Does microdermabrasion dry out your skin?

Author: Milo Osinski III  |  Last update: Sunday, August 10, 2025

Any discomfort experienced as part of microdermabrasion is usually short-lived. This can include redness and swelling, which should subside within a few hours. Later, you can expect the skin to be flaky and dry for several days.

Can microdermabrasion cause dryness?

Dryness: Microdermabrasion may cause dry or flaking skin. In most cases, this dry skin condition goes away after just a few days.

What are 5 disadvantages of microdermabrasion?

What are the disadvantages of microdermabrasion?
  • Bruising, which might last for a few days after the procedure.
  • Discoloration or darkened skin on the treated area.
  • Flaky or dry skin.
  • Increased sensitivity to sunlight, so be sure to wear sunscreen.
  • Most people need multiple treatments.

How to hydrate skin after microdermabrasion?

Hydrate intensely: This is crucial! Your newly revealed skin is extra thirsty, so slather on a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin are your best friends here. Seal the deal: Apply a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher every single day, even if it's cloudy.

What are the side effects of microdermabrasion?

After microdermabrasion treatment you may experience:
  • mild and temporary discomfort.
  • swelling.
  • skin redness.
  • red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin (petechiae)

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How long does it take for skin to heal after microdermabrasion?

In just a week or two after your microdermabrasion procedure, you will be able to show off your fresh new skin and resume your normal skin care routine.

What is better than microdermabrasion?

If you want to address darker age spots or acne scars, you will find more success from a chemical peel than a microdermabrasion treatment.

Do and don'ts after microdermabrasion?

Avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Steer clear of harsh skincare products, refrain from strenuous exercise and abstain from makeup application for 24 hours after treatment. Avoid facial waxing and other invasive procedures until skin is fully healed (1 week).

Is microdermabrasion good for dehydrated skin?

However, there is one treatment out there that can help dry skin sufferers – a microdermabrasion. This is one of the most effective spa treatments for dry skin, and it doesn't take much time to do.

What is the best moisturizer after microdermabrasion?

Glycerin-Rich Moisturizers

After microdermabrasion, a glycerin-rich moisturizer can help keep your skin soft and smooth, reducing the risk of dryness or flakiness. Look for gentle, fragrance-free options that focus on hydration without adding any potential irritants.

At what age should you stop microdermabrasion?

It is suitable for people of all skin types and most ages. There is no specific age range for microdermabrasion set by most dermatologists, and teens can definitely benefit from the same effects experienced by everyone who undergoes the treatment.

Can you overdo microdermabrasion?

Over-exfoliation: Excessive or too frequent microdermabrasion treatments can lead to irritation, redness, and even damage to the skin. It's important to follow the recommended frequency and begin with the one pass per area with the white training disc to avoid overdoing it.

Which is best, microneedling or microdermabrasion?

The best treatment depends on your skin concerns:
  • For deeper rejuvenation and long-lasting results: Choose microneedling, especially with advanced devices like SkinPen or Dermapen.
  • For a quick glow with no downtime: Microdermabrasion is the perfect option for a gentle refresh.

Does skin get worse after microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion treatment stimulates cell renewal and draws out impurities from within your pores. This means that you could suffer what we call a 'healing crisis' which results in spots! But this is temporary and these breakouts are a sign that your skin is purging and rejuvenating.

Why am I dry after a facial?

Why does my skin feel dry after a facial? The common steps in a facial are a cleanse or double cleanse, exfoliation, mask, and all of the finishing products. The most common reason for feeling dry is due to the exfoliation step. There are three different types of exfoliation —-> mechanical, chemical or enzymatic.

Why is dermabrasion no longer performed?

Often, the procedure is performed for deeper acne scarring and deep surgical scars. Dermabrasion is currently rarely practiced and there are very few doctors who are trained and still perform this surgery. Dermabrasion has largely been replaced by technologies including lasers, CO2 or Erbium:YAG laser.

Why is my skin so dry after microdermabrasion?

Skin Dryness: Microdermabrasion uses a gentle abrasive technique to exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells. As a result, you may notice some mild flaking or peeling in the days following the procedure.

What is the fastest way to fix dehydrated skin?

Use toners, boosters, serums, and moisturisers that are loaded with antioxidants, hydration-replenishing ingredients such as ceramides, and skin-restoring ingredients. These give your skin what it desperately needs to appear healthy, radiant and smooth.

What are the downsides of microdermabrasion?

This can include redness and swelling, which should subside within a few hours. Later, you can expect the skin to be flaky and dry for several days. Additional microdermabrasion risks include: Bruising, which can occur from the suction and may last several days.

What comes out after microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion offers deep pore cleansing and exfoliation. It gently removes the top layers of skin, whisking away dead and damaged cells, impurities, and debris. After a session, your skin will appear smoother, more vibrant, and be softer to touch.

Who Cannot use microdermabrasion?

The minor trauma of particle resurfacing can aggravate some conditions. Special precautions are required when treating people with the following conditions: Active, uncontrolled or brittle diabetes. Viral lesions, Herpes Simplex, or Shingles.

How long does purging last after microdermabrasion?

That's the usual reaction that lasts for about 24 hours. Some can also experience light skin peeling after a day or two. Beside that temporary discomfort, you shouldn't be experiencing any other negative side effects after at-home microdermabrasion.

What has replaced microdermabrasion?

Chemical Peels

Another option similar to microdermabrasion is a chemical peel. This procedure is minimally invasive and uses a chemical solution to reduce the appearance of acne scars, age spots or even freckles. Chemical peels are generally performed as a three-step process, and each type has different effects.

Is hydrafacial or microdermabrasion better?

One can utilize both treatments to improve similar skin concerns. If you want to improve your skin's overall tone and texture, microdermabrasion is a good option. If you're looking for a treatment to reduce dryness, sunburns, and dark spots, hydrafacial is the best option.

Should I get a chemical peel or microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion will work wonderfully if your skin is a little rough and uneven due to sun damage; however, if you have sun spots, rough patches, uneven pigment, and the wrinkles that typically go with sun damage. In that case, you'll want a chemical peel designed to help with discoloration and texture.

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