Microdermabrasion is a popular non-invasive exfoliating skin treatment that uses an abrasive tip and suction to mechanically exfoliate the skin. Pain free and with minimal downtime, a microdermabrasion is a great skin treatment for someone wanting a soft and smooth complexion. This skin blog discusses microdermabrasion, it's benefits and explains this skin treatment in detail so you can determine if its the right skin treatment for you.
Lets get started.
WHAT IS MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses an abrasive tip and suction to mechanically exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells. A popular pain free skin treatment that leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. A microdermabrasion can be performed every 2-4 weeks depending on your skin type and/or skin concern. Microdermabrasions can also be paired with other skin treatments and add ons to further assists the natural exfoliation process of the skin. A great skin treatment for someone wanting an intense exfoliation of the skin with minimal downtime.
BENEFITS OF MICRODERMABRASION
Exfoliates the skin revealing a soft and smooth complexion
Increased exfoliation helps to reduce congestion, increases skin cell turn over and the absorption of skincare products and active ingredients
Increased skin cell turn over promotes collagen and elastin production, the removal of pigment and scaring, and assists with uneven skin tone
The suction used during the treatment increases circulation to the skin bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin revealing a brighter and healthier complexion
Increased circulation also contributes to increased lymphatic drainage increasing the removal of toxins within the skin.
WHICH SKIN TYPES ARE BEST SUITED TO MICRODERMABRASION
Skin types that are best suited to microdermabrasions can include intact, normal, combination, oily, mature and some dry skin types. Microdermabrasions are also suitable for any skin ethnicity. Due to the friction involved during the treatment certain skin types and conditions are not suitable for microdermabrasions - sensitive, impaired skin barriers, red or inflamed skin, skin prone to broken capillaries, very thin skin, pustular acne, sunburnt skin, skin with open cuts or abrasions, and skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Due to the suction involved during the treatment skin that is lacking laxity or is loose is not ideal for microdermabrasions.
HOW TO PREPARE THE SKIN FOR A MICRODERMABRASION
Discuss your skin concerns with your skin therapist to find out if microdermabrasion is the right treatment for you, your skin type and/or your skin concern
Disclose any allergies, medical conditions and any past cosmetic procedures or surgeries to your skin therapist
Cease use of any cosmeceutical retinols or vitamin A's and exfoliation skincare products 3 days before your treatment
Cease use of any prescription based skincare products or creams 1 week before your microdermabrasion if used in the treatment area. This should be consulted with your prescribing GP or medical practitioner first
Avoid any excessive sun exposure or sunburn for at least 2 weeks before your treatment
Avoid any waxing or the use of hair removal creams in the treatment area for at least 2 weeks before your treatment. Avoid any other skin treatments during this time period as well
THE PROCEDURE
A microdermabrasion is a non-invasive and pain free treatment. The skin should be makeup free and thoroughly cleaned before the treatment. Once cleaned, the skin should be dried to maintain effective suction on the skin.
The rough tip is placed on the skin enabling a suction lock with the skin and while keeping the skin taught moved over the skin for a number of passes covering the whole surface. This is usually done slowly as to keep contact with the skin and in small areas at a time to avoid grazing or bruising the skin.
The microdermabrasion applicator or tip depends on the machine your particular skin therapist uses. Diamond tips are the most common tips used for a microdermabrasion as they are partical free and offer a more gentle exfoliation. Crystal tips are also used during microdermabrasions and gently spray fine crystal particals onto the skin to exfoliate the skin. Hydrodermabrasion is a alternative to traditional microdermabrasion and uses crystal free exfoliation and infuses products into the skin during the treatment.
During the treatment, your skin therapist can increase or decrease the suction used on the machine depending on your skin.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A MICRODERMABRASION
After a microdermabrasion the skin should feel soft and smooth. Due to the increase in circulation the skin can also feel warm and appear flushed for some people. The skin can sometimes feel dry and flaky a few days post treatment as the skin further naturally sheds the dead skin cells.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A MICRODERMABRASION
Post treatment it is recommended for the first 24 hours to avoid wearing makeup to avoid clogging the pores, avoid any chlorinated pools or spas, saunas and any activities that will induce sweating or heat within the body. For 3 days post treatment the skin may appear dry and flaky and it is recommended to avoid using any active ingredients on the skin. A gentle skincare routine is recommended post treatment during this time.
Post treatment it is recommended to avoid exfoliating for 1 week. During a microdermabrasion an intense exfoliation has occurred meaning at home exfoliation isn't required post treatment. Fake tanning should also be avoided during this time. After 1 week any prescription based skincare products and creams can be recommenced as well.
Post treatment it is recommended to avoid using any hair removal creams, waxing or any other skin treatment for 2 weeks post microdermabrasion. It is also recommended to avoid any excessive sun exposure during this 2 week period as the skin can be sensitive to sun exposure following an intense exfoliating treatment. It is recommended to use sunscreen everyday post any skin treatment to protect the skin while it is in a raw, vulnerable state.
See Related: Why Sunscreen is SO Important!
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