Microdermabrasion Results: Benefits, How to Maintain Them, Before and Afters, and More

• Microdermabrasion is a safe and effective treatment that gently exfoliates your skin.
• It’s used to treat conditions such as scarring, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation and melasma.
• The results of microdermabrasion are not permanent; repeat visits are necessary to achieve and maintain optimal results.
• At-home treatments are cost-effective and convenient, although less effective than professional sessions.

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that gently exfoliates your skin to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. It provides a milder exfoliation than alternative treatments, such as chemical peels, therefore repeat procedures are needed to achieve the desired results.

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that buffs away dead cells from the surface of your skin. This process stimulates the remodeling and growth of fresh skin cells, while also encouraging collagen production.

During the treatment, a dermatologist will use a diamond-tipped handpiece or spray a jet of fine microcrystals onto your face to gently buff your skin. Once your skin has healed from the treatment, the newly replaced skin cells help to create a smoother texture and brighter complexion.

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is used to treat the following skin complaints:

• Acne scarring
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Stretch marks
• Hyperpigmentation
• Melasma
• Enlarged pores

Microdermabrasion helps to reduce the appearance of these common skin complaints by buffing away the stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of your skin. By doing so, this stimulates the skin’s natural healing process and encourages the growth of fresh skin cells. Over time, new skin cells replace those affected by sun damage, scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Microdermabrasion has also been found to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is an essential protein in your skin, responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity. As a result, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can be improved from microdermabrasion treatments.

How many treatments does it take to see results?

Your skin may appear softer and smoother after one visit, although optimal results are achieved after multiple visits. The amount of visits depends on the severity and type of your skin concerns, although four to six treatments are typically advised. Those with more severe scarring or sun damage may require up to 16 treatments before achieving their desired result.

How Long do Microdermabrasion Results Last? 

The results from a single microdermabrasion treatment typically last around two weeks to one month before dead skin cells start accumulating on the surface of your skin once again. Therefore, it’s important to visit your dermatologist for repeat monthly, or bi-weekly sessions.

While microdermabrasion treatments can effectively fade sun damage and hyperpigmentation, the results are not permanent. Failing to keep up with repeat sessions or inadequately taking care of your skin between treatments will cause your skin complaints to gradually return.

Aftercare to maintain results

Your skin will be more sensitive to sun damage as a result of your treatment, so it’s important to keep your skin protected by using a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30. Opt for products containing hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, to prevent your skin from becoming dry and irritated while it repairs itself.

It’s also best to avoid harsh skin care products, such as exfoliants and astringent toners. These may irritate your skin even more and slow down the healing process.

Results of At-Home Microdermabrasion Treatments

At-home microdermabrasion devices are an affordable and convenient alternative to in-office treatments. These devices typically feature a diamond tip handpiece that is passed across your skin to gently exfoliate.

While these at-home devices may seem more cost-effective and convenient, they tend to provide a milder exfoliation than a professional in-office treatment. This means that it will take much longer to achieve your desired results, and they may be less dramatic.

There are also more risks involved when performing an at-home microdermabrasion treatment. Leaving the exfoliating device on your skin for too long, or applying too much pressure can lead to unwanted, painful abrasions.

Takeaway

Microdermabrasion is an effective and safe cosmetic treatment. By exfoliating the top layer of your skin, issues such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines and scarring can be improved. Microdermabrasion treatments are not a quick fix – repeat sessions are required before optimal results are achieved.

Between sessions, it’s important to use moisturizing products to protect your skin from sun damage and moisture loss. Monthly sessions are generally advised to both achieve and maintain the best results.

At-home treatments are a cost-effective alternative to professional microdermabrasion sessions, although they carry more risk. The results from at-home microdermabrasion devices are often less dramatic and take much longer to achieve than professional treatments.