Microdermabrasion is a skin-peeling treatment. You can read here how it works and for whom it is suitable.
Exfoliation should be an integral part of any skincare routine. The skin needs to be rid of dead skin cells, calluses, etc. at regular intervals so that it can then shine fresh and healthy again.
A particularly popular and very effective method for peeling the skin is the so-called microdermabrasion. During the professional treatment, the complexion is refined and even the natural aging of the skin can be counteracted. We’ll tell you everything you need to know.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a form of peeling. The dead skin cells of the upper skin layer are removed particularly gently but effectively. As a rule, this treatment is carried out by a doctor or a trained beautician. The skin is treated with a special polishing device with diamond attachments. Chemical agents are completely dispensed with. This is a purely mechanical peeling of the skin, which is mainly used for aesthetic purposes.
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In addition to microdermabrasion, there is also microdermabrasion. This is mainly used to treat scars and should only be carried out by a doctor. In order to reduce the appearance of the scars, deeper skin layers are also treated, which is why local anesthesia is often used for microdermabrasion.
How does microdermabrasion work?
Microdermabrasion is used to improve the appearance of the skin. The polishing device is mainly used on the face, but can also be used on certain regions of the body. The peeling removes calluses and dead skin cells, leaving the skin with a rosy complexion, a fresh glow, and an even appearance.
The pores are cleared of deposits and bumps are removed so that the sebum can drain off better and the pores can be visibly smaller. As a result, fewer blemishes occur and the skin can absorb active ingredients from care products better.
In addition, blood circulation is stimulated and cell renewal and collagen formation in the skin are promoted. Microdermabrasion even has an anti-aging effect.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that primarily ensures a cleaner, more even complexion and also has a tightening, rejuvenating effect on the skin. Various skin problems can be alleviated with the peeling:
- Acne
- Acne scars
- Calluses
- Bumps
- Blemishes
- Stretch Marks
- Fold
- Pigment Disorders
Skin diseases such as rosacea or perioral dermatitis
Since the microdermabrasion is carried out without chemical agents, the treatment is even suitable for sensitive skin. However, the treatment should not be carried out in the case of inflammatory skin diseases, acute acne, warts, herpes, or open wounds. Otherwise, the skin problems could worsen.
Microdermabrasion: Before / After
How does the treatment work?
Microdermabrasion is usually carried out by a dermatologist or a trained beautician in a professional setting. First of all, there is a consultation in which you as a patient are explained in detail. The condition of the skin is analyzed so that the treatment can be adjusted according to the complexion. Then it can go:
Step 1: First, the skin is thoroughly cleaned and degreased. This prevents bacteria and dirt from penetrating the skin and causing breakouts or inflammation.
Step 2: Now the polishing device is used. First of all, the right diamond attachment is selected. The device is moved over the skin in circular movements. With the help of high-speed compressed air, the finest crystals loosen dead skin cells and gently abrade the surface of the skin. A vacuum pump directly sucks off the removed skin cells together with the crystals.
Step 3: Once the area to be treated has been completely polished, the skin is thoroughly cleaned again. Finally, caring active ingredients are massaged into the skin. In this state, the skin is particularly receptive and receptive to care products.
How does microdermabrasion work at home?
Microdermabrasion can also be used at home. There are special devices for home use that polish the skin and at the same time have a suction function. With microdermabrasion at home, however, there is no need for advice from a doctor. It is therefore particularly important that you know exactly what you are doing. If you really want to be on the safe side, you should prefer professional treatment.
Important tips for treatment at home
Only do the treatment if you don’t have acute acne or open wounds.
Always proceed sterile and comply with hygiene standards. Thoroughly clean the device before and after the treatment and also ensure that the skin is thoroughly cleaned before use.
For scars, pigmentation disorders, wrinkles, or stretch marks, home users will probably not do much good. The home devices are too weak for that. If you have skin problems like this, you should rather go to a dermatologist.
After the treatment, you should be careful not to irritate your skin. Use mild care products, avoid strong sunlight, and wear UV protection every day.
