Ever wonder “is microdermabrasion safe for acne-prone skin?” Get your answer here!
If you have acne-prone skin you’re probably well aware of what acne is and how it can affect how you feel.
If you’re looking to treat acne scars, fine lines, or other skin blemishes, microdermabrasion is a great option. But is microdermabrasion safe for acne-prone skin?
Before we answer the question of is microdermabrasion safe for acne-prone skin, let’s dive into what exactly microdermabrasion is.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a type of exfoliation. Its primary purpose is to stimulate the healing process by removing the outermost layer of skin. This process helps to resurface the skin to reveal the new, more even skin underneath.
There are two kinds of microdermabrasion techniques estheticians may use: a diamond tipped wand or abrasive crystals. Both of these techniques are effective in exfoliating the skin and stimulating the healing process.
Microdermabrasion is typically performed at a medispa or clinic under the care of a trained technician who has experience with the machine or procedure. There are also at-home kits you can purchase to try to recreate salon results at home. However, we advise against this for two reasons:
1. You can severely damage your skin by over-exfoliating, and
2. Most at-home kits don’t produce the same salon-level results you’d get by going into a clinic.
Microdermabrasion is an incredibly popular procedure because of the wide range of symptoms it treats.
This treatment is effective at addressing:
– Hyperpigmentation
– Melasma
– Stretch marks
– Age spots
– Fine lines (typically around the mouth and eyes)
– Acne
– Enlarged pores
– Scarring
– Mild Acne (more on that soon)
Microdermabrasion shouldn’t be confused with dermabrasion. While both are resurfacing procedures, these treatments are very different in how they are performed and what they address.
Dermabrasion is an outpatient procedure requiring local anesthesia.
In contrast, microdermabrasion can be performed at almost any day-spa or dermatologist’s office. Dermabrasion is much more aggressive than microdermabrasion and specifically used to treat deep acne scars and more intensive wrinkles.
While microdermabrasion removes the outermost layer of dead skin, dermabrasion goes deeper and removes skin cells that are still active.
Is microdermabrasion safe for acne-prone skin
The answer to “is microdermabrasion safe for acne” is: it depends.
Microdermabrasion can be effective in treating acne as it cleanses the skin and can help reduce the amount of sebum in the skin. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of skin infection or the development of blackheads or pimples.
Some dermatologists may actually prescribe microdermabrasion in tandem with medication as a means to treat acne. Ultimately though, the severity of your acne will typically determine whether or not this procedure will be beneficial for you.
Microdermabrasion is effective in treating mild, raised acne scars. It is not effective in treating ice-pick scars or severe pitting.
If you have active or moderate to severe acne, microdermabrasion may not be the procedure for you. The way this procedure is designed is inherently irritating to your skin. If your skin is already irritated and inflamed from active acne sites, resurfacing your skin will likely only bring further irritation.
The question “is microdermabrasion safe for acne-prone skin” also applies other skin sensitivities. People with extremely sensitive skin, psoriasis, eczema, or other inflammatory skin conditions may not benefit from microdermabrasion.
If you are wanting to use this procedure to address acne scarring it may be a good idea to wait until your acne is more manageable. Your treatment may be ineffective, inflammatory, and painful otherwise (and though not comfortable, microdermabrasion should never be painful).
If you’re concerned about whether or not microdermabrasion is safe for acne you should talk to your dermatologist or set up a consultation with your esthetician before you have this (or any) procedure done.
How to prepare for your microdermabrasion appointment
If your dermatologist gives you the green-light to undergo a microdermabrasion procedure, make sure to go to a reputable salon or medispa.
Because your skin is already at risk of an adverse reaction, it’s important to go to someone who knows what they’re doing so that you can get the best results possible (with the least amount of irritation).
Microdermabrasion appointments are simple in that there isn’t too much that you need to do to prepare for treatment. When you come in, just make sure you aren’t wearing any makeup.
At the beginning of each treatment we go in with a gentle cleanser to make sure your skin is clean before the procedure.
Procedures usually take less than 30 minutes. You could easily pop in and get yours done in-between errands, on a lunch break, or before picking the kids up from school.
Aftercare for the procedure is important.
You may experience some tightness, dryness, and redness after your procedure. This is completely normal, and should fade within a few hours.
It’s important to apply lots of moisturizer and sunscreen following the procedure, as your skin will be more sensitive than usual to UV rays. Lather up and stay out of the sun until your skin has had time to heal.
While your skin will look and feel better after a few hours, it’s best to keep out of the sun for at least a few days (ideally at least a week) to let it fully heal.
You’ll want to have multiple sessions to get the best results. Normally, patients can get these procedures done weekly. However, since individuals with acne-prone skin can be more sensitive, it’s probably best to wait two weeks between sessions for your first sessions. If you and your aesthetic feel good about how your skin is reacting to treatment you may be able to wait less time between treatments.
You can find helpful tips for questions to ask and more information to answer the question is microdermabrasion safe for acne on the AAD’s webpage for microdermabrasion here.
Alternatives to microdermabrasion
If you and your dermatologist decide that microdermabrasion isn’t the treatment for you, there are still plenty of options available to help you rejuvenate your skin. Facials and peels are a great, less irritating way to improve the texture and appearance of your skin.
So, is microdermabrasion safe for acne-prone skin. Yes, but:
– Talk to your doctor
– Talk to your esthetician
-Wait for severe breakouts to subside before treatment
– Look into other treatments
If you have any questions you can contact our knowledgeable staff at Allure Laser Clinic and Medispa to learn more and schedule a consultation.