Microdermabrasion Aftercare Tips & What to Expect
Microdermabrasion helps you get smoother, younger-looking skin that is super soft & smooth to touch. It’s one of the most popular treatments in Australia.
If you’re thinking of booking a microdermabrasion session, you’ll probably have lots of questions about what it involves and what happens after a treatment session.
In the guide, we’ll answer the most-asked questions about microdermabrasion. We’ll also share our top microdermabrasion aftercare tips to help you care for your skin and get optimal results.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a two-step skin rejuvenation treatment that can brighten your complexion and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The first stage of the treatment acts on the outermost layer of skin. Your clinician will use a diamond head handpiece to buff away damaged and dead skin cells. The abrasive process clears away impurities and exfoliates the skin to encourage cell renewal.
The treatment is completed with a serum infusion or mask that is tailored to your aesthetic goals.
Microdermabrasion is often combined with a skin peel or HA Peptide mask for an ultra-moisturising and nourishing effect. Your clinician can tailor the peel to your skin type and treatment goals to achieve optimal rejuvenation results.
Ask your clinician about these add-on treatments during your free consultation.
What Does Microdermabrasion Do?
Microdermabrasion offers deep pore cleansing and exfoliation. It gently removes the top layers of skin, whisking away dead and damaged cells, impurities, and debris. After a session, your skin will appear smoother, more vibrant, and be softer to touch.
Microdermabrasion is an effective treatment for a range of skin concerns, including:
- Congested skin
- Sun-damaged skin
- Enlarged pores
- Pigmentation
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Excess oil production
According to a clinical study by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, microdermabrasion significantly improves the appearance of fine wrinkles, dullness, pigmentation, and large pores after just three sessions. After six sessions, results get even better.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
The number of microdermabrasion sessions required will depend on your aesthetic goals. For example, if you want to get a brighter and smoother complexion for a one-off social occasion, you can schedule a single treatment a week or so before the event.
If you want to improve a specific skin concern like forehead wrinkles, you may need multiple sessions spread over a longer period. Your practitioner will advise you on the number of sessions required and the best treatment schedule during your free consultation at b clinic.
Does Microdermabrasion Hurt?
You will experience mild scratching on the surface of your skin, but some clients have described this feeling as similar to the sensation of a rough lick of a cat’s tongue. Microdermabrasion is non-invasive and pain-free.
How to Prepare for Microdermabrasion?
There is little to no preparation required.
In the week before your session, you should take steps to avoid sunburns by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen during periods of sun exposure. You should also avoid harsh skincare products or other cosmetic procedures that make your skin more sensitive.
On the day of your microdermabrasion session, your skin should be product-free. You can apply makeup after the session.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
Immediately after treatment, your skin may appear pinkish and feel more tender than usual. This should fade within a few hours. There is a risk of bruising, but this is rare when an experienced practitioner performs the microdermabrasion.
Over the next couple of days, you may experience a sensation similar to mild sunburn. There is no downtime, and you can go straight back to your regular routine after a microdermabrasion treatment.
Microdermabrasion Aftercare Tips
Microdermabrasion stimulates cell renewal by buffing away the tired and dull-looking surface layers of skin. To achieve optimal results, you need to follow the aftercare instructions your practitioner provides.
The following microdermabrasion aftercare tips help protect your skin and speed up the healing process for smoother, younger-looking skin.
Use Sunscreen
It’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s powerful UV rays. During the first few days following treatment, your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight. You should try to avoid direct sun exposure if possible and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Avoid Products That Could Cause Irritation
You should avoid exfoliating products and products containing harsh ingredients that could irritate your skin for at least 72 hours following microdermabrasion. It’s also important to avoid rubbing or picking your skin during this time.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
After a microdermabrasion session, your new skin will feel softer and smoother than ever. It will also be more receptive to moisturisers. You can keep your skin feeling smooth and aid the healing process by using a gentle moisturiser as needed throughout the day.
Avoid Strenuous Exercise
A good workout can lift your mood and give your skin a healthy glow, but you should avoid pushing yourself for a few days following microdermabrasion. Your skin will be more sensitive post-treatment, and sweating could lead to irritation.
For the same reason, you should also avoid saunas and hot baths for a few days until your skin has fully healed.
Don’t Use Blood-Thinning Medications
Aspirin and ibuprofen both have a blood-thinning effect that can slow down the healing process. You should avoid these medications and others that thin the blood for 48 hours post-treatment. It’s also advisable to avoid alcohol consumption until your skin has fully recovered.
Revitalising Your Skin with Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion can help you get smoother, brighter, and softer skin with little to no downtime. If you want to learn more about this treatment and find out if it’s right for you, schedule a free consultation today.
FAQs
How Frequently Can You Get Microdermabrasion?
The frequency of microdermabrasion treatments depends on the goals you want to achieve and how quickly your skin recovers after each session. You need to give your skin time to heal between sessions to achieve optimal results.
For most people, sessions should be spaced around two weeks apart. Your clinician will assess your skin type and recommend a treatment personalised treatment plan during your free consultation.
Does Microdermabrasion Get Rid of Blackheads?
A single treatment can provide deep cleansing of your pores. With each session, your skin will become clearer and brighter.
The treatment also stimulates cell renewal and encourages the skin to slough, which helps to reduce the risk of new blackheads forming.
If you suffer from acne-prone skin, there are a range of treatment options to help you keep breakouts under control and get clearer skin.
Is Microdermabrasion Bad for Your Skin?
No. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that is safe for all skin types. There are no incisions, cuts, or need for anaesthetic. By encouraging cell renewal and exfoliating the surface layers, microdermabrasion helps your skin to be more healthy and younger-looking.
Can Microdermabrasion Go Wrong?
When performed by a trained practitioner, there is minimal risk of microdermabrasion going wrong. Any side effects from microdermabrasion are usually mild and last no longer than a few days. If you feel any pain during or after a microdermabrasion treatment, inform your clinician.
Can You Wear Makeup after Microdermabrasion?
You can apply makeup following a microdermabrasion session. However, it’s best to use high-quality mineral makeup rather than oil-based makeup as this allows the skin to breathe.
Your clinician may suggest that you allow your skin time to heal and wait until the following day before applying makeup.