The Microdermabrasion Facial: Everything You Need to Know
What is microdermabrasion?
The Microdermabrasion facial exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of skin using crystal powder. This procedure can take 50 minutes to an hour, depending on whether you choose to have extractions. Your esthetician will begin the process using the same steps as the classic European facial. They will then use a device to gently spray a fine crystal powder all over the skin to remove a layer of dead skin cells, and finish with moisturizer and sun protection. After a microdermabrasion procedure, there is little to no downtime. You can expect to see results immediately after.
What are the benefits of microdermabrasion?
Reduce and Prevent Fine Lines and Wrinkles
There are a multitude of causes of unwanted lines and wrinkles in the skin. The mildly abrasive powder used during microdermabrasion facials can help to diminish the appearance of these wrinkles.
“One small study in 2006 showed that women who had the treatment once a week for a period of six weeks experienced increased brightness and decreased yellowness at the site of microdermabrasion. They also noticed a decrease in the visibility of their wrinkles.”
Acne
The microdermabrasion treatment is great to try if you struggle with mild acne. By exfoliating the top layer of the skin the microdermabrasion can get rid of small bumps and acne causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. This facial may not be suitable for individuals with severe acne problems.
“Active acne is where you’ve got the typical white spots and doing a microdermabrasion treatment (or any exfoliation treatment) can burst those spots. This can make your acne worse and increase the healing time- and put you at risk for further infection. Wait until the pus has gone away and the acne is less inflamed before doing a microdermabrasion treatment, or just focus on the areas where the acne isn’t as severe.”
Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
If you suffer from dark spots and uneven skin tone, regular microdermabrasion treatments can help to fade these spots and even out your complexion. Regularly removing the top layer of skin cells allows for new cell growth. Because hyperpigmentation, also known as melasma, occurs on the outermost layer of the skin, the crystal powder will buff away any unwanted spots on the face.
“Microdermabrasion has been shown to conclusively remove the outermost layer of the skin associated with melasma with little to no damage to underlying skin (Gill). This removal is synonymous with a softening of the appearance of hyperpigmentation. This establishes microdermabrasion as a definitive and effective tool for treating hyperpigmentation and melasma, especially when used alongside some of the other aforementioned treatments.” Brandon Kirsch, MD
If you have extremely sensitive skin, you may not be a good candidate for a microdermabrasion facial. Please consult with your esthetician or dermatologist before deciding if this is the right treatment for you.
At ZZ Day Spa we offer microdermabrasion treatments with the option of skin extractions or no skin extractions, so you can decide which procedure is more suitable for your skin type. Our passionate and highly skilled estheticians can help you decide if microdermabrasion is suitable for your skin type. To schedule a microdermabrasion facial appointment, click here.