Use the microdermabrasion at most once every two weeks, preferably once a month. The skin needs time to regenerate.
Step-by-step instructions
Thoroughly cleanse your skin. Degrease them and make sure there is no makeup residue left.
Make sure the microdermabrasion device is clean and that you have the correct attachment. Then it can go.
Pull your skin taut with one hand and slowly run the device over the skin from bottom to top with the other hand. Only linger briefly in one spot so as not to injure the skin. Be sure to avoid the mouth area and the sensitive eye area.
After the treatment at home, thoroughly cleanse the skin again and then apply a nourishing serum and moisturizing cream. You can also apply a moisturizing face mask. Make sure the products are mild and don’t irritate the skin.
What should be considered after the treatment?
After the treatment, the skin is likely to be slightly red. This is completely normal and will subside after a few hours. In the following days, the skin may flake slightly. Sometimes crusts can also form. It is important that you give the skin time to heal and do not scratch under any circumstances. Help your skin heal by taking care of it regularly.
Adapt the skincare to your skin type and make sure not to use any skin-irritating ingredients. The milder the care, the better. Avoid sports and sauna on the same day of treatment and sunbathing you should avoid for the next two weeks. Also, make sure to use a high level of sun protection in the days following the treatment (also in winter and cloudy weather) as your skin is currently very susceptible to damage from UV radiation.
When are the first results visible?
You will notice the first results immediately after the first application. Your skin looks plumper and firmer, has a rosy complexion, and has a great glow. It can better absorb active ingredients directly and is particularly smooth and even. However, in order to reduce scars or pigment disorders, a little patience is required. This requires several sessions.
How long do the results last?
Certain bumps in the complexion can be permanently removed with the help of microdermabrasion. If you want to use the treatment primarily for anti-aging purposes in order to achieve a firmer and younger complexion, a monthly treatment is recommended.
How often should microdermabrasion be repeated?
How often you have microdermabrasion performed depends entirely on your skin type and the skin problems to be treated. Discuss the treatment with your doctor. Do you want to exfoliate to make your skin appear fresher and more even? Then you will often see great results after the first application. However, with acne scars, for example, it can take time to achieve the desired result.
What are the risks of microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is considered a particularly gentle procedure for the skin, in which it is mainly treated on the surface. Since no chemical agents are used, the potential for irritation is particularly low.
However, reddening of the skin can occur after the treatment. In rare cases, small bleeding, scales, or crusts also develop. If hygiene standards are not observed during treatment or if the treatment is carried out improperly, infections, inflammation, bruising or scarring may occur. After the treatment, the skin is relatively sensitive, especially to certain active ingredients and UV radiation.
What does the treatment cost?
Treatment costs can vary from practice to practice. Usually between 100 and 150 euros per session. Since microdermabrasion is an aesthetic treatment, health insurance usually does not cover the costs.
The difference: microdermabrasion vs. micro needling
While microdermabrasion uses a polishing device that abrades the surface of the skin, micro-needling injures the skin superficially with the finest needles. These micro-injuries stimulate the regeneration of the skin. Cell renewal and the formation of hyaluronic and collagen are stimulated.
The technology relies on the skin’s own wound-healing process. How deep the needles penetrate the skin depends on the condition of the skin and the desired treatment results. Superficially, micro-needling can ensure a more even complexion and a firmer appearance, if the needles are inserted deeper, wrinkles can be minimized or even scars can be optically reduced.
However, micro-needling is considered to be more painful than microdermabrasion.
Conclusion: The advantages and disadvantages of microdermabrasion
Advantages
- Ensures a more even complexion
- Imperfections are prevented
- The pores are refined
- Calluses and dead skin cells are removed
- The complexion looks rosy and has a great glow
- The skin appears firmer and plumper
- Wrinkles are evened out
- Scars are softened
- Pigment spots and stretch marks can also be reduced
- It is suitable for all skin types and is relatively gentle on the skin
- Disadvantages
- The skin is then slightly reddened
- Improper handling can result in injuries or inflammation
- The effect is only superficial and can hardly reduce deep scars or wrinkles
- The cost of professional treatment is relatively high
