What is Microdermabrasion?

What is microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a popular skin treatment that is prized for its anti-aging effects. These microdermabrasion treatments are performed in day spas, medical spas and beauty clinics for the purpose of reducing fine lines and wrinkles, decreasing the appearance of scars, minimizing pores, smoothing skin and reducing the appearance of age spots.

During a microdermabrasion treatment, an esthetician uses a powerful tool to give the client a mechanical exfoliation – a process that removes the outermost layer of dead skin from the face, hands or other treatment area. The level of exfoliation achieved through microdermabrasion is superior to anything else available for at home use.

What is Microdermabrasion Treatment Like?

Like other beauty treatments, the level of success you achieve from your microdermabrasion is directly related to the experience of the esthetician. For this reason, it’s critical that you select both an esthetician and a facility that you know and trust. A typical treatment lasts approximately 30 minutes and requires no downtime following the treatment. This means that you can return to work, or carry on with your day as usual, without any negative side effects. You will need to protect your skin from the sun, however, as it will be more sensitive than usual following the microdermabrasion treatment.

Generally speaking, you will require more than one microdermabrasion treatment to achieve full results. Treatments will be scheduled approximately 10 to 14 days apart to give your skin a chance to fully recover before it undergoes microdermabrasion again.

What is Microdermabrasion Treatment Side Effects?

When done correctly by an experienced esthetician, the side effects of microdermabrasion treatments are few. The most common side effect is sun sensitivity, which goes away entirely within just a few days, and can be managed by avoiding direct sunlight, wearing a wide brim hat and wearing sunscreen. Other individuals may experience slight redness, which also disappears quickly.

There are health conditions, however, that should prevent an individual from undergoing microdermabrasion, as the procedure can cause negative side effects and health problems in these individuals. These conditions include diabetes, vascular disease and either inflamed or broken skin. If you’re experiencing an acne or herpes breakout, you’ll also want to avoid microdermabrasion treatments.