Microdermabrasion – a treatment with many properties

Our skin consists of: subcutaneous tissues, dermis and keratinizing epidermis. The stratum corneum is a kind of shield that protects the skin and subcutaneous tissues from factors that may damage them. On the other hand, too much keratinized skin effectively hinders the absorption of cosmetic preparations and makes the skin gray and uneven texture. Systematic exfoliation of the epidermis in the beauty salon cleanses the skin of imperfections and calloused cells, unifies the skin tone and improves the penetration of active ingredients applied after exfoliation. The epidermis can be exfoliated in many ways – microdermabrasion is one of the most popular methods.

Microdermabrasion is a procedure performed by a cosmetologist, which involves mechanical abrasion of individual layers of the epidermis with the appropriate head of electrical equipment. The head of maschine should be placed at a right angle to the skin surface. During the procedure, the cosmetologist moves the head of machine continuously in a set direction. The number of passes, duration of the procedure, vacuum level, abrasive gradation (in the case of diamond microdermabrasion) or distance from the skin (in the case of oxybrasion) is individually adjusted. The action is repeated until the desired result is achieved.

There are three types of microdermabrasion: diamond, corundum and water-oxygen.

They differ from each other primarily by the abrasive we use to exfoliate. Diamond microdermabrasion is the most popular type of microdermabrasion performed in beauty salons. It consists of exfoliation of dead skin with a head with a rough diamond tip. Each tip has its own gradation or granularity. While performing microdermabrasion, the cosmetologist selects tips with appropriate gradation for the area being treated. The device creates a vacuum during the diamond microdermabrasion procedure. Exfoliated epidermis is sucked in and at the same time a gentle micro massage. After the procedure, the head and tip are disinfected in a suitable disinfectant liquid, dried, packed into disposable envelopes and sterilized. Compliance with disinfection and sterilization standards guarantees the possibility of repeated use of the tips without fear of customer safety. At our Institute, we offer a diamond microdermabrasion treatment for the face and body.

Other type of microdermabrasion is corundum microdermabrasion, which uses corundum (in the form of fine sand) as an abrasive. There are two nozzles in place of the diamond tip. The first one ejects a stream of corundum microcrystals with great power towards the surface of the skin. Then the used material together with the exfoliated epidermis is absorbed by the second nozzle. During the corundum microdermabrasion treatment there is significant dusting, therefore the person performing the procedure should wear a face mask and the client should wear protective glasses.

The last type of microdermabrasion is water-oxygen microdermabrasion (also known as oxidermabrasion). In this case, it is the compressed air and saline solution ejected with great force produces the effect of exfoliation.

Microdermabrasion exfoliates subsequent layers of the epidermis mechanically.

This means that the effect of peeling of the epidermis occurs immediately at the time of the procedure. It is different, for example, in the case of chemical peels, where you need to wait a few days for the post-treatment effect. Another advantage of microdermabrasion is the fact that during exfoliation there is no energy or chemical injection into the skin. Thanks to this, microdermabrasion is one of the few treatments that are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Microdermabrasion is a painless procedure. The skin becomes noticeably smoother, softer, and fine wrinkles or blackheads are reduced. Microdermabrasion is performed as a separate procedure or can be treated as an introduction to other procedures. This type of exfoliation can be used before manual facial cleansing, chemical peeling, before a skincare treatment (e.g. SKEYNDOR brand treatment program), or before micro needle mesotherapy.

Microdermabrasion is a very universal procedure and often performed in beauty salons. However, like every treatment, it has contraindications. Belong to them:

– skin infections (bacterial, fungal, viral) at the place of surgery (including acne in the inflammatory phase),
– wounds and freshly healed scars,
– surgical operations performed up to three months before surgery,
– hyaluronic acid wrinkle filling treatment up to 4 weeks before the procedure,
– taking oral vitamin A derivatives (e.g. Izotek) in anti-acne therapy up to 6 months earlier,
– psoriasis, rosacea, hemangiomas,
– people with impaired skin healing and a tendency to develop keloids,
– waxing or a chemical hair removal product at the place of treatment up to 6 days before the procedure.

Immediately after the microdermabrasion procedure, the skin may be slightly red and irritated. Hypersensitivity passes quickly, which is why exfoliation by this method does not exclude you from working life. In order not to lead to skin superinfection, it is recommended to give up the gym or bath in chlorinated water for 3 days after the procedure. Microdermabrasion is a year-round treatment, it can be performed during the summer. However, immediately after the procedure it is recommended to use photoprotection and to give up sunbathing.

Versatility, direct post-treatment effect and ease of combining with other procedures are the undeniable advantages of microdermabrasion, which I value myself. In my work as a cosmetologist I often use microdermabrasion both as an individual therapy and as part of combined therapy.