Microdermabrasion is a popular machine-aided skin exfoliation treatment. Its benefits include low risk, quick recovery, and fewer side effects than comparable alternative skin resurfacing methods. It compares favorably to dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing.
Because microdermabrasion operates only on the surface layers of the skin, it is most effective at treating fine lines, sun spots, and acne damage. Keep in mind the results of microdermabrasion are subtle, rather than dramatic.
One benefit of the superficiality of microdermabrasion is that the treatment works anywhere, including the neck, chest, back, and hands.
Microdermabrasion can treat any of the following:
- Wrinkles
- Stretch Marks
- Melasma
- Hyperpigmentation
- Scarring
- Uneven Skin Tone
- Fine Lines
- Age Spots
Additionally, there is a full-body microdermabrasion treatment which can address any of the above, including areas of irregular skin like hands, feet, and ears.
How Long Do the Effects of Microdermabrasion Last?
Since your skin regenerates every 30 days, you will need to repeat microdermabrasion every 2-4 weeks to see continual improvement. Typically, you will need 6 to 12 treatments to achieve significant results.
How Often Should You Do Microdermabrasion?
You can do microdermabrasion as often as every week, or as infrequently as every eight weeks. The best interval for you will depend on your skin’s sensitivity and tolerance, as well as the level of improvement you want to achieve.
People often begin with treatments every week for the first three weeks, and then switch to a monthly treatment schedule for maintenance purposes.
Does Microdermabrasion Remove Hair?
While microdermabrasion does remove dead skin cells, it does not remove any hair, including peach fuzz. If you are looking for an exfoliation treatment that can remove hair, dermablading is something you might consider.
Which is Better Microdermabrasion or Chemical Peel?
People often compare microdermabrasion to chemical peel as a method of exfoliating the skin. However, these two treatments are quite different in some very important ways. Let’s explore what sets microdermabrasion apart.
Capabilities of Microdermabrasion vs. Chemical Peel
Chemical peels and microdermabrasion both exfoliate your skin and help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Microdermabrasion can effectively treat superficial skin imperfections like fine lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, chemical peels tend to work better with serious skin issues like deep wrinkles or scars. Both treatments can tackle dull complexion, uneven skin tones, and age spots.
Distinctive Differences Between Chemical Peel and Microdermabrasion
Each procedure requires about half an hour at a doctor’s office, salon, or spa. Both are also available in over-the-counter versions as well. The OTC versions tend to be a bit less effective than their professionally applied counterparts.
Chemical peels come in at least mild, medium, and deep strengths. They may also come in a couple of other intensities as well. Deep chemical peels, however, are painful, and you will need an anesthetic. Chemical peels frequently need about three months of recovery time after application and carry significant side effects like burning, swelling, and color changes to the skin.
Microdermabrasion, by contrast, does not vary in strength and does not involve any pain. Recovery is quick, taking only a few days depending on how sensitive your skin is. The side effects of microdermabrasion are mild and may include redness and stinging sensation on your skin.
Chemical peels are generally more expensive than microdermabrasion as well. When you compare the side effects and recovery times of each, it is clear microdermabrasion has some distinct advantages over chemical peels.
What Are the Limitations of Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is not a one-size-fits-all treatment or a miracle cure. It can do some things well, but it is important to set realistic expectations. For example, microdermabrasion can’t treat cystic acne. It can aggravate acne that is already inflamed and leave it feeling worse than before. If you have severe acne, be sure to see a dermatologist for treatment.
Microdermabrasion will not remove serious acne scars such as ice pick or boxcar scars. It also can’t flatten keloid or hypertrophic scars and might even make them worse. If you have these types of scars, your facial plastic surgeon should be able to provide specialized treatments.
While microdermabrasion can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as age spots, it can’t tighten sagging skin or treat deep wrinkles. Those issues are in the domain of facial cosmetic surgery treatment.
How to Achieve Successful Microdermabrasion Results
Keep in mind that to experience all the benefits of microdermabrasion, you will need several treatments. Your skin will feel softer after the first one and gradually improve with each successive treatment after that until you achieve your desired results.
Microdermabrasion works well to treat a wide variety of skin conditions and issues. One of the most important decisions you can make when deciding to do microdermabrasion treatments is who will do the treatment procedure. By choosing a competent, experienced, professional treatment provider, you can know that your skin is well cared for, and you can expect the best results microdermabrasion has to offer.