Microdermabrasion: Benefits, Techniques, and Professional Treatment Experience

Microdermabrasion is an increasingly popular skincare treatment that uses a slightly abrasive instrument to renew overall skin tone and texture. This treatment works in physically exfoliating the skin to enhance collagen production and help the skin appear more youthful and refreshed. If you’re looking for an exfoliating treatment with a quick recovery time that’s a lower risk you’ll want to try out microdermabrasion compared to other methods, such as a chemical peel.

This is not to be confused with dermabrasion, a more aggressive technique to treat more intense scarring and wrinkles. Compared to dermabrasion, microdermabrasion isn’t painful or causes bleeding. Any skin type can benefit from microdermabrasion and it provides numerous benefits. Microdermabrasion is suitable for people with any skin tone unlike some chemical peels or dermabrasion that may cause scarring and hyperpigmentation in those with darker skin tones.

Now we know what microdermabrasion is, but what exactly is the treatment experience? How do I know which technique to use? What more can it do for the skin?

Microdermabrasion Benefits

Microdermabrasion is meant to exfoliate the epidermis layer of dead and dull skin to give your skin a smoother and youthful complexion. If you’re concerned with dark spots, acne, melasma, and dull skin, this treatment will enhance collagen and elasticity in the skin to help solve those skin concerns.

Microdermabrasion can also be effective in treating:

Fine lines and wrinkles

Uneven skin tone

Hyperpigmentation

Scarring

Same with all skincare treatments, microdermabrasion cannot be the only miracle solution in helping your skin achieve the healthy glow and tone you desire. You need to keep up with the skincare ritual that suits your skin type and will help in lasting the results after the treatment. With acne scarring and dark spots you may need to have a few more treatments to notice a difference in your skin, however, try not to overdo it or use it on; active acne, active rosacea, open sores, or skin infections.

Techniques

The two techniques of microdermabrasion use crystals or a diamond tip to remove dead skin. They each offer almost the same benefits, but the process of each technique is what makes them differ.

Crystal Microdermabrasion

Crystal microdermabrasion uses super-fine aluminum oxide crystals that are sprayed over the skin through the wand of the vacuum tool. The crystals gently remove the top layer of dead skin, followed by the suction system that sucks up those dead skin cells and buildup. While this sounds like the ultimate physical exfoliation for the skin, the shape of the crystals may be too abrasive, leading to microtears and the skin being more inflamed. If you have skin concerns of rosacea or inflammation, crystal microdermabrasion can worsen the condition and appearance of the skin.

Diamond Microdermabrasion

Diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped wand to shed the dead skin cells from the epidermis, then followed by the vacuum sucking up dirt and dead skin cells. This technique is more precise compared to the crystal tool and can accurately exfoliate without stray particles being left on the skin. While the crystal treatment rose to fame in the 1990s, it’s being slowly replaced by the diamond technique.

What is the Treatment Experience?

This procedure is another treatment that is great for a ‘lunchtime peel’ due to its quick process and recovery time. Typically a microdermabrasion procedure will only take 15-30 minutes.

Before you have your microdermabrasion treatment, you should take a few precautions to prepare your skin. Avoid exfoliating where you plan on getting microdermabrasion as well as using Retin-A in the days leading up to your treatment. Don’t receive any other skin treatments like chemical peels. Waxing, laser surgery, or spray tans for a few weeks before. If you’re currently on Accutane, you should not get microdermabrasion.

Your esthetician will cleanse and prep the skin, then begin the microdermabrasion treatment. If using the crystal technique, your skin will be cleansed again to clean away any stray crystals left on the skin. The facial is then followed up with moisturizer and sunscreen, same as your regular facials. More spas nowadays will incorporate microdermabrasion into your complete facial, which means you may also receive a mask and facial massage. If this is the case, expect to be there for about an hour or more. After your session, treat your freshly exfoliated skin with extra care by using more gentle products.

With just one treatment, your skin should feel softer and appear brighter. However, if you’re looking to improve a specific skin concern, you may need a series of treatments to see a difference in your skin. How many treatments you schedule varies depending on your skin’s needs and goals. Make sure to talk to your esthetician to see what would be best for your skin.