What Is Microdermabrasion? – Everything You Need to Know

There are many ways that have proven to be effective when it comes to skin treatment. One of the non-invasive methods of skin treatment is microdermabrasion.

Are you wondering what is microdermabrasion? Well, it is a method of scrubbing away dead skin cell. The process is non-surgical, and it doesn’t use any chemicals peels for treatment. Therefore the treatment is safe even for sensitive skins.

Initially, it’s only skin experts who could perform the treatment procedures. Unfortunately, the prices charged by these professionals can be high.

Luckily, with the invention of easy to use machines, you can now treat yourself at the comfort of your home. This is much cheaper because some devices go for a price equal to the cost of one session.

Microdermabrasion results are usually evident after a few sessions. Mostly, after three sessions, scars start fading away as stretch marks and fine lines disappear.

What is microdermabrasion?

This is a cosmetic non-invasive and method of skin exfoliation. This is the removal of the outer layer of the skin that is mainly made of dead cells.

In essence, a skin specialist uses a wand to spray crystals onto the surface of the skin. These crystals scrub the dead skin cells away. At the same time, the microdermabrasion machine has a vacuum suction that sucks up the crystals and skin debris.

Also, there is another type of machine that does not use crystals. Instead, the tool uses a diamond tip to get rid of the dead cells. This is the best microdermabrasion machine for sensitive areas near the eyes.

The common thing is that both machines do vacuum the debris away. Notably, vacuuming the treated skin prevent the debris from reclogging the pores. Also, it helps to get rid of blackheads and any dirt that could have been clogging the skin.

Therefore, microdermabrasion results in are a smooth, youthful, and radiant skin. So, what are the benefits of microdermabrasion? Just read on and get to know.

Benefits of microdermabrasion

As mentioned earlier, microdermabrasion is a skin treatment method that is safe for almost every type of skin. Though the results may take a few treatments to show, the professionals have proven that the process works.

So, what microdermabrasion benefits do you stand to enjoy after several sessions? Let’s look at some of them.

❖ Improves Circulation

Microdermabrasion involves vacuum suctioning of debris from the surface of the skin. This action enhances blood and lymphatic circulation in the dermis. In return, increased blood supplies more nutrients and oxygen to the cells.

Eventually, the skin forms new collagen and elastin. These are essential proteins in maintaining a firm, radiant, and elastic skin.

❖ Enhances Product Penetration

By removing the dead skin cells, microdermabrasion enhances the absorption of skincare products. Generally, the skin only takes up 6% of the oils and serums applied.
After a microdermabrasion treatment, product efficacy increases by about 50%. This way, the skin benefits more from the product nutrients.

❖ Unclogs and Reduces Pore Sizes

As the microdermabrasion machine sucks the debris from the skin surface, it also draws out the dirt accumulated in the pores. This dirt poses the risk of skin infection.
Once you remove the dirt, the pores shrink back to their normal size. Small pore discourages entry of bacteria into the skin.

❖ Treats Scars and Discolouration

After an acne attack, your skin is never the same again. It leaves you with so many scars. Also, in the case of hyperpigmentation, your skin is left with an uneven tone.
Microdermabrasion helps to restore your former even tone and fade away the scars.

All the same, do not use microdermabrasion for acne treatment; it will worsen the situation. Instead, seek medical advice.

❖ Treats Stretch Marks and fine lines

Diminishing of fine lines, stretch marks, and wrinkles are the main reason why most people practice microdermabrasion.
In essence, the process gets rid of old sagging skin cells. In their place, new firm and elastic cells develop. This reduces fine lines, stretch marks, and wrinkles as well.

Microdermabrasion side effects

Mostly, there are no severe side effects of microdermabrasion. Actually, the procedure requires no downtime for recovery. In fact, most people will be ready for another session after a week.

All the same, you may experience some of the following side effects after a microdermabrasion session.

Actually, microdermabrasion before & after sanitation standards determine how your skin responds to the treatment. As a rule of the thumb, you need to apply your sunscreen after treatment to reduce the side effects.

It also helps in realisation of excellent results. All the same, if you realise that the effects are getting too worse, you should seek medical attention.

How much does microdermabrasion cost?

Like all over services, there are different prices for microdermabrasion depending on location and who is providing the service. On average, microdermabrasion cost about £112 In the UK.

