While washing and exfoliating the face are both important parts of maintaining clear, healthy skin, special treatments may be needed to thoroughly cleanse blocked pores and prevent future breakouts. As such, microdermabrasion may be the perfect solution for those who suffer from blackheads, whiteheads and cystic acne.
Laser therapy was developed for acne, but it's also one of the best spa treatments for blackheads. Unlike chemical peels, which can cause damage to sensitive skin, laser therapy and other types of laser treatments are gentler on your skin. But they still help you eliminate blackheads.
Microdermabrasion Improves Blemishes and Imperfections
Microdermabrasion can help reduce the appearance of age spots, acne scars, sun damage, skin discoloration, and other blemishes. Fine lines, wrinkles, clogged pores, blackheads, and pore size appearance can also be minimized with microdermabrasion.
It can be frustrating when you start a course of microdermabrasion to get clearer skin, and after the first treatment, you end up with a new crop of breakouts. But don't despair! It is absolutely normal for some people to experience this, and it's not necessarily a bad thing.
People who have taken the acne medicine isotretinoin in the past 6 months may need to wait before having microdermabrasion. They have an increased risk of complications such as scarring. Speak to a doctor about any spot or patch of skin that is growing, bleeding, or changing in any way.
After microdermabrasion, your skin will be pink and feel dry and tight (like sunburn or windburn) for about 24 hours. Use moisturizer and broad spectrum sunscreen. Some types of makeup should not be applied for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
I don't have a scientific answer for you on this; but, in my opinion, it's because the oil and clogging in some people's pores acts as a sort of “spackle” visually. It makes the pores look more level and not as deep. When the microdermabrasion removes that clog, it reveals the pore more.
In addition to shrinking enlarged pores, microdermabrasion can also be used to treat the following: Sun damage. Hyperpigmentation. Uneven skin texture.
In addition to treating enlarged pores, microdermabrasion can also be used to improve the appearance of fine lines, acne, rough skin, and pigmentation issues.
“We commonly perform chemical peels with salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid in addition to microdermabrasion to remove sticky skin cells and unblock pores, thus reducing acne formation,” he said.
This type of acne develops when oil (sebum) and dead skin cells combine to form a plug that clogs your pores. Sometimes, cleansing and exfoliating may be enough to loosen the plug and draw it out. But if the plug hardens, or it's too deep to access, you might not be able to remove the blackhead on your own.
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives commonly used in anti-aging skin care products. However, topical retinoids are the first-line treatment for treating and preventing blackheads. Retinoids work by unclogging blocked pores and affecting skin cell growth, which helps to prevent acne formation.
'Petroleum jelly dilutes the dried up oxidized oil, creating a hard-topped plug of oil in the pore which is then easier to squeeze out and clear. '
To begin, place a warm, damp cloth over the blackhead for several minutes to help open the pore and make the plug easier to remove. Then, place the extractor loop around the blackhead. Add pressure until the buildup is released – but never try to force the contents as this can damage the skin.
Microdermabrasion treatments use a minimally abrasive instrument to gently sand your skin, removing the thicker, uneven outer layer, and has many benefits. This type of skin rejuvenation is used to treat light scarring, discoloration, sun damage and stretch marks.
The effects of the treatment typically last for about 1 month. The length of time results will last varies depending on your age and how well you are responding to the treatment, but for most patients, it is common to schedule regular appointments every 4 weeks.
This might be different from person to person depending on a number of factors but typically, you should have a microdermabrasion treatment every 2 to 4 weeks. This is going to help you maintain your results and keep that skin glowing.
While microdermabrasion can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as age spots, it can't tighten sagging skin or treat deep wrinkles. Those issues are in the domain of facial cosmetic surgery treatment.
So, to answer the question we started with: Microdermabrasion doesn't hurt. You may feel a mild discomfort at most. The procedure has been compared to the rough lick of a cat's tongue. Some say it feels like a gritty facial massage, and others say they feel a minor tugging on the skin.
If you have active acne, chemical peels are a better choice because microdermabrasion can irritate it or even cause more issues. Chemical peels use salicylic acid to reduce further breakouts by exfoliating the dead skin cells. If you have light wrinkles, microdermabrasion or light chemical peels can help.
Both Dermablading and Microdermabrasion remove dead skin cells, however your Aesthetician has much more control with Dermablading. Hair removal – Dermablading only! Microdermabrasion has no effect on facial hair reduction.
Clean your face straight after the treatment using a wet cloth and rehydrating toner to remove any dead skin cells left behind. Use a rich moisturizer once you have thoroughly dried the skin. Continue to use it for 4-6 days after your treatment as this will prevent any excessive peeling.