What is microdermabrasion? 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 benefits of microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is safe and effective for all skin types. The exfoliating crystals are very fine and won't cause damage to your skin. Since microdermabrasion requires no incisions or anesthesia, there's no risk for scarring or infection.
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.
For the best results, having about 6 to 12 sessions is going to give the best results overall and can virtually transform the look and feel of your skin!
In microdermabrasion, tiny crystals are sprayed onto the skin to gently remove the outer layer of your skin. This technique is less aggressive than dermabrasion, so you don't need numbing medicine. It is basically an exfoliation and skin rejuvenation procedure that leaves skin looking softer and brighter.
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.
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.
Also, since the treatment is so minimally invasive, it might not help people with deep creases and lines and more significant signs of aging. If you're just beginning to show signs of aging or have some dark spots or acne scars that you want to banish, microdermabrasion might be the right choice for you.
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.
Microdermabrasion is a wonderful treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots, and rough skin texture, but unfortunately it is not the most effective treatment for removing freckles or blackheads.
What ages are appropriate for microdermabrasion? While there are no specific age or sex restrictions, typically children over age 12 up to adults age 65 can get microdermabrasion. While there is no age maximum, mature skin over age 70 may have slightly higher risks of bruising and skin abrasions.
Microdermabrasion Aftercare
You should also avoid wearing makeup for the rest of the day. As for post-care, Dr. Day says “After the microdermabrasion, avoid retinols or glycolic acid for several days since your skin may be more sensitive. Be sure to use a good moisturizer to help the skin stay hydrated.
While microdermabrasion buffs away dead skin cells for a smoother, more radiant surface, microneedling, a newer treatment, involves penetrating microscopic holes in the skin with tiny needles, in turn stimulating what Dr. Mudgil refers to as "wound healing." This can also stimulate collagen production.
It works by removing the outermost layer of the dermis (skin) and accelerates skin turnover. So, it's common to experience some peeling of the skin after microdermabrasion. Avoid picking or peeling the skin. If you had a Jessner peel, do not wet your skin for 12 hours after treatment.
Microdermabrasion works best on superficial mild to moderate blemishes, scars, suntan, pigmentation, lines, and more. The laser is used for more deeper skin issues and can help in penetrating deep into the skin to remove severe and moderate scars, hyperpigmentation, skin lightening, and others.
Ageing Skin, fine lines and wrinkles
Not only will microdermabrasion exfoliate and remove old skin cells, the vacuum action of the microdermabrasion treatment works to stimulate blood flow, promoting the formation of new elastin and collagen.
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. Reduction in Fine Lines and Wrinkles – Both!
Although microdermabrasion can help improve mild acne breakouts and comedonal acne, it's not the treatment of choice for inflammatory acne. The procedure can make inflamed, raw skin even rawer and inflamed. Plus, it hurts when it's done over inflamed pimples!
Microdermabrasion treatment helps remove ageing skin cells and damaged skin layers to reveal fresher, younger looking skin and a dazzling complexion. The anti-ageing microdermabrasion procedure is simple and effective, and it can rejuvenate your ageing skin's appearance in a short time with little or no discomfort.
Candidacy. Microdermabrasion is safe for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, as microdermabrasion is a mild procedure, it cannot correct more extensive concerns. Laser skin resurfacing would most likely be a better option if you struggle with issues like extensive scarring or severe discoloration.
Shrink enlarged pores and blackheads
Microdermabrasion isn't recommended if you have an active breakout of acne or irritated skin, which includes blackheads. But if you get blackheads often, the treatment may be a way to shrink your pores.
Avoid Irritation
Don't use any other exfoliating products for about three days after your appointment. You should avoid touching, rubbing, or picking your skin, which can slow the healing process. Finally, don't use products with glycolic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, or topical acne treatments for 24-48 hours.
Certain types of peels. lasers, and deeper levels of light therapy should be done by a knowledgeable and board-certified expert. However, microdermabrasion at home is a treatment that with proper research, and careful instruction from your dermatologist, can deliver skin-smoothing benefits right from your bathroom.