Microderm 101: A Year Round Option for Beautiful Skin

No discussion of summer facial treatments would be complete without microdermabrasion. Yes, you can have microdermabrasion done in the summer! Your skin needs exfoliating year round, of course, and microdermabrasion is minimally invasive and can be performed as an alternative to chemical exfoliation – and produces beautiful results with no downtime.

So exactly what is it?

Microdermabrasion originated in Europe in the early 1990’s and has become a go-to modality in the treatment room. It is a minimally invasive procedures used to renew overall skin tone and texture. It can help improve the appearance of skin affected by sun exposure, fine lines/wrinkles, acne, and other conditions. The procedure uses a special applicator with an abrasive surface (diamond tip) to gently remove and exfoliate the outer skin layer. Another type of microdermabrasion sprays fine particles, or crystals of aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate with suction to achieve the same results as the diamond tip.

How many microdermabrasion treatments should you get?

Microdermabrasion works best with a series of multiple treatments. Most experts recommend starting with at least two treatments per month for the first few months, followed by monthly visits for maintenance once you’re getting the desired results.

Although you will see some instant improvement following your first microdermabrasion treatment, 6-10 treatments with a professional microdermabrasion machine are typically needed to see long-lasting results, including visible improvement to the skin’s tone, texture, smoothness, and natural radiance factor.

What are the side effects of microdermabrasion?

Because microdermabrasion is minimally invasive, it has very few side effects and there is little to no downtime. Some skin types may experience some initial redness or sensitivity for about 24-48 hours post-facial, while others will notice that their skin has just a bit of extra “glow.” That said, don’t neglect proper aftercare and sun protection.

Should you get microdermabrasion or a chemical peel?

A common question – which is better? While both treatments provide exfoliation, they accomplish it differently. Enzymes, alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids have similar benefits to a professional microdermabrasion treatment for promoting cellular turnover and improving skin health, but peels and other chemical exfoliation tend to work deep within the epidermis, whereas microdermabrasion provides a more superficial exfoliation to the skin’s surface.

Note: According to the Milady’s Standard Fundamentals text for estheticians, microdermabrasion is still very effective compared to chemical peeling agents, with the ability to exfoliate the epidermis more effectively than a 30 percent AHA product.

Why is a professional treatment better than purchasing a home unit?

Home microdermabrasion tools are popping up all over - social media, retail stores and online like Amazon. Although the fact that they’re easy to get and have a lower price point may appeal to DIY-ers, it’s critical you understand the dangers and disadvantages of using these types of devices.

Not only are many of these homecare devices not particularly effective, but they may also even be damaging to the skin when used by someone who is untrained. As experts in our industry, we can’t overemphasize the importance of safety and the advantages of booking a professional treatment using top of the line equipment.

What do you think? Get glowing and talk to our Spa Desk staff, or one of our instructors or student estheticians for more information – or to book a treatment.