Are your skin blunders getting you down? Microdermabrasion can help with everything from dull skin to dark spots to fine lines and wrinkles. A gentle, non-invasive cosmetic procedure, microdermabrasion resurfaces your skin and pumps up your collagen, leaving your complexion smooth and glowing. It’s one of the most popular skin treatments out there and is a great alternative to chemical peels and other methods used to treat scars, hyper-pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. Want to know more? Check out all the things to know about microdermabrasion for beginners.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin resurfacing cosmetic treatment. It works by mechanically exfoliating the outermost layer of dead skin cells, leaving your skin softer and more youthful. It helps thicken your collagen, a protein that keeps our skin plump, and makes your complexion even and firm. As we age our collagen declines, so anything we can do to boost it is helpful! Microdermabrasion is a wonderful solution if you’re worried about dull skin, an uneven skin tone or texture, age or dark spots, or fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment is completely pain-free and requires zero downtime. It’s one of the most popular skin treatments out there.
What Are the Benefits of Microdermabrasion?
- Non-invasive treatment
- Suitable for most skin types
- Painless procedure
- Improves texture of the skin
- Helps new skin cells grow
- Reveals newer, undamaged skin
- Thickens collagen, a protein that keeps your skin firm
- Reduces scars
- Reduces pigmentation
- Improves fine lines
- Brightens dull skin
- Reduces age spots
What Are the Risks of Microdermabrasion?
Any discomfort from microdermabrasion is usually short-lived. This includes redness and swelling, which should subside in a few hours. You can also expect the skin to be flaky, dry, and sensitive for a few days. Additional risks of microdermabrasion include:
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- Bruising (which can occur from the suction).
- Your skin will be more sensitive to sun exposure. It’s crucial to wear sunscreen, especially immediately after your session to reduce the risk of burning your skin.
- Microdermabrasion may not be suitable for people who scar easily, have acne or are taking acne medications, or have cold sore breakouts or other frequent skin rashes.
You should also talk to your healthcare professional before getting microdermabrasion if you have:
- Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
- Moles, freckles, skin tags, or other growths that change in size or shape or bleed.
How to Prepare for Microdermabrasion
You can get microdermabrasion at any time of year, and there’s very little preparation. However, if you want to make the most out of your results, there are some things you can do to prep your skin:
- Discontinue exfoliation seven days in advance of your appointment. This includes using retinoid products, glycolic and salicylic acid, and physical scrubs.
- Avoid other cosmetic treatments one week in advance of your appointment, as these can make your skin fragile and more susceptible to damage.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption affects the way your skin heals. Try to avoid these for at least a week in advance of your treatment to speed up healing and cause less down time.
- Avoid all types of tanning- natural sun exposure, tanning beds, and tanning creams, sprays and lotions, for two to four weeks before the treatment.
- Refrain from hair removal treatments like waxing or threading for three to four weeks before your appointment.
- Stay super hydrated- hydrated skin is healthy skin and will help with recovery time.
What to Expect After Microdermabrasion
After a microdermabrasion session, you may experience temporary side effects like a pink or red complexion, feeling that your skin is sun or wind-burned, slight skin tightness, bruises, or sensitive skin. These symptoms will fade over the next couple of days and you can return to your regular routine immediately after treatment.
Remember that patients generally notice immediate improvements, however, optimal results won’t be noticeable until you’ve received all recommended treatments. Your skin will feel softer and smoother after your first treatment, but the results build up over time. A typical treatment plan ranges from five to 10 sessions, one to two weeks apart. The length of your plan depends on your goal, whether it’s to fade dark spots and age spots, improve texture, or brighten dull skin.
While microdermabrasion is non-invasive, your skin will be sensitive after treatment. To ensure the best results, follow these steps post-treatment:
- Clean your face right after the treatment to remove any dead skin cells left behind. Use a wet cloth and rehydrating toner like the ELEMIS Rehydrating Ginseng Toner.
- Dry your skin thoroughly and use a rich moisturizer such as the bareMinerals Butter Drench Restorative Rich Cream. Continue to use it for about a week after the treatment to prevent excessive peeling.
- Moisturize your skin morning and night, and throughout the day as needed if it starts feeling dry.
- Stay out of the sun as much as possible for at least a week to prevent UV rays from causing hyperpigmentation or damaging your skin
- Wear sunscreen everyday, even if you’re staying inside or it’s cloudy outside. Microdermabrasion increases photosensitivity, so it’s essential to shield your skin from the sun. Always start your day with sunscreen and reapply every four hours if you’re spending an extended period outdoors.
- Keep hydrated by drinking lots of fluids (especially water) and eating fruits and vegetables with a high water content.
- Cut down on caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate your skin.
- Wait about 48 hours to workout. Your skin will be more sensitive in the days following your appointment. It’s perfectly safe to workout, but you may want to hold off on heavy workouts that cause you to sweat to avoid irritation.
- Do not scratch or pick at your face, and avoid harsh chemicals and tanning your skin for at least one week following the treatment.
Have you been considering microdermabrasion? These tips will prepare you for the treatment and ensure you get the best results possible!
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