Today's skincare has progressed from mashing fruits to highly advanced technology procedures that guarantee healthy and glowing skin. Among these procedures is microdermabrasion, a non-invasive skin rejuvenating procedure that uses fine abrasive tips and a vacuum suction to remove the stratum corneum.

Think of a little vacuum cleaner that slowly and gently removes all the oil, grime, and dead skin cells that have been clogging up your pores. That is essentially what an average microdermabrasion procedure feels like, but here's more you should know about this cosmetic procedure and how much does microdermabrasion cost.

Is Microdermabrasion safe? 

What is microdermabrasion? This skin treatment is a generally safe procedure with minimal side effects if performed by a professional. The result is instant as there is a visible difference when comparing microdermabrasion before and after pictures.

Like other skin procedures, medical microdermabrasion can have some side effects if not done correctly. This is because the constant use of high-pressure abrasive tips on sensitive or damaged skin can cause dryness, scarring, infection, and irritation. 

As fellow skin enthusiasts looking to try out new skin treatments, it's important to ask the right questions before and after each procedure to prevent side effects. Asking the right questions reduces the chances of damage by consulting registered skin professionals and following their advice, such as the constant use of sunscreen to prevent photodamage.

What are the types of Microdermabrasion? 

To provide different results, there are two main types of microdermabrasion. They are crystal microdermabrasion, diamond microdermabrasion, and Crystal microdermabrasion.

Crystal microdermabrasion

Crystal microdermabrasion is the common kind, popularly known as microcrystal dermabrasion. This European-descent treatment shoots out super fine crystals from a receptacle onto the skin and vacuums it back via the same wand. Yes, you read right. The process uses the same wand for spraying and removing fine crystals off your face. 

However, here's what you should know before questioning the safety of this microdermabrasion. Although the wand shoots and removes these crystals, the used crystals are sent to another receptacle and are discarded after every usage. The crystals used are typically corundum crystals made from aluminum oxide and known to produce the best exfoliating effect. Sometimes, corundum is replaced with magnesium oxide, salt crystals, or sodium bicarbonate to produce a similar effect. 

Diamond tip microdermabrasion 

This is another common microdermabrasion type that uses abrasive diamond tips to sludge off dead skin while the vacuum wand sections the dead skin. Since this procedure uses sharp diamond tips, is microdermabrasion painful? The diamond tip treatment is almost painless and will not cut or damage the skin but exfoliates dead cells. 

Hydra microdermabrasion

The hydra microdermabrasion is the newest addition to the microdermabrasion family. It's like treating yourself to your favorite wine after a long week. How comforting. This microdermabrasion technique uses focused infused water to remove dirt that helps remove dead skin and increase cell turnover. 

The infused water contains vitamins and other beneficial nutrients that treat a wide range of skin issues. Hydra microdermabrasion has gained widespread popularity because of the benefits it offers to the skin. Aside from the natural glow, hydra microdermabrasion is also safer and can reach targeted spots. Also, there is a lower risk of experiencing cuts and injuries, unlike other facial microdermabrasion methods. 

How long does Microdermabrasion take? 

A typical esthetician microdermabrasion treatment takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your aesthetician and skin concerns. The session may also include consultation, preparation, cleaning, massage, and possibly facials. 

Since pain can range from non-existent to moderate, microdermabrasion does not often require anesthetics. Overall, it's important to ask your professional for a general overview of the process, an assessment of your pain tolerance, and the cost of microdermabrasion type.

How to prepare for Microdermabrasion treatment 

If you have booked an appointment or intend to book one in the future, there are certain things to do before your microdermabrasion treatment to ensure you get your desired results. 

For starters, if you suffer from any skin issue such as Dermatitis, Psoriasis, or Lupus, consult your doctor for a go-ahead before your microdermabrasion treatment. These conditions put you at a heightened risk of experiencing complications; hence, you need an assessment from your doctor to your aesthetician. 

You should also let your aesthetician know if you take any form of medication, especially aspirin-based medicines or medications containing Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Celecoxib. These NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) increase your chances of bleeding and other reactions that may come along with microdermabrasion sessions.

For smokers(of any kind), we advise you to quit smoking a week before your microdermabrasion appointment, as smoking is known to reduce blood circulation. Also, avoid any form of facials or skin treatment during the week of your appointment. Treatments for waxing, derma-peeling, and sunbathing can increase your skin sensitivity, which can cause scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Microdermabrasion vs Facial 

The comparison between microdermabrasion vs facial is like two best friends competing for your attention. Microdermabrasion spa is the blunt, tough-talking friend who tells you what you need to hear without mincing her opinion, while facials are the nurturing friends that make you feel good when you are down. 

Both skin treatments offer almost similar goals — microdermabrasion removes dirt and grime, while facials nourish the skin with the necessary nutrients. So, if you are looking for a treatment type for dull and lifeless skin or wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, microdermabrasion is the right choice for you. Facials are gentler alternatives that nourish and improve your skin, as well as make it supple and healthy. 

What is Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion?

Diamond tip microdermabrasion is a microdermabrasion treatment that replaced the crystal microdermabrasion in the mid-90s. This procedure involves a diamond-tipped wand to slough the top skin layer and a vacuum to suck out the dead skin so no dirt is left behind. Diamond tip microdermabrasion is a precise process that allows for flexibility thus, it is perfect for small targeted areas. While crystal microdermabrasion employs a sandblasting technique, diamond tip microdermabrasion costs way less and follows a sandpapering method to exfoliate the skin.