Benefits of Microdermabrasion

T oday’s standard for beautiful skin is for it to be clear of imperfections like blemishes, blackheads, acne, or pigments and have a natural glow that is associated with youth. Of course, there is the “anti-canon” that completely discards this view, encouraging people to accept their flows as this is what makes them special. I think that the truth lays somewhere in between, and what is more important is to do what you consider fit to make you feel confident and beautiful.

The microdermabrasion treatment that has been used extensively by a lot of celebrities over the past decade is now available for home use, and it promises to solve many of the problems people with acne-prone skin experience. In the following, I will explain how this technique works, what are the advantages you can get by using it, as proven by scientific studies, and even analyze the side effects that may appear if your skin is extra sensitive or you are not following the guidelines indicated by most estheticians.

Young Woman During Microdermabrasion

What Is Microdermabrasion?

It is a cosmetic procedure similar to exfoliation, with the distinction that it cleans the pores deeper as it combines two elements: abrasion and suction. It can either be performed by using a device that dispenses microcrystals of sodium bicarbonate (sometimes aluminum oxide) or a microdermabrasion machine equipped with a diamond tip that gently scratches the outermost skin layer. Both methods have the same purpose: to eliminate the dirt, sebum, and cosmetic traces that remain trapped in the pores and can clog them, leading to zits and skin dullness.

Compared to other similar procedures like microneedling or chemical peel, microdermabrasion is gentle and doesn’t require that you take time to recover. The redness on your face will disappear completely in just a few hours or less, and you don’t need to follow a special cosmetic treatment afterward. Of course, using a moisturizer is recommended, and you should also avoid the sun, but these are guidelines to be used daily and not for this procedure particularly.

What Does Microdermabrasion Do for Your Face?

If used once or twice a month, this treatment can work miracles, according to the dermatologists who are already using it for years in their offices but also to the many studies that have been performed to test its safety and efficacy. Here are the main skin issues it can solve:

It reduces acne

Acne appears when the pores are clogged with sebum or dirt. In the first case, it can be a genetic problem or one associated with teenage, when the hormones can temporarily mess up the proper functioning of the sebaceous glands. In the second case, improper skin cleansing and care may be the cause.

One thing you need to keep in mind is that microdermabrasion can be used to prevent acne outbursts and should not be used if your face is covered in pimples. It is best to wait for a part of them to disappear before using the device.

If applied properly, it can have excellent results, according to this clinical trial that was performed on 24 patients, of which 94% responded that they were pleased with the way their skin looked after completing the study.

It makes your skin look younger

When you enter your 30s, the level of collagen produced by your body is already starting to decrease, and the results can be seen in the fine lines and wrinkles that appear around your eyes and mouth. This deep exfoliation procedure can even out the skin layer, helping your skin regain its youthfulness. The results provided by this study showed that it only takes 6 treatments for the skin to look brighter and fresher and for the fine lines to be reduced considerably. The anti-aging effect can be maintained if you include this procedure in your monthly skincare routine.

It can help eliminate dark spots or scars

Acne can leave you with scars or darker portions of the skin that affect the luminosity of your complexion. In this situation, specialists recommend combining microdermabrasion with good depigmentation skincare products that can help brighten up the spots and even out your skin. This research trial that was performed by Dr. Swati Arora at the SGRD Institute of Medical Sciences & Research in India recorded good scar-reducing results even in patients with moderate scarring.

Woman with Beautiful Skin After Microdermabrasion

It makes your skin look brighter and smoother

When people use the device on their skin, the first thing they observe is how smooth their face feels afterward. This is because the pores are cleaned and start getting smaller. Some machines even include a face steamer that pulverizes mist on your face to help open the pores for the suction to be more efficient. Zeny 108 is one of them and a favorite of mine as it feels so refreshing using it, especially in the summer. Since it cleans my skin so deeply, the aftercare products absorb immediately, and the hydration lasts longer.

It evens out your skin texture

This study looked at the subjects’ skin before and after that treatment, assessing acne scar visibility as well as the effects it had on hyperpigmentation, concluding that the skin tone has improved considerably after several sessions. If a topical retinoid is also involved, the results are even more noticeable and last longer.

Side Effects Associated with Microdermabrasion

As I have already explained, you will most probably be ready to get your face out in the world as soon as the procedure is ready, and this is because it doesn’t affect the deeper layers of your skin. However, if you have a more sensitive skin type, you may come across the following secondary effects:

• Dry skin – your skin may feel a little flaky for the first week, but this problem solves by itself. To avoid discomfort, you can moisturize more often. If you have oily skin, as I have, this can actually be an advantage, as the sebum level will feel more balanced, and you will finally be able to apply all the makeup you want without it becoming oily in a few hours.
• Redness – don’t worry, this isn’t the bloody red you are thinking about. Your face may look pinkish for a while, but this effect will disappear in a few hours. In some cases, with extra-sensitive skin, it may last up to a day, but I have never seen someone stay red for more than 24 hours.
• Sun sensitivity – this is among the most important aftercare tips: don’t head to the beach after the treatment. In fact, try to stay out of the sun for the first days, if possible. If you really need to go out in the blazing sun, wear sunscreen and a hat that can protect your skin from burns.
• Superficial abrasions or bruises – if you are inexperienced, you may end up causing yourself some bruises, but they will not be deep and will most probably disappear in the following days. My advice to avoid bruises and abrasions is to practice your skills on the upper side of your hand first and never go with the diamond tip on the same surface twice.

The Bottom Line: Should You Use a Microdermabrasion Machine?

When comparing the benefits with the downsides, it becomes clear that a microdermabrasion device is a great buy if you are struggling with acne or trying to reduce scars or wrinkles on your face. I like to use it twice a month just to give my face an extra glow boost. I also use it a day or two before an important event to feel more confident. My skin is oily and prone to developing whiteheads, but now I only get one once in a while. However, if you have sensitive or dry skin, I recommend paying more attention when using the machine and leaving a larger window between the treatment day and the day you need to show up somewhere important. Also, remember to moisturize and hydrate, as this is truly the secret of skin youth.