LAST UPDATED: JAN 31, 2023 / By Nura / InOfficeTreatment
Microdermabrasion: Procedure, Cost, Benefits
Everyone loves to have even beautiful and wrinkle-free skin. Some people improve their skin with simple ingredients, and some who want faster results will take in-office skin treatments. And one of it is microdermabrasion. It is a treatment in which an abrasive material such as diamond crystals or aluminium oxide crystals is swept over the skin to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. Here you can read about what it is and how it works, its cost and benefits, who should get it done and who shouldn’t, and treatment that go well with microdermabrasion.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is used primarily to treat upper skin layer and renew overall skin tone and texture, which is performed by gently exfoliate the upper layer of the skin in order to improve the sign of aging skin such as sun damage, fine lines, age spots and wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion is a procedure that involves placing a series of small diamond (or specialized) crystals at a low pressure over your face for 10-20 minutes. The abrasive helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells by micro-abrasion and stimulates new collagen formation underneath it. This is followed by an exfoliation process using an acid or mild solution for better results. Normally, topical numbing cream may be applied before treatment process, to minimize the sense of displeasure.
Here’s what you will need before Microdermabrasion
It is also advisable to get advice from your dermatologist before undergoing microdermabrasion. Practically, you need to clear up your skin at least 4 days prior to treatment, avoid sun exposure, tanning and waxing, or exfoliating creams and masks. Double your moisturizing frequency about a week before treatment to strengthen your skin barrier. You should also be aware of some of the side effects that may be experienced with this treatment. These include redness, irritation, and flakiness for about 24 hours after the procedure has been done.
Microdermabrasion: Costs
The average cost of Microdermabrasion treatment range around $110 to $175 in 2022. Typically, this treatment package also includes face and upper body massage, blackheads and whiteheads extraction and custom facial masking. However, certain skin therapist charged a bit more because of extra service provided and their years of experience.
Type of Microdermabrasion
+ Diamond Tip
Diamond tipped wand were used in this treatment by abrading it all around skin surface to exfoliate the top skin layer. At the same time, a suction device will reabsorb the dead skin cells. This method will help to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Diamond-tipped treatment is proven to be safer and more precise compared to crystal microderm. Diamond-tipped typically need about 30 minutes to complete the whole process and only need minimal downtime, which is 4 or 5 days.
+ Crystal
This traditional crystal microderm involved blasting aluminium oxide crystals onto the skin, and simultaneously vacuums up dirt, dead skin cells and the used crystals. The downside of this treatment, crystal particles might be left on the skin without you noticing it. Crystal method is more like sandpapering while diamond method is more like sandblasting.
+ Hydradermabrasion
Also known as hydrafacial and it is a non-invasive skin treatment too. This treatment will cleanse & peel, extract and at the same time hydrate the skin; and the last step is fusing the skin with antioxidants and peptides to protect it from environmental stressor. It is suitable for all skin types since there is no abrasion or needling to the skin. Hydrafacial is suitable to be use to treat hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, acne-prone skin, enlarged and congested pores and oily skin. Hydrafacial need 30 minutes to complete the entire procedure and no downtime is needed.
Note: Person with eczema, acne, sunburns, rosacea concern, skin infection and pregnant woman should avoid all these 3 types of skin treatments.
Microdermabrasion: Benefits & Prevention
Let’s have a look at the benefits and prevention when dealing with microdermabrasion treatment, in detail:
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Mild Acne and Comedonal Acne
This treatment suitable for mild acne and comedonal acne but not for inflammatory acne. Skin inflammation can occur due to infection and you would not want to spread the infection all over the face.
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Treat Dullness, Signs of Aging and Brightens the Skin
Our skin will replenish for every 28 to 42 days. And an aged person needs 40 plus days to replenish their skin. Microdermabrasion can effectively help improve the turnover rate by getting rid of tired and dull patches of old skin at the surface, and help stimulate regeneration of new skin.
By removing the top skin layer and dead skin cells, this will help unclog the pores and eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, age spots and discoloration too, lead to a brighten and radiant skin. At the same time, loads of antioxidants and active ingredients were infused into the skin, to help boosting collagen production and improve signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. You will feel your skin as new, renewed again. It is recommended to do this treatment once for every 4 to 5 weeks.
Microdermabrasion Downtime
For modern version, such as Hydradermabrasion, there is no need for downtime and you can return to your activities right after facial. For microdermabrasion generally, needed one or two days to resume your activities immediately.
Microdermabrasion: Post Care Tips
You must follow these tips if you want the best results for your skin after the treatment. Here are some of them one should know about microdermabrasion before and after:
+ Avoid Frying the Skin
After Microdermabrasion, your skin will be more sensitive as it is still raw. So, avoid doing more heat on your skin. Instead, try using an ice pack or moisturizing ointments to support your treatment progress. The skin can stay red for 2-3 days even after the procedure, so try not to expose your skin to sunlight and wind. Minimize sun exposure during healing time to prevent unwanted UV-ray penetrate right into the skin.
+ Keep the skin hydrated
Moisturization is essential for your skin after microdermabrasion treatment. It will help lock-in moisture into your skin and improve barrier function. Choose a cream with Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and Vitamin E, as these natural builders help heal your skin.
Takeaway: Microdermabrasion Before and After
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive and effective method of skin rejuvenation. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. It also helps in giving you the healthy and smooth complexion with just under 1 hour treatment and 1 to 2 days of downtime for every 4 weeks period.
It is not advisable to combine microdermabrasion treatment with chemical peels in shorter period of time, 4 weeks gap at least needed to provide healthy skin recovery.