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.
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What Does Microdermabrasion Do?
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 aretwo main typesof microdermabrasion procedures: crystal and diamond. Both types thoroughly exfoliate the skin and have skin benefits.
Duringcrystal 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 microdermabrasionis a crystal-free version that uses a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate the skin instead.
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This video has been medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD.
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
The microdermabrasion process can be hard on your skin. If your skin is irritated before treatment, your provider may want to postpone the procedure.
Don't 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
- Sunburn
You also should not have microdermabrasion if you have used the acne medication isotretinoin in the past six months.
What Is the Process Like?
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.
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.
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, andmedispasoften include microdermabrasion in a fullfacial treatment, along with a mask and facial massage. If you get the total package, expect to spend about 60 to 90 minutes in the treatment chair.
Could I See Results After Just One Microdermabrasion Session?
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 one to two weeks apart.
Cost
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.
Can I Do Microdermabrasion at Home?
If you’re on a budget, you can find microdermabrasion machines and exfoliating scrubs online or in cosmetics stores. The kits can gently remove dead skin cells, but a dermatologist's treatment can go deeper and offer better results than what you can achieve at home.
Preparation
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 done by a skincare professional like a dermatologist or esthetician. If it's not done properly, microdermabrasion can cause scarring. It’s common for your skin to be a bit pink right after your session, but this usually fades within a few hours.
The side effects of microdermabrasion are temporary and may include:
- Bruising
- Dry or flaking skin
- Increased sun sensitivity
- Mild abrasions (scrapes)
- Recurrence of cold sores
What to Expect After Treatment
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. Make sure to use sunscreen because you’ll be more susceptible tosun damageafter 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 cell turnover process is complete. This is usually around 40 to 50 days for adults, but factors like your age can influence the timing.
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 to help even out skin tone and enhance your complexion. 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.