Like earlier stated, the cost is dependent on factors such as geographical locations and brand value. There are high-end salons that charge up to £180. At the same time, other salons charge as low as £40 per microdermabrasion treatment.

Practically, you need to go with your budget, without compromising on the microdermabrasion treatment you receive. If anything you can as well decide to do it yourself at home.

Can you do microdermabrasion at home?

Generally, it is dermatologists and aestheticians that provide microdermabrasion services. But the cost of treatment in their offices can be way out of reach.

Fortunately, with the invention of excellent at-home microdermabrasion tools, the treatment is possible from home easily.

All the same, it is wise to seek advice from a dermatologist before starting on the treatment. This way, you would be aware whether the procedure will be safe on your skin.

Again, the experts will advise you on how to deal with complication if they ever occur. So, microdermabrasion at home procedure is possible.

What to expect after microdermabrasion?

Have been willing to get into microdermabrasion but you still aren’t sure of what to expect? Relax; there is no need to worry.

Generally, there is no downtime associated with microdermabrasion treatment. Even if the side effects may appear, they disappear within hours or a few days. Specifically, microdermabrasion result will be evident immediately after the session.

All the same, after treatment, your skin will feel a bit tight and dry. The feeling will disappear within a day. Actually, you will need to avoid make up for at least 6 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long do the effects of microdermabrasion last?

Ans. The swelling may take a few days to a week to subside. Also, the redness or pinkness of your new skin may last for some three weeks. The burning sensation from the bruises may last for a few days. You will need to use a moisturiser to keep the skin moist and cool.

After every treatment, you will need to wear your sunscreen for a few days to reduce your sensitivity to the sun.

Q. Can you shower after microdermabrasion?

Ans: The most precise answer to your question would be; keep your skin cool. For about 24 hours, you should avoid situations that would raise your body temperature. Exercises, hot shower, or saunas should first wait. Again, your new skin still a bit sensitive to heat.
 
By doing so, you avoid skin irritations, and you enhance the possibility of the best results. So, take a cold shower if you can, and avoid using makeups for the first 6 hours.

Q. Does microdermabrasion get rid of blackheads?

Ans: Since the skin keeps renewing itself, the dead skin cells tend to form a thick layer. In this kind of a situation, blackheads get stubborn too. So, when microdermabrasion removes the dead cells, it exposes the blackheads, and they become easy to remove.

Again, you don’t need another process to get rid of the blackheads. The vacuum suction on the microdermabrasion machine works well in getting rid of them.

Q. Is microdermabrasion safe?

Ans: Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve chemical peels either. Also, the process is generally painless. Therefore, the process is safe on most types of skin.

Also, as earlier mention, the skin does not require any downtime to recover. In the same breath, the procedure is not safe on surfaces with active acne and other inflammations.

Q. Does microdermabrasion hurt?

Ans: No, it should not hurt. Actually, the experience during the procedure can be a bit uncomfortable. This is because the crystals or the diamond tips are scrubbing off part of the skin.

Also, after treatment, the skin may feel a bit tight and dry. Again, the skin will be more sensitive to the sun and heat. All in all, the process should not be painful.

Q. Does microdermabrasion work for acne scars?

Ans: Yes, it works best for some depressed acne scars. Among all other non-invasive, non-chemical peel methods, microdermabrasion is the best deal when it comes to acne scars.

Also, it can be used to treat some mind skin breakouts. On the other hand, it doesn’t work for ice pick scars. They tend to be deeper than other acne scars.

Q. How many microdermabrasion treatments does it take to see results?

Ans: After the first treatment, you will notice some difference. On the other hand, if you are out to treat a specific condition, it may take longer. Generally, most treatments require 7-110 sessions before you can see any change.

Again, you should take about a week or two from one session to the other. You should seek guidance from a dermatologist.

Final Words

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that helps to exfoliate the skin. The treatment is non-invasive in nature. Again, you don’t have to spend all your cash at the clinic because you can perfectly practice microdermabrasion at home.

Although the process has some side effects, none is serious to of calling for downtime. The main, benefits of microdermabrasion are the removal of scars, elimination of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, the process removes blackheads, even the stubborn ones.

So, if you are in need a gentle way to treat your skin, you need to consider microdermabrasion.