October 3, 2023 microdermabrasion treatment

Microdermabrasion Treatment

The Microdermabrasion Treatment is a simple, non-invasive, no downtime procedure that leaves the skin significantly smooth and looking healthier. I have heard and read many estheticians say it is old school or outdated. Oldies can be goodies! There is a place for microdermabrasion in your treatment room. 

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion was invented in Europe in the 80s using aluminum oxide crystals to abrade the skin and remove the top layer of dead skin. It later on came to the US in the 90s. I remember trying out a medical unit in 1997. We had to protect the eyes from the aluminum oxide crystals to avoid corneal abrasions. There was a process where we would use eye drops and seal the eyes. This way nothing could flow into them. Many clients would call this sand blasting because the crystals would go through the tubes to the hand piece, swirl on the skin and the suction would take the debris out into a waste container. The skin was left silky smooth and crystal was everywhere. Clients would get home and still have crystal in their ears and hair. Later on the sodium chloride crystal units came out and this was safer for the eyes because these crystals would dissolve with water. Many aestheticians still use these units, the only issue I had was if it was clogged you had to figure out where and sometimes clear it out. It was a bit of a hassle depending on the unit and if you had someone in the treatment bed waiting, this could delay the microdermabrasion treatment.

Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion

The microdermabrasion was later improved using a diamond tip. There are some who would disagree this was an improvement. The wand has the diamond tip crystals screw on tip. Usually there is a filter in the hose to catch the debris. The tips can vary on grit and shape for different skin types and places on the skin used. Today the Diamond tip microdermabrasion is the most common one found.

Crystal Microdermabrasion vs. Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion Treatment?

Like I said before some would disagree the Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion is better. It is really about preference. Some love that the crystal treatment felt like it helped dry out oil for the acne prone skin types. Others feel like one is more aggressive than the other. It depends on the units because they are all different. I have heard some aestheticians not like to have to refill and purchase the crystals because it got expensive. On the other hand you do have to replace the diamond tips every once in a while and make sure they are sanitized properly after each treatment. There is not a wrong or right answer here. It is what is right for you, that you need to consider.

I do not believe you need to have the strongest unit on the market to get the job done. On the contrary I tend to use the lighter suction on units I have used, and they work perfectly. Higher or stronger microdermabrasion does not mean better. When the suction is too high you can risk breaking capillaries and irritating the skin.

The microdermabrasion treatment can be repeated over several weeks. The frequency depends on the skin type and condition of the client. Some procedures can be performed approximately two weeks apart.  There are aestheticians that like to perform a light chemical peel or enzyme treatment after a microdermabrasion. Getting to know your clients skin is important to know what they can tolerate.  Using the Papaya & Pineapple Enzyme Mask is my favorite go to after the microdermabrasion. This enzyme mask helps to gobble up any dead skin that did not completely come off and polishes the skin. Using this enzyme is also a safe way of completing the treatment. You can also gauge how sensitive they are by asking them if they feel any tingling.  Most skin types will not.  You can see where they have thinner skin. If they feel sensitive you can just remove the mask. 

Skin can feel a light windburn feeling after microdermabrasion on some thinner skin types. This feeling usually does not last very long. Microdermabrasion is a great staple to have on hand to soften skin, help with texture and clean pores.  Adjust the level and even a light microdermabrasion will leave skin soft.  Someone that is not a candidate for microdermabrasion are skin types with redness, broken capillaries and rosacea.

Microdermabrasion can be also used as a spot treatment or for certain areas like the T-zone.  I have clients that only have issues around the nose and chin.  Their skin is dry and thinner in other areas, so we avoid those.  We just focus the microdermabrasion on needed areas. 

I have noticed microdermabrasion helps lessen my extraction time. I usually take time to prepare the skin well before extractions. Performing treatments with activated charcoal using steam or hot towels, microdermabrasion help soften and get the pores ready for extractions. I feel half of the job is done once I finish microderming the skin.  When I start to extract it takes less time. 

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

  • Minimize appearance of large pores
  • Help unclog pores
  • Soften bumpy skin
  • Preps the skin for extractions
  • Collagen production is stimulated
  • Helps to improve Sun Damage
  • Improve fine lines and wrinkles
  • Penetration of ingredients and product is increased

Contraindications for Microdermabrasion

  • Warts
  • Active Acne
  • Active Rosacea
  • Recent Herpes Outbreaks
  • Undiagnosed lesions

There are different ways to incorporate Microderm into your office.  I know we get caught up with the newest and latest technology but this one is a good staple to have.  We have a sample protocol you can check out.  Send us any questions or comments. We would love to hear how you do your microdermabrasion treatments.

Microdermabrasion professional facial treatment protocol
Treatment Time: 45-60 minutes
Skin Types : All Skin Types
Suggested Price: $95-125

  1. Cleanse with Facial Cleansing Gel
  2. Tone skin with Gentle Clarifying Toner
  3. Cleanse and exfoliate with AHA Micro Bead Polish (if you are doing a microdermabrasion for acne treatment you can omit this step.)
  4. Apply thin layer of Revitalizing Enzyme Mask. Use with Steamer or hot towel compress
  5. Leave on for  3-8 minutes depending on skin type and rinse.  If skin is very sensitive leave on less time.
  6. Begin to Microderm the skin.  If skin is sensitive may need to do less passes.
  7. Apply Refreshing Rose Mask for 5 minutes if skin is sensitive or irritated.
  8. Apply a hydrating or nourishing serum depending on the skin type. Vitamin Restore Serum is great for dry or skin concerned about aging and Balance Serum is great if you are doing a microdermabrasion for acne or skin with oil (Clarifying Serum can tingle).
  9. Apply Daily Skin Salve
  10. Apply Eye Renewal Serum to eye area.
  11. Apply Light Moisture Cream for combination skin or Vitamin Daily Moisturizer for dry skin

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