Microdermabrasion: benefits, risks, and after-skin care tips

Living in a tropical country like Indonesia can make your skin dry, scaly, wrinkled, and dull. Moreover, it is exacerbated by high air pollution and often erratic weather. All these skin problems make you appear several years older than you really are. Therefore, various ways are willing to be done to restore the appearance of a young face again. One of the favorites is the microdermabrasion treatment at a dermatologist. Indeed, what are the benefits of microdermabrasion and what is the procedure like?

What is microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a method of removing dead skin cells (exfoliating) by spraying super small crystal granules on the surface of facial skin. This treatment is also thought to be able to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, even out skin tone, shrink pores, treat acne, to fade acne scars and dark spots due to aging.

Microdermabrasion is usually done for those of you who are over 40 years old and have thick skin. This procedure is fairly gentle and doesn't scar or discolor the skin. This procedure is also suitable for all skin types and tones. However, it is not very effective in overcoming problems that occur in the deeper layers of the skin.

How microdermabrasion works to rejuvenate facial skin

The micro crystals that are sprayed during this process have a coarse texture to erode the layer of dead skin cells in the top layer of skin (stratum corneum). When you shed the top layer of skin, the body interprets it as an injury. That's why in the first hours after treatment, the skin will appear slightly red and swollen because the immune system reacts to the "injury". However, this effect will gradually disappear after the body works quickly to produce new and healthy skin cells to replace what is lost.

The loss of the top layer of skin will make the skin tend to dry out because the natural oils are also removed. Some evidence suggests that the rapid loss of moisture from the skin can trigger the deeper layers of the skin to work overtime to push healthy skin cells to the surface.

The end result is facial skin that looks fresher, smoother, healthier, supple, healthy, and looks youthful. The duration of this treatment generally takes about 30 minutes.

Is this procedure safe?

Yes. Although during and after the procedure you may feel a little uncomfortable, microdermabrasion is considered safer than a dermabrasion procedure. Dermabrasion works on the deeper layers of the skin. "Tinkering" with the deeper layers of skin is painful and there is a higher risk of causing permanent damage, such as dermabrasion droplets embedded in the skin.

In order for optimal results and minimal risk of side effects, microdermabrasion must be carried out by an expert and certified therapist. If done carelessly, this procedure can cause the skin to become injured and the skin tone uneven. Used vacuum tools can cause breakouts if the skin is too tight. Microdermabrasion should not be done around the eyelids.

Skin care tips after microdermabrasion

The removal of dead skin cells will make the face look slightly swollen, red, dry, feel tight, and maybe hot like burning. These side effects can last from one to two days, but are normal.

Since your skin becomes more sensitive afterwards, you should avoid direct sunlight for the next few days. You will also need to apply a moisturizer and sunscreen to prevent further damage to the skin.

In addition, without the stratum corneum which acts as a barrier between the outer environment and the inside of the skin, creams and lotions can work more effectively because more active ingredients and moisture can be absorbed into the lowest layers of the skin.

Avoid using facial makeup for 24 hours after the procedure.