11 Insane (But True) Things About Microdermabrasion Treatments

1. Almost a million procedures are done every year

In 2014, over 870, 000 microdermabrasion procedures were done.

In America alone 417, 000 procedures were done that year, and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) declared Microdermabrasion as the 5^th most popular cosmetic procedure in the US.

2. You can have it done in less than 30 minutes

Contrary to popular belief, microdermabrasion is quick, so much that it’s nicknamed the “lunchtime facelift.” It can be done in 15 – 30 minutes, making it easy especially for those who work, or have an active social life.

The best part about microdermabrasion is that there is no downtime after the procedure. Meaning, you can resume your work and normal day-to-day activities after, provided you take care not to stay in the sun too long.

The after-effects of the process can leave your skin feeling slightly raw and sensitive for a few hours. Fortunately, eye makeup and lipstick are generally safe to use after a treatment.

3. You can do it at home without a tool

Can’t bear to part with your hard-earned money? You can perform microdermabrasion at home, quite comfortably at that... and it's cheaper too!

Since the process involves scrubbing away dead cells from the topmost layer of your skin using abrasive crystals, it is easy enough to do it on your own, provided that you have the ingredients that can be used for exfoliation.

4. Microdermabrasion tricks your skin into being younger

Sun exposure, frowning, and stress are the biggest factors that contribute to prematurely aging skin.

Sometimes, creams and lotions just don’t seem to do the job. In fact, facial exercises haven’t been scientifically proven to help tighten the skin.

The process in microdermabrasion involves crystals being sprayed onto the surface of the skin, which will then be “scraped off” or suctioned off, along with the dead cells, and a fresh new layer of skin will appear from underneath.

In the process of “polishing” your skin, the body will interpret the loss of skin cells as an injury and rush to produce new skin cells and collagen, which strengthens your skin, and gives you a naturally firmer and smoother appearance.

Much like dipping your face in ice water, but with longer lasting effects. After every session your skin will feel tight, and look newer. So new, in fact, you’re practically molting.

5. It doesn’t hurt

Most people would think that microdermabrasion is painful. After all, having your skin peeled off with crystals does not sound very a-peel-ing.

The truth is, it doesn’t hurt at all! In fact, the process will merely feel like a mild scratching on your face as the wand gets passed over your skin. If you get any discomfortat all, it will only feel like you have mild sunburn, and better skin.

6. You Can Combine It With A Chemical Peel

7. Great for your whole body, especially “Bacne”

Although it is mostly used for the face, microdermabrasion can be used on various parts of the body such as the neck, chest, abdomen, arms, hands, buttocks, hips and legs. The skin on the other parts of the body, such as the ears and feet, can be too thin and sensitive for this process.

If you are suffering from bacne, (acne on the back) this is a good treatment to overcome it. Microdermabrasion also helps unclog pores, and this will prevent any acne breakouts in the future. Bacne scarring will also disappear after regular treatments.

8. You can use it to improve stretch marks

Stretch marks are also made less visible with microdermabrasion. Commonly found on your thighs, breasts, arms, and buttocks, they form deeper into the dermis, unlike most skin imperfections that form on the epidermis.

Microdermabrasion does not reach that deep into the skin but after 10 – 12 treatments (depending on how severe your stretch marks are) the skin surrounding the stretch marks can help fade the effect.

9. It can whiten your underarms

Those who frequently shave or use strong deodorants can face the problem of underarm discoloration, due to the hair follicles under the skin getting darker and thicker. You could also have especially sensitive skin in that area.

Some may even be too embarrassed to lift their arms because they feel that their underarms are not smooth enough, or too dark.

Dark underarms, or discoloration around the neck and thighs, are often difficult to remove. The darkish tint around these parts of the body can be due to genetics, shaving, deodorant use, or too-tight clothing causing friction around the skin.

Home remedies or store-bought creams don’t always work for everyone; they may even worsen the discoloration.

Microdermabrasion is a gentler, non-chemical way to solve this problem. Unlike chemical peels and lasers, it is less harsh to your skin, especially your underarms, which are usually one of the more sensitive parts of your body.

It can lighten the skin through its abrasive process, help even out your underarm pigmentation, and make the skin, especially “chicken skin” (skin that has loosened from continuous plucking) feel smoother.

10. You literally have diamonds rubbed on your skin

There are two types of microdermabrasion: crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion. Crystal microdermabrasion uses an ablative process, meaning it uses heat and friction to slough off the dead cells. On the other hand, diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped wand, and scratches and scrapes the dead cells off the skin.

Crystal microdermabrasion is already considered one of the safer and gentler skin treatment options, but it is not recommended to be used on the skin near the eyes, mouth, nose and ears, because crystals can get accidentally trapped in these crevices. Diamond microdermabrasion is even gentler than its crystal counterpart.

The diamond tip does not leave any particles behind, and is safer to use around these areas. Although some might consider that this method is less hygienic, because dirt can get stuck on the tip of the wand and spread to other areas of your skin.

If you’re worried, you can always ask for disposable, or single-use tips for wands.

11. It can actually minimize your pores

There is nothing unhealthy about large pores, but they can be unsightly. Unfortunately, we are born with our pore size and cannot actually shrink them – but it is possible to reduce their appearance.

Microdermabrasion is, of course, stronger than facial creams and toner since the procedure uses flecks of aluminum that can penetrate the skin better. You’re better off spending your money on 6 – 10 sessions of microdermabrasion than buying a whole supermarket’s shelf’s worth of skincare products.

Since the process removes the top layer of skin (much more than what regular facials or skin cream can do), it causes new, thicker skin to emerge from underneath. It also stimulates collagen production, which decreases as we get older, and makes our skin looser.

Not only will our pores be reduced, microdermabrasion will also deep clean them, sucking out hardened dirt and oil that are trapped in the pores. The procedure can also eliminate blackheads by removing the head of the plugs that keep all this dirt trapped inside.

After undergoing microdermabrasion, it is important to adopt a healthy skin regimen to keep up with the results, such as washing your face regularly and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Consider using microdermabrasion every month or so, and couple your routine with a good cream that’s recommended by your dermatologist.