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Hoe to prepare for a microdermabrasion

How to Prepare for a Microdermabrasion

The definition of microdermabrasion is

  • Non-invasive
  • Deep exfoliating
  • Routine cosmetic procedure

In short, the procedure is the mechanical exfoliation that will eliminate the uppermost layer of your skin, revealing new, healthier skin.

Even if it seems like something you do whenever you like, there may be aspects you are missing out. Microdermabrasion, whether performed at a professional salon or at your home, can give you additional benefits if you are willing to prepare your skin before treating it.

Hoe to prepare for a microdermabrasion

In this article, you’ll find useful tips about how to properly prepare your skin during the week before the microdermabrasion session. You might be surprised to learn that there are medications and procedures that don’t work well in combination with microdermabrasion.

Make sure your skin is in a stable condition

Even though microdermabrasion is proven to work very well on uneven skin complexion or texture, age spots, acne scars, sun-damaged skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, it won’t erase the results of serious acne breakouts, deep scarring or severely pigmented patches.

Also, if you have one of the below conditions, microdermabrasion may not be the perfect option for you:

  • Active acne or other inflammations, causing redness and irritation
  • Cold sores
  • Fever blisters
  • Warts
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  • Open wounds
  • Psoriasis
  • Diabetes
  • Weak blood vessels

Define your Fitzpatrick skin type and Glogau score

If you have pale skin, this means that it is prone to skin burns and it is less likely to obtain even tan when exposed to sunlight. This is why constantly applying sun protection is a must. However, paler skin can endure more aggressive microdermabrasion treatments and other cosmetic procedures, penetrating in the deeper skin layers.

Darker skin types are not that prone to skin burns as easily.  But the risks of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation with darker skin are increased. Less frequent and less aggressive microdermabrasion therapies that won’t penetrate into the deeper epidermal layers are recommended.

You can check your Fitzpatrick skin type and Glogau score here.

During the procedure

The first step is the deep cleaning of the skin that is to be treated. For that purpose, deep cleaning non-exfoliating gel of foam is used. It will remove makeup residue, dirt, dust, and sebum from the skin surface and the microdermabrasion session is now ready to begin.

Knowing what to expect when the microdermabrasion machine is applied to your face is also important. You will be experiencing the friction, aiming to abrade the uppermost skin layer during the next 20-50 minutes.

Most people experience a slight tingling sensation during the treatment but those with increased skin sensitivity may feel some discomfort for a short time until they get used to the friction.

The type of microdermabrasion also matters. You can choose between crystal and diamond.

  • Crystal microdermabrasion is less commonly chosen. The MDA machine used blasts out small aluminum oxide crystals. They work as sandblasters, aiming to abrade the dead skin cells and contaminants and are then vacuumed back up via the suction function of the device.
  • Diamond microdermabrasion works in a similar way as the crystal, except for the mess. This time, a diamond tip is used to ablate the superficial skin layer and the exfoliated skin and contaminants are again vacuumed away.

Prepare to pay the price

A single microdermabrasion treatment in the US has an average cost of $131, according to 2018 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgery. You’ll need at least 6 consecutive treatments to achieve optimal results.

If you are in India, the cost of the service can range from Rs. 1500 ($21) to Rs. 5000 ($70).

The next thing to have in mind is there are often coupons for multiple microdermabrasion sessions or in combination with other cosmetic procedures.

Your most affordable option is buying your own machine – on average, a good quality at-home microdermabrasion machine costs about $200 – $300 and you can use it for unlimited treatments. The machines intended for home treatments usually perform just as good as the ones used in professional salons.

Be careful with the medications you’re taking

If you were taking Tretinoin based medications in order to control severe forms of acne, you’ll have to avoid ablative procedures, such as microdermabrasion during the next 6 months, as the skin can respond with severe irritation and redness.

Avoid any facial procedures before undergoing microdermabrasion

Facials, such as waxing, tweezing, electrolysis, laser hair/scar removal, chemical peels and all sorts of injections should be strictly avoided one week before having a microdermabrasion session. Such procedures can increase your skin sensitivity and make your microdermabrasion experience uncomfortable and even painful.

SPF is a must

The harmful sun rays will do you more damage if your skin is exposed to the sun after the microdermabrasion session. This happens due to the fact that microderm removes the layer of dead skin cells, contaminants, makeup residue, and sebum, revealing a fresh, yet vulnerable skin layer. The application of sunscreen after the procedure is something you shouldn’t forget. You can start applying an SPF product immediately after microdermabrasion, you can even use it as a primer and apply your favorite makeup on top.

Don’t use exfoliating agents the week prior your microdermabrasion

Topical exfoliants will increase your skin sensitivity and make your skin more prone to irritation.

Avoid using topicals, such as:

  • Alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs)-containing glycolic or lactic acid
  • Salicylic acid-containing products
  • Retinoid – based creams Benzoyl peroxide-containing products for fighting acne

Knowing what to avoid and how to increase the benefits of the microdermabrasion procedure will help you avoid any potential side effects and will make your results more visible, lasting up to 4 weeks!

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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