Microdermabrasion – The Smooth Skin Secret

Learn All about Microdermabrasion

Although its name sounds painful, the treatment known as microdermabrasion is incredibly popular for many reasons. As medical experts explain, it is a “simple, quick, and painless cosmetic treatment with no downtime and minimal risk,” and is used to exfoliate gently and remove layers of dead skin cells through a combination of suction and abrasion.

It creates an abrasive contact with the skin through the use of a crystal or diamond studded device fitted with a vacuum pump. It is put to use in the treatment of:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Sun damage
• Acne scars

Because it is gentle, however, it works on shallow scars, marks and wrinkles. For deep set lines or scars of any kind alternative, and more aggressive treatments may be required.

Is that all you need to know about it? Clearly, there will be a great deal more to discover, and so we are going to begin with an in-depth look at microdermabrasion and then explore its best candidates and most likely outcomes.

Related: The Complete Guide to Acne

Understanding Microdermabrasion

To begin with, microdermabrasion is noninvasive, meaning it is something that anyone can have done in their doctor or specialist’s office and then get right back to normal life. There are no anesthetics, no needles, and no pain. Many who have it say it feels a lot like a cat’s tongue, and that’s it!

As Medical News Today explains, “The specialist sprays or rubs fine crystals onto the skin with a wand that gently exfoliates the surface, removing the top layer…The procedure should not be painful. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimate that it takes 30–40 minutes for the face and 20 minutes for the neck. Afterward, there may be slight swelling or sunburn-like symptoms for a few days.”

That is truly all there is to the treatment and it can take from five to more than a dozen treatments depending upon the issues your specialist is addressing with microdermabrasion. The treatments can be spaced at two week intervals or once a month. And though most will use it on the face or neck, it can safely be used for any area of skin.

Why Do People Have This Done?

Though it is most commonly used to address signs of aging, many people opt for this painless remedy in order to deal with:

• Uneven skin tone
• Dull complexion
• Uneven skin texture
• Age spots
• Dark spots left after acne
• Scar tissue
• Melasma (a common skin condition in which dark spots appear on the skin)
• To boost the results of skin bleaching or anti-aging products (it improves absorption and penetration in the skin)

How Does It Generate So Many Different Results?

The process works by eliminating what is known as the stratum corneum. If you have ever noticed the difference between your teeth in the morning (unbrushed) and your teeth a short time after brushing, you can compare that to the results of microdermabrasion.

However, it doesn’t simply end with the removal of that buildup. There is also the skin’s immediate reaction to this disruption or even “damage,” which is to begin to regenerate and heal. That is how it can undo such things as early signs of aging, scars, and discoloration. It is also why multiple treatments work best, and why those who have microdermabrasion are encouraged to also practice good skin care regimens and always use sunscreen afterwards.

What’s the difference between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion?

Are they the same? In a word: No. Dermabrasion is most definitely an invasive, surgical intervention that requires both sedation or general anesthesia and which aims at exfoliating and exposing new layers of skin. It can be used for deeper scars and lines, as well as the removal of tattoos. As one expert wrote, “During the treatment, an assistant will hold your skin taut. Your doctor will move a device called a dermabrader across your skin. The dermabrader is a small, motorized device with a rough surface…Right after the procedure, your doctor will cover the treated area with a moist dressing. They’ll usually change this dressing at an appointment the following day.”

Dermabrasion requires home care instructions, changing of dressings, applications of products, and a two week period during which you have to abstain from work. The skin is often pink or swollen and has a distinct burnt or burning feeling. It may even ooze and take about 90 days to complete the healing process.

Microdermabrasion, as we learned, is fast and easy. It is often called a lunchtime procedure because it does not involve any sort of anesthetic or complex treatments. While it is not a viable solution for all, it is a good answer for those with milder issues.

Related: Dermaplaning 101

Who is a Good Candidate for Microdermabrasion?

Doctors agree that ideal candidates are people with “fine facial lines or wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, clogged pores, skin texture problems, or minor scars are good candidates for microdermabrasion. Patients with rosacea or acne may also benefit from microdermabrasion treatments. The gentle spray of microcrystals can eliminate or improve skin imperfections and conditions by removing the upper layer of dead and damaged skin cells to reveal new, fresh skin.”

Ideally, it is a healthy adult with minor issues and realistic expectations of the potential outcomes. They will be aware of what microdermabrasion will do (as well as what it is unable to do) and will work with their specialist prior to treatment to determine if another option, from laser treatments to plastic surgery, may be better suited to their needs, goals and expectations.

Typically, people who struggle with acne and its scars (also called pock marks) are potential candidates, but only if the scars are not deeply set into the skin. Those with the condition known as rosacea are also candidates because this inflammation of the skin can be reduced through the process of revealing newer skin below the inflamed areas. In both instances, however, a consultation is a must.

