What Is Microdermabrasion

‘Microdermabrasion’ means small, physical exfoliation of the skin. During this non-invasive cosmetic procedure, the uppermost layer of the skin is lightly sanded with a diamond-tipped wand to remove dead skin cells. The treatment takes 30 minutes on average and has no downtime or recovery period. 

Microdermabrasion can be performed on a weekly or monthly basis–– it depends on what your personal goals are for your skin. To achieve results such as the removal of acne scars, pigmentation, and fine lines, a course of treatments may be needed to stimulate the skin cycle and allow for clear, healthy skin cells to surface.     

What Are The Benefits Of Microdermabrasion?

• Improves skin texture: The resulting stimulation of the newly polished skin helps promote collagen production and the stimulation of blood flow, which in turn boosts the skin’s elasticity and texture for a radiant complexion.
• Reduces pigmentation: An even skin tone can be achieved with consistent treatments to help fade pigmentation and remove scarring from acne or other skin conditions, such as discoloration due to sun damage.
• Smooth fine lines: Microdermabrasion has been recommended to reverse signs of aging for the skin-smoothing properties inherent to the procedure, encouraging a supple, youthful appearance. The procedure may also be used to reduce stretch marks and overall achieve firmer skin.
• Exfoliate clogged pores: Acne prone skin, from blackheads to whiteheads to the occasional breakout, will be cleansed and rejuvenated from the reduction in excess sebum and the removal of dead skin cells.
  

Does Microdermabrasion Hurt?

No, microdermabrasion is not a procedure that is known to cause any pain, although it may be somewhat uncomfortable for some. The experience has been compared to the feeling of rubbing velcro on your face, or a gritty facial massage. It is normal to experience some tenderness and redness immediately following the treatment, but this should not last longer than 24 hours. To prevent any discomfort, the intensity level can be easily changed by the esthetician. Clients are highly encouraged to be communicative about their comfort level during this process to ensure the best experience possible.

Microdermabrasion can sometimes be confused with ‘dermabrasion,’ a similar procedure intended to smooth skin that reaches below the upper level of the dermis and requires general anaesthesia, plus recovery time. By comparison, microdermabrasion is simple, quick, non-invasive and perfectly safe when performed by a licensed esthetician. 

Diamond Microdermabrasion vs Crystal

Crystal-free microdermabrasion has been encouraged for its particle-free nature, when compared to the traditional method of using a machine with aluminum-oxide crystals to exfoliate the face.

At Donna Peri Skincare, a diamond-tipped wand is used to perform this treatment for the added control that it gives the user. By going crystal-free for the procedure, debris from dead skin cells is kept away from the eyes and mouth, and the down-time is significantly lessened as there is less initial irritation to the skin immediately afterwards.

Who Is Microdermabrasion For?

For the multitude of benefits that it offers, microdermabrasion is recommended for a range of skin types, from oily to dry to combination skin. However, it is not recommended for active skin conditions such as rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, active sunburn, fragile capillaries, eczema, or open acne lesions (nodular and/or cystic breakouts). Because the goal of the treatment is to boost activity in the skin cycle, these already-active skin conditions would be further irritated. Mild to moderate acne, as well as depressed acne scars, will benefit from microdermabrasion by reducing the sebum oil that clogs pores in addition to the removal of dead skin cells.

There are varying intensity levels of the treatment appropriate to the needs of the client, so microdermabrasion can also be performed comfortably and effectively on people with sensitive skin.

While there is no precise age-range for those who wish to have this procedure done, it is typically recommended for those over the age of 12 and up to the age of 65. To perform this procedure on skin above the upper recommended age-limit may incur the risk of bruising or skin abrasions.

Are The Effects Of Microdermabrasion Permanent?

Although results such as softer, rejuvenated skin may be noticeable after as little as one treatment, consistent treatments over a period of weeks are recommended for cumulative results in anti-aging or scarring/pigmentation reduction.

In these circumstances, treatments are scheduled 1-2 weeks apart and will continue for between 6-10 sessions depending on the needs of the client. Proper regeneration of healthy skin cells is needed on a consistent regimen to achieve optimal results in these areas of treatment, so a unique schedule may be designed by the esthetician and client to meet specific goals and address specific skin types. In many cases, a truly healthy and long-lasting improvement of skin texture means a steady marathon of care, not a race. In treating conditions such as acne-scarring or smoothing out fine-lines, longevity of results is highly valued. 

For basic touch-ups, or in cases that don’t require a specific regimen for desired results, microdermabrasion can be performed as often as once a month.

How To Care For Skin After Microdermabrasion?

Recommended: A light moisturizer is encouraged to combat initial dryness following the procedure, especially one that contains hyaluronic acid. Non-medicated cleansers are also appropriate to use afterwards. It is highly recommended to use a high-broad spectrum SPF sunscreen following the procedure if you plan on being outside after. While it’s not specifically discouraged to go out in the sun after the procedure, it’s important to understand that exposure to the sun can further irritate already tender skin.

Regarding the use of makeup immediately following microdermabrasion, it’s also important to keep in mind that certain skin types may not be irritated by its application while others will. If you have sensitive skin, it may be better to wait 24 hours for the initial tenderness to go away so as to avoid aggravating the skin. Remember: heavy makeup will clog the pores that have just been opened and exfoliated.

Avoid: Medical cleansers or creams that are high in retinol should not be used immediately following the procedure due to the skin’s increased sensitivity to light, made worse with this common ingredient. 
Acne treatments and toners may cause the skin to sting if used within the first day of treatment, so clients are advised to wait a day between uses to ensure the skin is not further irritated.

A heavy moisturizer will clog the pores that have just been opened and exposed and effectively undo the positive effects of the exfoliation. As mentioned above, choosing a light moisturizer will help to soothe the skin following a treatment without reversing its effects.

At-home products vs professional treatment

There are a number of personal microdermabrasion products on the market so it’s important to understand the differences and limitations between at-home use and a procedure done by a licensed esthetician. At-home products use foams and crystals to exfoliate the skin, and are widely reviewed to be less powerful, less precise, and overall less effective. Although they take less time and offer the convenience of home usage, the best and most long lasting results, particularly when it comes to goals involving the fading of scars, pigmentation, and smoothing, will always be achieved by a professional.

It’s important to emphasize that at-home kits that involve machine use aren’t crystal or aluminum-oxide free, and there’s a higher chance that debris can enter the mouth or eyes from this method. At-home kits that use foam and cloth are non-chemical and non-crystal, but even less effective than machine kits.