What Does Microdermabrasion Do?

If anti-aging is something that matters to you, chances are that you have a ritual. Day after day, you religiously cleanse your face, tone it and hydrate it with a moisturizer, and maybe even use serums. But did you know that you could be missing one of the most important steps in your anti-aging skincare routine if you don't also partake in microdermabrasion?

This technique revitalizes and rejuvenates the outermost layer of your skin. And if you think microdermabrasion requires visiting a pricey medical spa, we have good news: this extra step in your skincare routine can be done at home—without breaking the bank!

What is microdermabrasion?

The word "microdermabrasion" sounds very technical (and maybe a little intimidating), but it's actually a simple process that takes your exfoliation technique one step further.

There are several ways to benefit from microdermabrasion. You can have microdermabrasion done at a spa or dermatologist's office. A home microdermabrasion skin treatment is an over-the-counter scrub that contains small beads or crystals that gently buff the outermost layer of your skin. You can apply this treatment using a microdermabrasion battery-powered brush. But, you can also get great results just by using a microdermabrasion cleanser with a soft brush or cloth.

Is microdermabrasion necessary?

Maybe you're wondering whether you actually need microdermabrasion—a little cleanser and water may seem like enough of a "skincare routine" for you, thank you very much!

But let's put this in perspective. Think about the dirtiest kitchen pot or pan that you have ever had to clean by hand – did you just run it under hot water with a little bit of soap and it was magically restored to its original form? Most likely not. You probably had to do some scrubbing to restore the natural shine it once had. Same goes for your face as well!

It's not just about dirt, though. Fine lines, age spots, wrinkles and more also may have taken permanent residence on your face over the years; simply washing your face each day and applying a moisturizer is not enough to restore your natural, youthful skin.

You need to tackle the imperfections like dark spots and uneven skin tone head on—and that's where a microdermabrasion exfoliation scrub comes in.

Who can use microdermabrasion?

It doesn't matter what your race, age, or skin type might be—there's a microdermabrasion strategy for you! Microdermabrasion scrubs are made for all different skin types, and the high-quality ones will not cause scarring or pigment changes. Not sure where to start? Try a gentle exfoliant before incorporating a microdermabrasion into your anti-aging skincare routine.

If you have sensitive skin, though, it is best to speak with a dermatologist before attempting microdermabrasion.

How frequently should you use microdermabrasion?

As beneficial as this technique may be, it is recommended to use a microdermabrasion scrub on your face two times a week – no more. It is best to space your scrub sessions a couple days apart from one another, so your skin has time to repair and rebuild.

You should do microdermabrasion at night, before bed, to give your skin time to rest; this is when your skin's cells below the surface will have enough time to repair. Make sure to follow up your scrub with a nighttime, nutrient-rich, moisturizer to help hydrate your skin while you sleep.

What does a microdermabrasion exfoliant do?

Microdermabrasion penetrates the outermost layer of the skin to scrub away the impurities and imperfections on the surface of your skin. It also stimulates the underlaying portion of your skin to promote healthy oxygen levels and blood flow to restore your skin at a cellular level.

In a spa or dermatologist's office, microdermabrasion is done with a small handheld device that sands the top layer of skin. A microdermabrasion scrub for home use can contain amber crystals or other exfoliants that smooth skin and even out discoloration. A quality scrub supports skin rejuvenation by naturally stimulating collagen levels and ultimately leaves your skin feeling fresh and smooth to the touch.

When looking for a microdermabrasion scrub, make sure to look for a product that not only removes and restores, but also smooths and hydrates your skin after the treatment with essential oils to cool and calm your freshly exfoliated skin.

What are the benefits of a microdermabrasion scrub?

Using a microdermabrasion scrub in your anti-aging skincare routine can dramatically improve the overall look and feel of your skin from the inside out. A quality product will help promote blood flow under the surface of your skin, ultimately rejuvenating your skin's internal health at a cellular level.

Better and more blood flow below the surface of your skin means more oxygen and nutrients are supplied to your cells, helping to restore and repair your outermost layer.

When you do microdermabrasion, you are clearing a clean path for other essential anti-aging skincare products to do their work more efficiently and effectively. For instance, after you thoroughly wash your face before bed and apply a nighttime moisturizer, your skin may be able to absorb the moisturizing nutrients more.

By improving your skin's blood flow and circulation you are helping to provide the nutrients your cells need to repair faster. It also naturally helps stimulate collagen production to make your skin appear softer and supple.

Is a microdermabrasion scrub good for blemishes?

There's nothing more frustrating than waking up in the morning with blemishes, but for those dealing with unruly skin needs, a microdermabrasion scrub could provide positive benefits. Essentially, you're scrubbing away dead skin cells and impurities that can block pores, and ultimately cause blemishes to appear.

If you are struggling with blemishes, a microdermabrasion exfoliant will only go so far, however. Genetics are the culprit when it comes to the size of your pores, but environmental factors and poor hygiene can enlarge them even further. The good news is that incorporating microdermabrasion into your skincare routine can help clear out any blockage, dirt or debris that are trapped deep below the skin's surface.

Does a microdermabrasion scrub help fine lines and wrinkles?

Creams and moisturizers that contain sun protection are great to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles from appearing, but microdermabrasion takes your skin care to the next level. By incorporating a microdermabrasion exfoliant, you are taking an extra, proactive step in your anti-aging skincare regimen to fight visible signs of aging.

Because these scrubs help naturally promote collagen production, your skin renewal process gets an extra boost and helps fight or even reduce the formation of lines and wrinkles.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to scratch the surface on this great anti-aging skincare technique!

References

• "Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion." WebMD, June 2020, https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-dermabrasion#1
• Shanbhag, Shreya et al. "Anti-aging and Sunscreens: Paradigm Shift in Cosmetics." Adv Pharm Bull, August 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6773941/
• Wisco, Lucie. "What Is Microdermabrasion?" Healthline, March 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/microdermabrasion