What Is Microdermabrasion? (2022 Updated)

Definition of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin-rejuvenation procedure that uses an abrasive instrument like diamond microdermabrasion tips to buff away any impurities on the outer layers and restore a youthful appearance. It helps to address uneven skin tones, irregular skin texture, dark brown spots that may develop into acne, complexion dullness, scars, stretch marks, age spots, and a specific skin problem characterized by dark patches on the face – melasma.  It is also suitable for those who have different skin color due to excessive sun exposure.

In the past, before Microderm – people who want to get their complexion improved, would go for chemical peel or dermabrasion where the treatment is often painful due to the use of lasers and an abrasive wheel/brush to remove dead cells.

Both treatments are relatively similar to microdermabrasion procedures but with fewer risks due to the procedure involved. While dermabrasion involves higher risks and requires a more clinical approach – getting anesthetic shots before the treatment starts, microdermabrasion treatments are less abrasive and lower-risk methods of dead skin removal. Microderm also induces collagen production, helping your skin to rejuvenate much faster than usual.

Aside from doing the treatments in salons or clinics, facial microdermabrasion gives you the flexibility of doing it yourself at home. Many dermatologists and manufacturers these days come up with home microdermabrasion techniques that consumers could easily buy them online or from their preferred departmental stores.

Despite such simple procedures, many experts still recommend consulting the dermatologist first. The ideal age for such treatment are people around their 20s. The microdermabrasion cost and results will vary depending on your individual needs and goals.

Pros and Cons of Microdermabrasion

There are both pros and cons to this treatment. Some pros are that it is affordable, can be done in a short amount of time, and does not require any recovery time or long-intervel treatment schedule. Some cons are that it can cause skin irritation, does not work for everyone, and may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin. Overall, microdermabrasion is an effective and safe procedure for many people.

Generally, users will need to undergo a series of procedures (usually every two to four weeks) to achieve the desired microdermabrasion results. Now that you know – ‘what is microdermabrasion good for’, let’s go further and see how it actually works.

Microdermabrasion vs. Dermabrasion

Microdermabrasion and dermabrasion are both treatments for skin rejuvenation that use abrasion to remove the top outer layers of epidermis. But what’s the difference?

Microdermabrasion is a less aggressive treatment that uses tiny crystals to exfoliate the skin. Dermabrasion is a more aggressive treatment that uses a rotating brush or diamond fraise to remove the top layer of skin. Microdermabrasion is less expensive than dermabrasion, but the results are similar.

Which treatment is right for you depends on your goals and your skin type. Microdermabrasion is good for mild to moderate wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars. Dermabrasion is good for deeper wrinkles, severe sun damage, and deep scars.

Preparing for Microdermabrasion Treatment

While microdermabrasion is generally considered safe, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your treatment and make the most of it. Here are four tips for preparing for microdermabrasion:

1. Exfoliate regularly before your treatment. Exfoliating helps take away the dead cells that will be removed by the microdermabrasion treatment.
2. Avoid sun exposure for a few weeks before your treatment. Sun exposure can increase inflammation and sensitivity in the skin, which may make the treatment less effective.
3. Drink plenty of water before and after your treatment. Drinking water helps keep the skin hydrated, which can help improve the results of the treatment.
4. Avoid wearing makeup and cosmetics after your treatment. Wearing makeup may block the pores, which will make it more difficult for the microdermabrasion to remove the dead cells.

How Does Microdermabrasion Work?

Microdermabrasion is a popular spa treatment that involves the exfoliation of the epidermis, known as the stratum corneum, using diamond microdermabrasion tips or a stream of fine crystals with a wand. The system may also include an abrasive scrub or cream and an application tool. The sensation of this procedure may feel like a mild scratch on the skin to some consumers. Yet, the effect of this also often depends on the type of product used on the type of skin.

Since microdermabrasion involves deliberately smoothening out the surface with fine aluminum oxide crystals, and sometimes vacuum suction to the layer of the epidermis, some consumers may take some time to get used to the feeling of it. There are two options that consumers could choose from to receive the microdermabrasion procedure.

Visiting a dermatology clinic and purchasing a skincare product with a ‘microdermabrasion’ label on it. For the latter option, since it is relatively affordable, and there is a wide range of brands that sells these types of product in the market, consumers have a commodity of options to choose from.

Do-It-Yourself Microderm treatments are also easy to apply as most of them work just like your regular facial wash and lotions. The only concern about it is due to the nature of dermabrasion in the past. Dermatologist advises consumers to be conscious when using such regimen themselves because in the olden days with dermabrasion, people with darker complexion tend to receive bad results such as scarring and discoloration.

Since most microdermabrasion treatments also work like chemical peels or facial masks, there is a possibility of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – a health term used to refer to the increased production of melanin, resulting in darker skin discoloration.

The result of the processes may sometimes be intense and prolonged. Most experts would say that microderm cannot be recommended to those with lupus, open wounds, rosacea, and eczema due to a stimulation of blood flow over the face – which, if you suffer from any of those may cause skin irritation and worse, even griever problems.

Although diamond tip microdermabrasion is said to work on every skin color and all skin types is a different procedure compared to dermabrasion, there are still chances that not all of them use the same kind of ingredient and technique.

