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How to use a microdermabrasion machine?

If you are reading this article, you probably have decided that buying a microdermabrasion machine will be a more affordable and less time-consuming option for you. This practical and rewarding decision is good for you, as you can enjoy the effect of the treatment procedure whenever you like and the results won’t differ from the expensive salon sessions. So far so good but how are you supposed to use this beauty investment?

Learn all the details about the perfect at-home microdermabrasion session and get the maximum benefits from the procedure! This step-by-step guide will to using your new MDA machine will help you out for both crystal and diamond machines.

How to use a microdermabrasion device

  1. The first step is thoroughly cleaning the area you intend to treat. The best option is using an oil-free and fragrance-free facial soap. Make sure you have previously used this particular product and it works well on your skin, without drying it out. Avoid exfoliating agents at all prices – microdermabrasion will do this instead.
  2. Pat dry using a cotton towel – if your facial skin is still wet, the microderm machine won’t perform properly and you won’t be able to get optimal results from your treatment.
  3. Make sure your hair is pulled away from your face
  4. Turn on your device, brace your skin with your free hand, and then place the diamond tip flat against the skin. Using short, even strokes, gently move the diamond tip vacuum suction across the skin, ensuring that the tip remains flush with skin.In the table below, you can see the exact treatment intensity you should apply to your skin. It ranges from mild to aggressive and is selected based on the condition of your skin and treatment area, as described below:
    Intensity Settings Used Conditions that benefit from the procedure
    Mild 1-2 passes, using the mild exfoliating tip and low suction power Cystic acne, Abnormal redness, Darker skin type
    Moderate 2-4 passes, using the moderate exfoliating tip and medium suction power Uneven skin tone and texture, fine lines, Open pores, Comedones
    Aggressive 4+ passes, using the coarse exfoliating tip and maximum suction power Superficial scarring, following acne on the face. Darker body areas, such as elbows and knees. Friction blisters (e.g. calouses)
  5. Skip the orbital rims (the areas around the eyes) and the lips
    orbital rims and lips
  6. Repeat the process until you covered all the areas you intended to exfoliate (you can perform microdermabrasion to your face neck and shoulders). Now, you can carefully switch off your microderm machine
  7. After completing steps 3 and 4, it is time to moisturize. After you have stripped away the dead skin cells, the deeper layers of your skin are now thirsty. Take a product intended for deep skin hydration and apply generously. You’ll notice your skin absorbing more quickly than usual.
  8. The final step is the application of sunscreen as microdermabrasion can cause photosensitivity of the skin. This may lead to the formation of pigment spots and visible discoloration. You’ll need to regularly apply your SPF product during the next 7 days.

A single at-home microdermabrasion session lasts approximately 20-40 minutes, depending on your skin type, its’ overall condition and your own expectations following the treatment.

The interval between consecutive treatments                                   

Knowing that microdermabrasion is both non-invasive and painless procedure will probably make you believe you can perform the rejuvenating treatments as often as you like.

However, you should remember that the interval between 2 microderm sessions should be no less than 1-2 weeks so that your skin is given enough time to recover. Using your MDA machine more frequently may result in damaging your skin, causing redness, irritation, and discomfort.

Using your own microdermabrasion kit, while following the approved and recommended practices will give you the flawless skin you have always dreamed of! Keeping microdermabrasion sessions part of your regular routine will make the effects last longer and the results will be even more noticeable.

Vanessa Micoff MD

Dr. Vanessa Micoff received her Bachelor of Science degree in Venereology from the University of California, Riverside and her M.D. from the University of California, San Diego. She is a member of multiple dermatology associations and lecturer. More about her here.

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