Is your skin looking a little dull and feeling a bit rough? Try as you might, at-home exfoliating usually isn’t effective enough to sustainably combat many skin concerns, particularly uneven skin texture and uneven skin tone, and in fact, many store-bought products and DIY scrubs only serve to further irritate skin. Instead of making your skin concerns worse, you need to find a better solution. At DermaNuva, we believe that microdermabrasion is one of the best routes to perfect skin.
How Long Do the Effects of Microdermabrasion Last?
You’ve probably heard about this treatment from the many people who swear by its effectiveness. This is a truly versatile option that can treat multiple skin concerns at one time and produce an enviable, Instagram-worthy glow. If you’re looking for a simple skin solution that will totally turn the state of your skin around, then look no further than microdermabrasion.
The effects of the treatment typically last for about 1 month. The length of time results will last varies depending on your age and how well you are responding to the treatment, but for most patients, it is common to schedule regular appointments every 4 weeks. For most people, the effects of the treatment depend on how quickly their body turns over new cells, which is generally 2 to 3 weeks.
The long-lasting effects of microdermabrasion are just the tip of the iceberg – there is so much more to learn.
Microdermabrasion 101
You can think of this treatment as advanced exfoliation; classified as a non-invasive, non-surgical cosmetic skin treatment that is used primarily for resurfacing the skin. Like many other skin resurfacing treatments, this is a treatment that mainly addresses superficial skin concerns, or skin issues that are on the surface of skin. Because it’s non-invasive, it is considered a safe and effective treatment for virtually all patients.
Microdermabrasion vs Dermabrasion
If you’re in the know, then you might be aware that there is a treatment similar to this one. But is there a huge difference between microderm treatment and dermabrasion? The short answer is yes, and we’re glad you asked.
The main difference between these two treatments is the “depth” of the abrasion. Similar to chemical peels, there are different levels of depth in exfoliating treatments. While microderm treatment exfoliates the superficial layers of skin, dermabrasion creates a microinjury on the skin that exfoliates deeper dermal layers. The main advantage of dermabrasion is the fact that it can treat more severe skin concerns for a longer period of time. However, it has a distinct disadvantage in that it cannot be used on all patients.
How Does It Work?
Microderm treatment works by abrading, or eroding, the outermost layers of skin. You can think of it as something similar to the slow erosion of a rock over time. Eventually, the surface of the rock becomes smooth once all the rough outer layers have been removed. It’s the same concepts with this treatment, only it works for the skin. For this treatment, the top layers of dead skin cells are removed from the skin to reveal the new skin underneath.
What Does It Treat?
This is a treatment that can correct a diverse range of skin concerns. Regardless of whether your skin concerns are mild or moderate, this is a treatment that can have a great impact on your overall appearance. Microderm treatments can help with skin concerns such as:
- Uneven skin tone or complexion
- Uneven skin texture or roughness
- Dull and dry skin
- Fine lines
- Dark spots or pigmentation
- Clogged pores
- Acne
- The appearance of scars
- Mild skin laxity
For many patients, skin concerns come in pairs rather than as individual issues. It is common to have both dull skin and rough skin or to have both fine lines and acne scarring. For patients with comorbid skin issues, finding a mild treatment that can address multiple issues at once is exceptionally beneficial.
Common Treatment Methods
Are all microderm treatments the same? No. There are actually two different treatment methods that are commonly used in many dermatology clinics. The treatment method that will be used for you will depend on your individual needs and your ideal appearance goals. The common microderm treatment methods include:
Microcrystal
Microcrystal dermabrasion is a microderm treatment that uses finely grained crystals to exfoliate the skin. The microcrystals used for this method can be made from salt, baking soda, or aluminum oxide, which is nearly as hard as diamonds. The crystals are sent to the skin through a tube, where they are sprayed over the skin to slough off the topmost layers of skin. The exfoliated skin and crystals are then vacuumed through the tube to remove debris from the new skin surface.
Diamond
The diamond-tipped microderm treatment method is newer than microcrystal but no less effective. The tip of the treatment device is coated in a diamond-hard substance – usually not actual diamonds – which is passed over the skin to remove dead skin cells. As the diamond-tip removes dead skin, a small vacuum attached to the device sucks away the exfoliated debris.
How Do I Know Which Method Is Right for Me?
Common wisdom may say that any exfoliating treatment can be substituted for another simply because they all accomplish the same tasks, but the fact is that choosing the right method is important. The right treatment method is the difference between having a somewhat effective treatment and an incredibly effective treatment. But how do you choose the right one? During your consultation, we will explore all treatment methods and help you match the best method to your individual needs and goals so that your treatment can achieve your desired results.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion
There are numerous benefits of this treatment that belie its simplicity. As an advanced exfoliating treatment that can treat a variety of skin concerns at one time, microdermabrasion is attractive to prospective patients for several reasons, including:
It Fights Aging
Microdermabrasion is considered anti-aging for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also correct mild skin laxity, particularly in the cheeks and under the chin. The reason this treatment works for anti-aging purposes is that it stimulates the body’s natural regenerative abilities by stimulating the production of collagen in the sub-dermal layers of skin. Both collagen and elastin are proteins in the skin that provide structural support, which is why inciting a higher production of these proteins can correct minor skin volume loss.
