FAQ's About Microdermabrasion

Q: What Is Microdermabrasion?

A: Microdermabrasion is an effective, non-surgical way to remove of acne scars, fine wrinkles and sunspots by exfoliating the top layers of the skin. No chemicals are used, only aluminium oxide micro crystals that gently sandblasts your skin, leaving it smooth and fresh. Microdermabrasion also stimulates collagen production, helping your skin rejuvenate faster than normal.

Q: What Does Microdermabrasion Involve?

A: Your skin is first cleansed and prept. The practioner then starts the microdermabrasion procedure using a hand-held device. The aluminium oxide micro crystal flow is sandblasted through a small tube pressed against the skin. The tube also vacuums back dead skin cells and used micro crystals.

The crystal flow starts as soon as the microdermabrasion wand touches your skin creating suction on the skin. The practioner slowly moves the wand across your entire face and not just on treated areas so that you don't experience inconsistence in skin texture or colour. The movements during treatment will also aid in lymphatic drainage of fluid beneath the skin. After microdermabrasion, your skin is soothed with a special nourishing sun blocking cream, allowing you to go back to your daily routine immediately after treatment.

Q: Is Aluminum Oxide Safe?

A: Aluminum oxide crystals are perfectly safe and non-toxic if ingested. They don't cause adverse skin reactions and they are not carcinogen. The special wands in microdermabrasion machines used in skin care clinics are designed to vacuum back all micro crystals released during microdermabrasion.

Q: Where Is Microdermabrasion Performed?

A: Beauty therapists are now specially trained to perform microdermabrasion. Allowing these treatments to be available in beauty salons, spas, dermatology and skin care clinics. Either way, you should consult a professionally trained practioner to help you decide if microdermabrasion is suitable for you.

Q: How Much Time Does Microdermabrasion Require?

A: A typical microdermabrasion face treatment takes between 20 and 30 minutes. However, if you want your neck or other parts of the body treated, it may last up to an hour. Also called the lunchtime peel and has no downtime. You can return to work the minute you leave your skin care clinic. If your skin looks reddish; like after mild sunburn; you can cover it up with some light make-up.

Q: How Many Treatments Are Required?

A: Depending on your skin concerns. For best results most practioners suggest 6 to 10 microdermabrasion treatments, scheduled around two weeks apart, so the skin has time to recover between sessions. Your skin will look and feel cleaner, healthier and will glow with vitality just after the first treatment. Major changes are obvious after the fifth session - like reduction of wrinkles, pigmentation and scars. After a complete series of microdermabrasion treatments, you may want to keep your skin looking smooth and younger by scheduling a microdermabrasion-maintenance session once every 6–8 weeks. Using appropriate skin care products, recommended by your professionally trained practioner, will also aid in the improvements and appearance of your skin.

Q: Is Microdermabrasion Suitable For Me?

A: If the goal is the removal or reduction of superficial acne scars, blotchy skin, large pores, age or sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles or uneven skin tone and texture, you are a perfect candidate for microdermabrasion. This treatment will also help to eliminate white and black heads and revitalizes dull skin. Microdermabrasion helps the skin regenerate by increasing its elasticity and collagen production. The skin looks fresh and feels smooth as soon as treatment is over. All skin types and colors can be treated with microdermabrasion. Before you go ahead, talk to a specialist about your medical history because there are conditions which may make microdermabrasion unsuitable for you.

Q: How Do I Prepare For Microdermabrasion?

A: One of the advantages of microdermabrasion is minimum pre-treatment needs. No pre-medication is needed but your practioner may ask you to stop taking aspirin-based medicines, Retin-A, Renova or Differin. Avoid sunbathing and some waxing before microdermabrasion.

Q: Will I Experience Any Discomfort During Treatment? Does It Hurt?

A: Microdermabrasion treatment is painless. Some patients have reported some itchiness or stinginess when micro crystals came in contact with their skin, however as your skin gets used to crystal flow. It feels like the mild facial massage from a special wand. Your face may appear a little pinkish in the first 24 hours, but you should not experience any itchiness or pain.

Q: What Should I Expect After Treatment?

A: A sunscreen hydrating moisturizer will be applied after microdermabrasion, to avoid sun damage after leaving the skin care clinic. Some redness might occur on treated areas, but they generally disappear after a few hours. During the first 24 hours, your skin may feel dry, similarly to effects of a mild wind or sunburn. Use lots of moisturizer during the first few days. Avoid sun exposure for at least a week after the treatment; don't use any peeling products for the next 3-4 days.

Q: What Can't Microdermabrasion Do?

A: Microdermabasion can not cure severe scarring or deeply spotted areas on your face and body. Microdermabrasion works well at the very top layer of the skin. It cannot reconstruct the epidermis like laser surgery or dermabrasion treatment can. Don't expect microdermabrasion to remove tattoos, make darker pigmented areas disappear or treat severe burn scars.