Are there “bad” candidates for microdermabrasion? Apart from people who have conditions that the treatment may not fully address, those who are not considered ideal candidates include people with warts, active acne outbreaks, deeper scars, keloids, herpes outbreaks, brittle diabetes (unstable), and autoimmune disorders. Those who are pregnant should avoid the treatment as it may irritate, inflame or infect the skin. Patients with new collagen injections or recent chemical peels should also avoid it for a few weeks, and anyone who will not stay out of sunbeds, waxing treatments or unprotected sun exposure will not be good candidates.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Salicylic Acid

What to Expect Before Microdermabrasion

Prior to treatment you must consult with an expert to determine if you are an appropriate candidate. They are going to talk with you about:

• Your goals and expectations
• Potential risks or side effects
• The benefits of the treatment
• Any after care required

If it seems that microdermabrasion is a good fit to your current level of health and your needs and expectations, the treatment is booked. There is not a lot of pre-treatment prep required. The most basic instructions from a professional skincare expert include:

• Avoiding Retin-A or other exfoliating creams 24 to 72 hours (1 to 3 days) prior to your treatment.
• Avoiding sun tanning or tanning creams/sprays for at least a week before treatment
• Laser surgery or Accutane treatment disqualifies patients for several weeks, and the same for those who have had a recent chemical peel or other skin procedure, such as collagen injections
• Refraining from waxing or tanning the skin to be treated for a few weeks prior to microdermabrasion treatment.
• Washing the face and neck with a non-oily, non-soap based cleanser before each scheduled treatment

It takes less than an hour for treatment. According to Healthline, treatment is done in a “reclining chair. Your provider will use a handheld device to gently spray on the particles or sand away the outer layer of skin in the targeted areas. At the end of the treatment, a moisturizer as well as sunscreen will be applied to your skin.” Because it is painless, there will be no numbing agents or local anesthesia used.

Related: Must Know Foundation Tips for Acne Prone Skin

What to Expect After the Proceduce

And after the treatment, the results can be maximized by following that same expert’s suggestions, including:

• Keeping the new skin clean and moisturized
• Using anti-inflammatory creams or cold compresses as necessary
• Using a gentle cleanser.
• Avoiding any potential trauma to the area of treatment such as scratching or picking at it
• Avoid irritation to the treated skin by using harsh chemicals, rubbing or tanning for one week.
• Avoiding sun exposure for at least a week after treatment to prevent UV rays from damaging skin and slowing the recovery.
• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Avoiding all glycolic, alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, retinol, benzyl peroxide or topical acne medications for one to do days.
• Withholding from using prescription retinoid products (Retin A, Renova, Tretinoin, Avita, Alustra or other brands of Tretinoin and other prescription retinoid products (Adapalene, Avage, Differin, Tazorac, Tazarotene) for three to seven days or as instructed by the skin care specialist.

You may experience a tiny bit of swelling, redness, or tenderness, but most patients note that such side effects disappear within only a few hours. Very few patients report mild bruising, and this is due entirely to the suction of the microdermabrasion wand used during treatment.

Afterward, most specialists will apply products to help keep the skin moisturized, and a patient will be advised to also do reapplications of the product. Anyone who has had treatment must avoid the use of topical acne products for 24-48 hours. They will need to keep sunscreen on whenever they head outdoors or face sun exposure, and this is necessary for several weeks afterward.

Will there be noticeable changes right away? Most who have had microdermabrasion say that they do see results, but as noted, it can take up to 16 treatments to yield optimal results. How often should it be done or repeated? This is a figure that only a patient and their provider can determine. There is usually a set number of sessions booked at the beginning, and if results are not as anticipated, that figure can go higher or lower. Regular maintenance treatments are also required, but these may be spaced months apart.

Can You Do Microdermabrasion at Home?

If you are of the DIY mindset, it may surprise you to discover that there are actually many options for at-home kits. The essential truth to remember is that they vary widely, and you might spend anywhere from $20 to hundreds of dollars on the gear. Will the more costly sets yield results similar to those done by professionals? No, but you may see some improvements.

As one journalist said of their experiment with DIY microdermabrasion, “The intensity and efficiency of a real treatment done by someone who’s not, you know, you just can’t be replicated in your bathroom at home. But if you’re looking for a long-term maintenance treatment without the time or money it takes to get regular pro microdermabrasion, it’s a worthy addition to your skin-care arsenal.” So, it can be a functional addition, but it is not yet something that compares to professional results or treatments.

What Does Professional Microdermabrasion Cost?

The experts at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons puts an average price of $137 per treatment. This, however, will vary based on the number of treatments, the condition being treated, the skill level and expertise of the provider, and even the type of equipment used. For example, there is diamond tipped handpiece treatments, crystal microdermabrasion options, and hydradermabrasion that operates in a similar manner as the others but with the use of “simultaneous dermal infusion of products and crystal-free exfoliation.”

Is it for you? If you are struggling with any of the issues that microdermabrasion can address, it is time to pay a visit to your skincare specialist. They can discuss your goals and needs, and help you decide if you would like to begin a regular schedule of treatments and maintenance visits. It can be very beneficial to the skin in general, and is a painless way to restore a more youthful and healthful complexion.

Related: Microneedling Might be Your Solution to Acne Scars

More Great Microdermabrasion Resources:

Microdermabrasion At-Home Products

Microdermabrasion Overview

What to Expect During a Microdermabrasion Consultation