Microdermabrasion is an increasingly popular skin treatment which, when carried out by an experienced professional, can exfoliate the skin in a controlled manner stimulating the epidermal skin cells to renew and create a balanced, healthy skin surface.
But how is it done, how long does it last for, and crucially – does it hurt?
There are actually two main types of procedure to exfoliate the skin using microdermabrasion.
Crystal microdermabrasion is a bit like a power scrub that involves spraying microcrystals on to the skin which are simultaneously scooped up – rather like a 2-way vacuum cleaner.
Diamond dermabrasion uses diamond tips which glide over the skin with a vacuum action, gently polishing to provide controlled dermabrasion. The fine diamond particles are safe, suitable for most skin types, and can even be provided with a selection of grades and sizes for a really bespoke treatment that is both gentle and effective.
Post-treatment benefits are that the skin feels smoother, softer and appears more radiant, while specific skin issues can be targeted ranging from the reduction of fine lines, to sun damage, to acne scars, to age spots, to stretch marks. An experienced, qualified aesthetic practitioner will be able to give expert advice as to the most suitable treatment.
The actual microdermabrasion treatment itself is pretty quick at around 15 to 30 minutes. After first cleansing your skin, the practitioner will carry out the procedure and then cleanse again to remove any residual crystals. Moisturiser and sunscreen to follow and the procedure is complete.
Your ultimate aim and the skin issue being targeted will inform how many treatments are recommended as the effects are cumulative, but even just one will leave skin glowing and feeling beautifully soft. If you opt for a course of treatments, there is generally a gap of around a week or more between each one.
The one thing microdermabrasion doesn’t do, is hurt. Yes, you can feel it, perhaps as a gritty massage or a slight pulling on the skin, but as it works only on the skin’s surface layers it really isn’t painful.
Side effects are minimal although skin may look pinker for a short time. A little tenderness may occur from very slight bruising, but this should fade within a few hours. It may feel a bit like you have very slight sunburn the next day, but there’s no reason at all for it to interrupt your schedule or stop you from getting out and about.
It’s probably worth limiting your skin care routine to moisturisers immediately afterwards to minimise the chance of any stinging from stronger products but this should soon pass, and of course, sunscreen is a must.
As with all aesthetic treatments, finding a qualified aesthetic practitioner is key as their experience is invaluable when it comes to realising and managing your skincare hopes and expectations.