Back By Popular Demand: The Popularity of Microdermabrasion and How to Perform It

We get a lot of comments on the site about microdermabrasion and the correct method of performing it on patients. this is a post from way back in early 2007 and it is being reposted but with some additional information added to it at the end – enjoy!

Microdermabrasion and the results achieved are technique sensitive 

My best results come when I use a mild glycolic peel (20%) prior to the microdermabrasion. This causes the skin to effectively loosen and the microdermabrasion to be really effective. Then whether using the diamond tip or crystals the skin really needs to be "scrubbed" – not to the point of pin-point bleeding, but enough to see the skin responding to the treatment. Pinkness is a good sign. I generally use three directions; vertical, horizontal and then a diagonal pass; 3 passes altogether.

Typically, a client commitment of 6 microdermabrasion treatments (once every 10 to 14 days) is the best way to begin. Then the treatment should be done monthly.

You should make a point of educating your clients about the process. The skin did not get to this state overnight, and it will not get better overnight either. It takes a commitment to microdermabrasion treatments combined with regular at home skincare.

Microdermabrasion has become a very popular spa technique. One of the reasons for its increasing popularity is the fact that it is much less invasive than dermabrasion which is only found in medical spas and doctor’s offices. Microdermabrasion is easier to acquire as a treatment because so many aestheticians offer it. As a therapy most people who undergo microdermabrasion are quite happy with the results since it brings out the layer of skin just beneath the surface which is healthier looking and more attractive, giving the client a fresh and young looking appearance. Also the recovery time for microdermabrasion is minimal.

Microdermabrasion is a process by which light abrasion removes the outermost surface of the skin. The methods used are varied and can including mechanical abrasion from zinc oxide or aluminum oxide crystal jets, fine organic particles or a roughened surface. These particles are removed through a wand or hand piece through which the crystals are sent. The process isn’t usually painful and does not require anesthesia as does dermabrasion.  

Why have microdermabrasion? Removing damaged skin areas from over exposure to the sun, dark spots on the skin and to lessen the noticability of scars are some of the reasons for having the procedure. Microdermabrasion is usually quite effective with surface scars though less effective with sunken scars. There is little evidence that it reduces collagen formation. But, microdermabrasion can be used to treat acne. Just be sure that you have not had the medication accutane, or Isotretinion in the previous twelve months before having microdermabrasion.

The growth of the microdermabrasion treatment industry has led to innovations and there are currently a few different microdermabrasion systems available. In terms of professional microdermabrasion systems the choices include diamond microdermabrasion and crystal microdermabrasion.

Crystal microdermabrasion systems are the most traditional treatment and rely on tiny crystals  blasted onto the skin to perform the process of exfoliation. While crystal systems are widely used, alternatives in recent years have gained in popularity. Diamond microdermabrasion systems operate without a  need for crystals.

The process of  exfoliation occurs when a diamond tipped head makes contact with the skin, abrading against the skin. Both crystal and diamond microdermabrasion systems require the dead skin cells to be sucked away from the face.

As microdermabrasion grows in popularity more and more aestheticians will offer the service.

Good Luck!