It Improves Skin Look and Texture
As a treatment that primarily exfoliates the skin, one obvious benefit of the treatment is its unparalleled ability to resurface skin. But resurfacing is so much more than just smoothing out the texture of the skin. Microdermabrasion can resurface both uneven skin texture and uneven skin tone; particularly pigmentation issues such as sun damage and dark spots.
It Reduces the Look of Scars
In addition to resurfacing the skin, the appearance of scars on the skin surface can also be significantly reduced. This is particularly true for the dips and dimples of acne scarring. Microdermabrasion treatment reduces the appearance of scars by removing the shadow caused by dull skin and by stimulating new cell turn over from within the deeper layers of skin. The appearance of scars is greatly reduced when the surrounding skin shares a similar texture and volume.
It Offers Acne-Fighting Power
Another huge benefit of this treatment is its ability to help fight acne. One of the root causes of acne are pores blocked by dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion exfoliates those skin cells away from inflamed skin, clears out pores with the vacuum, and also helps close pores by stimulating collagen production. Regular exfoliating treatments such as this one are a great way to eliminate severe breakouts on the skin.
It Makes Cosmetics and Skincare Products More Effective
If you regularly wear make-up such as foundation, setting powders, and highlighters, then you know how invaluable a smooth canvas is for creating a perfect finished beauty look. The exfoliating benefits of microdermabrasion will help cosmetics be more evenly applied to the skin. Additionally, the removal of dead skin cells allows skincare products to more deeply penetrate the skin, meaning that the products can work more effectively.
It Offers Greater Skin Confidence
Beautiful skin with a glowing, radiant appearance can be a huge confidence booster. When you have skin confidence, it is easier to have a healthier sense of self-esteem since you won’t be worrying about any of your perceived skin flaws. Skin confidence is an appealing benefit for many patients, particularly those who prefer a more natural appearance.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Microdermabrasion
Consultation
Your first appointment will be a consultation where we will examine the condition of your skin, discuss your skin and appearance goals, and also discuss the treatments you are interested in having. The consultation will also be a time where we collect general medical information, including any current skin or health conditions, the medications and supplements you are currently taking, and any cosmetic treatments you have had in the past. We may also recommend an Advanced Skin Analysis.
What Is Advanced Skin Analysis?
An Advanced Skin Analysis is a 60-minute in-depth analysis of your skin composition that searches for the root causes of skin concerns. Advanced Skin Analysis looks at lipid, hydration, and melanin, as well as other visible skin concerns, such as tone, texture, and sun damage. This analysis also uses florescent lighting to look beneath the surface of skin to identify issues.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Before your treatment, we will provide you with a few instructions to follow to make your treatment as effective as possible. These pre-treatment instructions may include:
- Avoid certain products, such as retinol
- Avoid direct sun, tanning, or waxing
- Avoid certain supplements, such as vitamin A and E
Treatment
On the day of your treatment, the first step will be to use a gentle cleanser on your skin to remove excess dirt and oil. Then we will use the treatment device to exfoliate your skin with your preferred method. After your skin has been treated, we will apply a protectant to your skin, such as a moisturizer or sunscreen. The treatment will take from 20 to 60 minutes depending on the method and the size of the treatment area.
Post-Treatment Instructions
After your treatment, we will give you instructions to follow to help you through the immediate recovery time. The post-treatment instructions will include:
- Avoid certain products, such as retinol
- Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive sweating
- Avoid certain products
- Use moisturizers, sunscreens, or other skincare products we give you
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
For many patients, you can achieve desired results with regular monthly treatment appointments. However, if you have a particular skin concern, such as those related to aging, it is possible you will require more treatments. For some patients with moderate skin concerns, we recommend a series of six treatments spaced two to four weeks apart to achieve initial desired results. Appointments after that are used to maintain results.
Can I Combine This Treatment?
This treatment is one that is easy to combine with other cosmetic treatments.
Facials
Facials such as MediFacial and enzyme or chemical peels are frequently combined with this treatment. These types of facials are designed to address moderate superficial skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and acne, and are made more effective when exfoliating treatments allow the chemicals in the facials to penetrate deeper layers of skin.
Fillers
Dermal fillers and neurotoxins are easily combined with microderm treatments. In fact, combining a treatment that addresses surface skin concerns with treatments that address sub-dermal skin concerns is a good way to quickly and effectively correct the skin. Fillers can replace volume or tighten skin, while microderm can smooth the skin surface.
Energy
It is possible to use energy-based treatments, such as lasers or radiofrequency, in combination with microderm treatments. This is because energy-based treatments can correct skin laxity, eliminate dark spots, and further resurface skin that has already been prepped by microderm exfoliation.
Skin Care
The right skincare products can help enhance the results of a cosmetic treatment. This is especially true for microderm treatments, which allow skincare products to sink deeper into the skin and extend the results of the initial cosmetic treatment.
Is This Treatment Safe for All Skin Types?
This is a treatment that is safe for all skin types and skin tones. Regardless of the treatment method, this treatment does not have the risk of pigmentation damage that other cosmetic treatments pose for darker complexions. This treatment is also friendly to those with sensitive skin.
Am I a Good Candidate for Treatment?
There are many good candidates for this treatment. This treatment is an appropriate option for women and men of any age who are interested in perfecting the surface of their skin. You may be a good candidate if you want to:
- Correct skin tone and texture
- Reduce fine lines and acne scarring
- Renew the appearance of skin