How long microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure. It involves a skin care specialist removing the top layer of skin with a small hand-held device. Microdermabrasion can exfoliate the skin, reduce signs of aging, and make the skin appear more even. The procedure is safe for all skin types. In this article, we will take a detailed look at microdermabrasion and its effects. We will also describe how to prepare, the possible side effects, and the differences between this procedure and dermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure. The specialist sprays or rubs fine crystals onto the skin with a wand that gently exfoliates the surface, removing the top layer. The aim is to make the skin appear younger.

The procedure should not be painful. The American Academy of Dermatology AAD estimate that it takes 30—40 minutes for the face and 20 minutes for the neck. Afterward, there may be slight swelling or sunburn-like symptoms for a few days.

Before seeing reduced signs of aging, a person may require between 5 and 16 treatments from a skin care specialist. People can have treatments weekly, every 2 weeks, or monthly, depending on their skin type and the reason for treatment. Most people request microdermabrasion to rejuvenate the complexion of the face and neck, but a specialist can perform the procedure on any area of skin. Dermatologists may also use microdermabrasion to enhance the results of anti-aging or skin-bleaching products.

The procedure can help these products penetrate the skin. Dermabrasion uses more intensive methods to remove the top layer of skin. A dermatologist may recommend dermabrasion for acne scars, scars from accidents or surgery, or to remove tattoos. Dermabrasion is only suitable for people with fair skin. Microdermabrasion can be suitable for people with any skin color.

Speak to a healthcare professional before undergoing microdermabrasion. Dermatologists usually offer prior consultations. The AAD recommend that people ask about the following before committing to the procedure:. People can also ask to see before-and-after photos and to speak with someone who has undergone microdermabrasion at the clinic. People who have taken the acne medicine isotretinoin in the past 6 months may need to wait before having microdermabrasion. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals, tanning, waxing, depilatory creams, and laser procedures.

This treatment can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. However, as you grow older, your body will produce less collagen and elastin, which weakens the skin and can result in sagging, stretching, or the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

Microdermabrasion can also greatly reduce the appearance of acne and acne scarring through exfoliating the skin. After exfoliation, new skin with more collagen and elastin will develop. This new skin will be more even in tone, smoother, and healthier, which will help reduce the appearance of acne and acne scarring.

Microdermabrasion can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks, similar to the way it is effective in reducing the appearance of acne and acne scarring. The new collagen-rich and elastin-rich skin that replaces the older, more damaged skin will be more evenly toned, which will help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Enlarged pores are often caused by blockages from excessive sebum, dirt, or dead skin cells.

This treatment removes the outer layer of skin, immediately clearing many pores of sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells, which allows the pores to return to their normal size. Another common cause of enlarged pores is a decrease in elasticity in the skin surrounding the pore. The process encourages new skin with increased collagen and elastin levels, which will help reduce the enlarged pores that were caused by a lack of elasticity in the skin.

When you exfoliate dead skin cells, the appearance of fine lines will be reduced; sometimes, this is also because exfoliating treatments like this one stimulate the flow of blood to the skin surface, which may also encourage minor collagen stimulation. Other signs of aging this exfoliating treatment can help with include dark spots, thinning and dry skin, and dull-looking skin. These are superficial skin concerns that are caused by pigmentation due to sun exposure or exposure to the elements.

By eliminating these superficial skin concerns, you can refine the appearance and texture of your skin to appear younger, with a brighter and more radiant complexion. Some scars, including shallow scarring caused by acne, can also improve when the surface layer of skin cells are removed.

Shallow scars tend to be more visible since dead skin cells can darken the skin tone; by removing dead skin cells, you can also reduce the appearance of shallow scarring. This treatment is particularly helpful with non-atrophic acne scarring, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This type of pigmentation scar leaves behind a visible patch of pink, red, or brown skin caused by previous skin inflammation that can take several weeks, and sometimes several months, to fade.

This exfoliation treatment instantly corrects the pigment of these scars to minimize their appearance. Much of the time, acne is caused by dead skin cells that trap dirt, oil, and acne-causing bacteria against the skin surface.

You can more easily manage any acne breakouts when you exfoliate the skin regularly since you will be lifting the barrier that keeps bacteria on your skin. This exfoliation treatment frees up pores so that you can better control the natural flow of oil on your face.

Additionally, many topical acne medications work best after exfoliation. All of the skincare products you use, from serums for anti-aging to your basic moisturizer can all function more effectively when you exfoliate regularly. If you want your products to work at their full potential, then using this exfoliation treatment will ensure that all of your skin active products will sink into deeper layers of skin to produce better results.

Finally, you will be able to apply cosmetics much better when you exfoliate your skin. Without exfoliating, make-up products like foundations and powders sit on the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, which can make your make-up appear messy, cakey, or uneven. After an exfoliating treatment like this one, make-up will go on smoother — and you may even find that you require less make-up in the long run. The skin cell turnover cycle is the natural cycle of shedding dead skin cells.

This cycle generally takes between 28 and 40 days, with those who have mature skin requiring longer cycles. This natural cycle is important because it helps maintain the integrity of your skin cells, which may be damaged by free radicals from UV rays, and also helps maintain the moisture barrier of your skin. That said, not everyone has a regular skin cell turnover cycle. Factors such as your hormones, your stress levels, and your genetics may mean your natural skin cell turnover is slower or irregular, which is generally what causes issues related to dead skin cells, such as acne.

This treatment is an ideal option for most patients who have moderate to mild concerns. And while this treatment is used cosmetically, it can also be recommended for medical use depending on the skin concerns you have, such as acne or rosacea. Yes, you can combine this treatment with other aesthetic options. For example, some patients may benefit from alternating this treatment with chemical peels to manage acne and other moderate superficial skin concerns.

However, most often, this treatment is successfully combined with active skincare products that are designed to address your skin concerns. Using the right combination of cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and medications will help drastically improve the tone and quality of your skin. Judging whether or not this treatment is effective for your needs will depend on more than just how smooth your skin is after your treatment.