microdermabrasion until the skin renewal process is complete. This is usually around 40 to 50 days for adults, but factors such as your age play a role in how long the turnover process takes.
You may see the benefits of microdermabrasion last longer if you use daily sun protection. Follow-up treatments are usually recommended every four to six weeks to maintain the results you are getting.
Summary
Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin on your face. During the procedure, a dermatologist or esthetician uses crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate your skin and improve its appearance.
The procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes and can cost between $75 and $300 per session. You may see some benefits after one session, but you will usually need to microdermabraze more than once to maintain the results you get.
