What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a dermatology procedure that gently removes the top layer of skin. It can even out skin tones, fade acne scars, and brighten a dull complexion.

Since it's a professional skincare procedure, you'll typically go to a dermatologist or esthetician for microdermabrasion. It takes about 30 minutes and can be done at the same time as other skin treatments. The procedure usually does not hurt, but you might need several sessions of microdermabrasion to get the results you want.

This article covers types of microdermabrasion procedures, what the benefits and risks are, as well as what to expect during and after microdermabrasion sessions. You’ll also learn how to prepare for a microdermabrasion session and how to care for your skin after.

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion encourages the skin to repair itself by removing the top layer. It also stimulates the production of new cells and boosts collagen, a protein that helps smooth the skin.

There are several benefits to microdermabrasion, including:

• Improving overall complexion
• Reducing signs of aging and improving skin texture and firmness
• Treating acne scars
• Reducing the appearance of enlarged pores
• Clearing clogged pores
• Evening out discolored or hyper-pigmented skin

Types

There are two main types of microdermabrasion procedures: crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion. Both types of microdermabrasion thoroughly exfoliate the skin and have skin benefits.

During crystal microdermabrasion, microfine crystals are shot from a small tube onto your skin and vacuumed back up at the same time (think of it as a high-powered scrub).

Diamond microdermabrasion is a crystal-free version that uses a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate the skin instead.

Who Is Microdermabrasion Good For?

Most people in good health can safely get microdermabrasion, but it’s best for people with specific skin problems or skincare goals. Microdermabrasion could be a good choice for you if you have:

• Sun-damaged skin
• Acne scars
• Large or clogged pores
• Lines and wrinkles
• Uneven complexion

Who Should Not Get Microdermabrasion?

The microdermabrasion process can be hard on your skin. If your skin is irritated before treatment, your provider may want to postpone the procedure.

Do not get microdermabrasion if you currently have any of the following skin conditions or problems:

• An active cold sore outbreak
• Moderate to severe acne
• An open wound or other skin irritation
• A rash
• Rosacea
• A suspicious mole
• A sunburn

You also should not have microdermabrasion if you have used the acne medication isotretinoin in the past six months.

How Long Does Microdermabrasion Take?

The microdermabrasion procedure only takes 15 to 30 minutes. When you arrive, your technician will take you to the treatment room and have you change into a gown. You’ll lay back on a bed, and the technician will cleanse your face to prep your skin for the procedure.

After crystal microdermabrasion, the technician will cleanse your skin to remove any stray crystals. As a final step, they’ll put moisturizer and sunscreen on your face.

Salons, day spas, and medispas often include microdermabrasion in a full facial treatment, along with a mask and facial massage. You can expect to spend about 60 to 90 minutes in the treatment chair for the total package.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

The number of microdermabrasion treatments you need depends on what your skin goals are. As a one-off spa treatment, a microdermabrasion session will leave your skin looking bright and feeling buttery soft.

If you're looking to fix a specific skin problem, you'll need a series of treatments to see skin benefits. In general, the results you get from microdermabrasion add up over time.

The number and frequency of microdermabrasion treatments depend on your skin’s needs and your goals. Your technician can recommend the best treatment schedule for you, but you can probably expect to schedule six to 10 treatments spaced a week to 14 days apart.

Cost of Microdermabrasion

Depending on where you live, the cost of microdermabrasion can range from $75 to upwards of $300 per session. For example, if you go to a fancy spa in a wealthy town and get a full facial package, you’ll pay more than you would for one or two sessions at a local salon.

Preparing for Microdermabrasion

There are a few things you should do two to three days before your treatment to prepare your skin for microdermabrasion:

• Avoid aspirin and aspirin-based medicine.
• Do not wax the treatment area that you're having treated.
• Stay out of the sun to avoid a sunburn.
  
• Stop using exfoliating products, Retin-A, and glycolic acid.

Avoid using topical treatments on the morning of your appointment unless your provider tells you otherwise. If possible, come to your microdermabrasion appointment with a clean face and no makeup.

Side Effects and Risks

Microdermabrasion is considered to be safe when it's done by a skincare professional like a dermatologist or esthetician. If it's not done properly, microdermabrasion can cause scarring.

The side effects of microdermabrasion are temporary and may include: 

• Bruising 
• Dry or flaking skin
• Increased sun sensitivity
• Mild abrasions
• Recurrence of cold sores
  

Does Microdermabrasion Hurt?

Since it works on just the surface layers of the skin, microdermabrasion usually doesn't hurt. Some people say microdermabrasion feels like the rough lick of a cat's tongue or a gritty facial massage. It's normal to feel some minor tugging on your skin, but it should not be painful. If your technician is being a little heavy-handed, speak up.

What to Expect After Treatment

There are a few microdermabrasion side effects like tenderness, swelling, or minor bruising. It’s common for your skin to be a bit pink right after your session, but this usually fades within a few hours.

For a day or so after microdermabrasion, it might feel like you have a minor sunburn. Otherwise, you'll be able to go about your day right after your session.

Acne treatments, toners, and medicated cleansers will probably burn or sting if you apply them right after a microdermabrasion treatment, so you may want to hold off a day on your regular skin routine.

Makeup, moisturizers, and non-medicated cleansers can usually be used right after treatment with no problems. You'll need to use sunscreen because you’ll be more susceptible to sun damage after treatment.

Microdermabrasion’s benefits for your skin are usually temporary, lasting for up to a month. Since your skin is always sloughing off dead cells and forming new, healthy ones, you'll probably be able to enjoy the results of microdermabrasion until the skin turnover process is complete. This is usually around 40 to 50 days for adults, but factors like your age play a role in how long the turnover process takes.

You may see the benefits of microdermabrasion last longer if you use daily sun protection. Follow-up treatments are usually recommended every four to six weeks to maintain the results you get.

Summary

Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin on your face. During the procedure, a dermatologist or esthetician uses crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate your skin and improve its appearance.

The procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes and can cost between $75 and $300 per session. You may see some benefits after one session, but you’ll usually need to have microdermabrasion done more than once to maintain the results you get.