Everyone wants to look youthful and vibrant, and we can’t stop ourselves from squinting in the sun when we’re enjoying it. But if we don't take time to protect our skin, we’ll pay for it with wrinkled, damaged, and dry skin.
While all of us would like skin that never gets damaged, the reality is that aging does occur due to years in the sun without protection. The treatment for this type of damage is microdermabrasion, but is it safe for your skin?
The result achieved after microdermabrasion treatment is smooth, soft, rejuvenated skin with improved texture, and skin tone. Despite these excellent results, some still ask if microdermabrasion is safe for getting rid of sun damage.
Let's take a look at how microdermabrasion can cope with sun damage.
Sun damage, also referred to as sunburn, is a result of overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Sun damage is caused when your skin is exposed to UV radiation that causes damage in your skin cells and DNA. In turn, DNA damage triggers aging changes in the skin's appearance.
"Tan" color from UV exposure is a reaction from excess melanin in the body trying to protect your skin from further damage by blocking or absorbing UV radiation. You may experience symptoms of sun damage, sun spots, redness, and itchiness. These are the body's natural response to an irritant, such as the sun's rays and exposure.
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive and quick procedure for sun damage removal treatment that involves hand-guided exfoliation of the top layer of the epidermis. Microdermabrasion uses a non-invasive device to remove the superficial layers of the skin.
The procedure works by exfoliating or removing damaged skin to reveal newer, healthier skin cells underneath. Microdermabrasion crystals are sprayed over the face to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and other substances which are then vacuumed out.
Microdermabrasion restores natural levels of youthfulness on your skin and works on:
Like chemical peels or laser therapy skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion allows patients to enjoy non-surgical skin rejuvenation. This resurfacing option is beneficial to those with sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion gets a lot of good press when it comes to skincare, but there are plenty of questions when it comes to what exactly microdermabrasion does to sun-damaged skin, how it is performed, its benefits, the side effects, and aftercare tips of the procedure.
We will fill in some knowledge gaps regarding this treatment, so that you can go into your procedure with the right expectations.
Before going through a microdermabrasion procedure, you should make sure to ask your healthcare provider about any allergies or medical conditions that could affect the treatment. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, or have any skin disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
Cleanse your face twice daily to reduce the risk of infection—you should do this up to three days before and after the procedure. This will also help you remove any makeup or other facial products that may be on your face, preventing them from remaining on your skin during the procedure.
Waxing within a week before treatment will alter the results of microdermabrasion and may require additional treatments.
Patients should avoid sun exposure and tanning for three to four days before their microdermabrasion procedure.
Avoid alcohol before the treatment.
The microdermabrasion procedure usually takes about 30 minutes or an hour to complete.
When you go for a microdermabrasion procedure, the skincare therapist will first clean your face thoroughly.
Your physician will use a microdermabrasion device to apply a diamond tip exfoliant to the skin. The crystals gently exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, revealing new, healthier skin.
Next, the skincare expert will use a suction device to remove dead skin cells from the outer layer and infuse them with vitamins and antioxidants.
When the microdermabrasion procedure is complete, the physician will apply a soothing mask to the skin. This mask helps seal in moisture in the skin, for a smoother appearance.
Unlike lasers, microdermabrasion doesn't penetrate deeply enough to affect skin's vasculature, so there's very little risk of bleeding or infection.
The skin's ability to repair itself is increased, and the healing time is shortened.
Microdermabrasion works by exfoliating and washing away the top layer of dead skin cells (the epidermis), stimulating the growth of new skin cells (the dermis), and collagen production.
After the procedure, you'll probably experience some temporary redness and swelling.
The skin will usually be sensitive. You may also experience some flaking and peeling.
The skin may feel tight and look sunburned. Some patients experience mild skin irritation following microdermabrasion treatments. This reaction is usually short-lived, and it usually subsides within the first 48 to 72 hours.
Moisturize and hydrate: these are the two most important steps to take care of your skin after microdermabrasion.
Patients should avoid any harsh products on the skin, such as abrasive scrubs and cleansers, for at least one week following a microdermabrasion treatment. You should also aim to avoid the following:
Microdermabrasion is a good option for most patients, but it is not ideal for everyone.
Microdermabrasion is NOT recommended for the following skin conditions: Lupus, Boils, Psoriasis, active acne, Herpes simplex, Folliculitis, Molluscum, Swimmer's itch, Warts, Eczema, Rosacea.
You should also microdermabrasion if you are coming in from an injury or wound that has caused bleeding.
Set your skin free at Skin Deep Med Spa. Our effective course of treatment for sun damage includes microdermabrasion to leave you with radiant and smoother skin.
Our mission is to affect widespread beauty consciousness through an innovative spa menu based on the latest dermatology research. Our staff is dedicated to bringing you the most cutting-edge technologies in sun protection to help us deliver your perfect care plan.
Join us in our mission of holistic healing by scheduling an appointment today with one of our esteemed medical professionals.
Call us today at (617) 765-1392.
Bachelors of Science in Nursing
Michelle Cory, R.N. worked in emergency medicine for eighteen years before developing a passion for aesthetic nursing and has now practiced for over seventeen years. Cory is an expert injector with extensive training in neuromodulators and dermal fillers, specializing in non-surgical facial aesthetics while understanding the importance of combination therapy. Her expertise is in listening to her patients and customizing an individualized treatment plan based on the clients needs.
All content are reviewed by Nichole Starr, R.N., owner and founder of Skin Deep Med Spa.