So it is necessary to discuss these possibilities with your doctor first – seek medical advice before buying a product. Microdermabrasion was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1996. Since that time, hundreds of versions of microdermabrasion machines have been manufactured.

There are several methods to carry out this procedure:

Diamond-Tip Handpiece

Diamond-tip handpieces have bristles that are adapted for gently exfoliating dead cells in your skin. At the same time, this method also effectively suctions them away. The force applied to the handpiece combined with the duration that suction is used on the skin may affect the depth of abrasion created by this kind of microdermabrasion applicator. These applicators are used on more delicate human skin, such as eyelids.

Crystal Microdermabrasion

Crystal microdermabrasion uses a delicate crystal tip to spray on fine crystals to cure the skin’s outer layer. Like the diamond tip, the dead skin cells are suctioned right off. There are different types of crystals that may be utilized. These include sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and aluminum oxide.

Hydradermabrasion

Hydradermabrasion is a minimally invasive skin resurfacing treatment that uses gentle suction and water to remove the top layer of skin. The treatment is often used to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, brown spots, and fine wrinkles. Hydradermabrasion can also be used to improve the appearance of scars.

Who Should Use Microdermabrasion?

Anyone with common skin problems such as acne, blackheads, stretch marks, skin redness or rashes, signs of aging, and other skin conditions and concerns should use microdermabrasion. Although you’ll notice a huge improvement in the elasticity and clarity of your skin, the procedure has proven to be pain-free.

People With Acne-Prone Skin

Microdermabrasion procedures can help to unclog your pores and get rid of mild acne breakouts. Several factors are contributing to acne-prone skin include one’s food intake, hormonal imbalances, stress, and more. While using microdermabrasion at-home kits and machines, it is also essential to get proper nutrition, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly.

People With Skin Redness or Rashes

Several factors contributing to rashes could be due to the cosmetic procedure you undergone and product that you are using. Since some products like detergent (e.g., your clothes), body wash, and facial wash get in touch with your skin, if such products contain artificial chemicals and harmful ingredients (e.g., parabens, artificial fragrance, sodium lauryl sulfate, polyethylene glycol, formaldehyde, etc.), microdermabrasion alone is not going to help your skin condition get better.

To tackle this issue along with microdermabrasion treatment, you will also need to eliminate some products with harmful ingredients and choose vegan-friendly skincare ones. Avoid scratching your nose, chin, forehead, hand, or neck area even if itching occurs, and apply some soothing cream like menthol.

People With Aging Skin

Overexposure to the sun and repetitive muscular motion are the key factors of aging skin. Since wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of aging, there is no way to eliminate them but slow down the process of it. With microdermabrasion, you will be able to exfoliate the epidermis layer to stimulate collagen production – keeping the layer of epidermis firm and smooth.

To tackle signs of aging, you should always remember to apply sunscreen whenever you go outdoors to avoid sunburn and moisturizers to keep your fair skin supple and elastic too.

People Who Have Dull Skin

People with dull skin often have a tired appearance and can look older than they are. The complexion can be uneven, and the skin’s appearance may be dry, oily, or combination. There are many reasons why someone might have dull skin, including genetics, age, lifestyle, and skincare habits.

The good news is that there are many things you can do to improve the appearance of your fair skin. Microdermabrasion is one of the best ways to treat dull, dry, and aging skin. It is also excellent for treating acne scars and age spots.

People With Sun Damaged Skin

People with sun damage, also known as photoaging, tend to have a leathery appearance with wrinkles, blemishes, and age spots. Sun damage can also cause precancers and cancers. Photoaging is especially common on the face, neck, hands, and arms.

Microdermabrasion can help improve the appearance and texture of the skin, making it appear more youthful. It can also help reduce the appearance of dark spots and freckles. Microdermabrasion is a safe and effective method for beautifying the skin, helping you look your best.

People With Blackheads and Whiteheads

Blackheads form when a pore becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The top of the plug turns dark as it oxidizes, hence the name blackhead. Whiteheads form when a pore becomes clogged but the top of the plug remains closed. This trapped oil and skin cells turn white as they age.

Microdermabrasion is an excellent treatment to gently remove both types of plugs. It also stimulates the production of new skin cells, which helps to stimulate collagen growth that provides elasticity and flexibility to the skin.

People With Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a common skin condition that can affect both men and women. They often occur when the skin is stretched suddenly, such as during pregnancy, puberty, or weight gain. Stretch marks can also be caused by mechanical stress, such as from repetitive overuse of a muscle. If you have stretch marks, they can make your skin look uneven and unsightly. A microdermabrasion treatment can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks by exfoliating the skin and removing dead cells, which will improve its texture.

People With Enlarged Pores

People with large pores can have a number of skin concerns. Enlarged pores can make the skin look rough and uneven, and they can be difficult to clean. They can also become clogged with oil and dirt, which can lead to blackheads and acne. Luckily, there are a number of things people can do to reduce the appearance of pores.

Aside from exfoliation, microdermabrasion is one of the best ways to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. This very safe procedure can be combined with other treatments, such as chemical peels, light therapy, and/or laser resurfacing therapy.