Microdermabrasion uses gentle exfoliation to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin and reveal fresh new layers of skin underneath. This treatment has become very popular over the last decade because of its ability to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C Serum is a cosmetic product that contains vitamin C as its main ingredient. This ingredient is known for its ability to reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven pigmentation. It can also cause irritation and dryness if used incorrectly or in the wrong concentration.
Find out How Often You Should Use Vitamin C Serum here.
Can I Use Vitamin C Serum After Microdermabrasion
Vitamin C Serum is often recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons as a way to treat sun damage, aging, and acne-prone skin. However, as a general rule, vitamin C serum should not be applied to the skin for the first 48 hours following a microdermabrasion treatment as it is likely to cause irritation and increased dryness to the sensitive new layers of skin.
If you are thinking about microdermabrasion, read on to find out how to prepare for it, care for it, and why you might want to consider a different skin treatment instead!
- Can I Use Vitamin C Serum After Microdermabrasion
- What Is Microdermabrasion
- The Benefits Of Microdermabrading Your Skin
- How To Prepare For A Microdermabrasion
- What Will I Experience During a Microdermabrasion Treatment
- What to Expect After Microdermabrasion
- How Should I Care For My Skin After Microdermabrasion
- What Is Better Than Microdermabrasion?
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- More On Vitamin C Serum
What Is Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses exfoliating crystals to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. The process involves using a hand-held device with a diamond tip to gently polish away superficial layers of dead skin cells.
This will lead to increased collagen production, the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and stimulation in blood flow. Because the top layer of skin (the epidermis) does not contain blood vessels, it relies on the capillaries in the outer layers of the dermis to diffuse nutrients to it. Microdermabrasion stimulates the blood flow to the capillaries which then nourishes the epidermal layers.
The result is smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin. You may notice an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), and texture within days after microdermabrasion. It is an effective treatment for anti-aging and acne.
The Benefits Of Microdermabrading Your Skin
There are many benefits to having microdermabraded skin:
- Smooths out rough patches of skin
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Brightens dull skin
- Treats acne
- Improves uneven skin tone
- Improves skin texture
- Can help prevent future breakouts
- Fades age spots
How To Prepare For A Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion involves exfoliating the top layers of your skin. For this reason, you should not use exfoliating products such as scrubs, facial brushes, retinols, BHAs, AHAs, or any acids for the three days leading up to your appointment.
Up your water intake and use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid morning and night to ensure your face is hydrated. Avoid sun exposure the week prior to your appointment.
Do not have any waxing, threading, or laser treatments on your face for 3-4 weeks before your treatment.
Before your appointment, make sure you have thoroughly cleansed your face and neck. Use a mild soap and water solution. Avoid any lotions or moisturizers until after your session.
Also, for best results avoid applying makeup 24 hours before your appointment.
What Will I Experience During a Microdermabrasion Treatment
A face treatment will take about 30-45 minutes and the neck will take approximately 20 minutes. A handheld device will be used to buff the skin and extract the dead cells.
The vacuum pressure and speed of the device can be adjusted to your skin’s tolerance. There will be no anesthetics or needles involved as the procedure is completely non-invasive.
During the treatment, you might experience some slight stinging, but it is generally very mild. Some liken the sensation to a cat licking your face with its fine sandpaper-like tongue.
What to Expect After Microdermabrasion
Immediately following, your skin will likely be pink and somewhat sensitive. It will feel tight and may even feel slightly bruised. This should subside within a day or two (sometimes within a couple of hours)
On a positive note, patients will often see immediate results such as firmer, smoother, more radiant skin. This is why microdermabrasion is so popular.
How Should I Care For My Skin After Microdermabrasion
For the next 24 hours:
- Try to refrain from touching your skin.
- Steer clear of hot tubs, swimming pools, steam rooms, and saunas.
- Avoid high-intensity workouts that will cause sweating.
For the next week:
- Keep your skincare routine very basic. Use a gentle cleanser, apply a hyaluronic acid serum and rich moisturizer morning and night, stay out of direct sunlight, and generously apply a full spectrum sunscreen daily.
- Do not use any skin care products containing active ingredients such as Vitamin A (Retinol), Vitamin C, Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), or Benzoyl Peroxide.
- Do not use any physical exfoliators such as brushes or scrubs.
- Refrain from facial waxing or shaving, threading, or dermaplaning.
What Is Better Than Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion can provide quick and fairly painless minor results in one session. But the American Academy of Dermatology Association states that “most patients receive between 5 and 16 treatments” to see maximum results.
At a cost of $100-$250 per treatment, you could be looking at spending up to $2500 to get the smooth, clear, glowing skin you’re hoping for. But there is another skin treatment that is much less expensive, takes less time out of your busy schedule, protects your skin from future damage, and lasts longer. What is this miracle salve? It’s vitamin C serum!
Vitamin C serum used daily will brighten, tighten, and tone. It will increase collagen production, improving texture. It will inhibit melanin production, stopping hyperpigmentation in its tracks.
If used consistently over time it will give you that same glow that microdermabrasion produces at a fraction of the cost. A good Vitamin C serum such as this Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum can help you obtain beautiful glowing youthful-looking skin.
If you would like to learn more about how Vitamin C serums can be incredibly helpful for your skin concerns check out this article.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know if microdermabrasion is right for me?
Microdermabrasion is commonly performed on all skin types, but it is always best to consult your physician or a skin care professional before receiving treatment.
When should I go in for a microdermabrasion treatment?
You can normally get a treatment any time of the year but if you are getting a deeper treatment, for more vigorous skin retexturing, it is best to do so in the winter when the sun is less harsh and you are more likely to be inside. Treatments are typically spaced 2-3 weeks apart.
What are the precautions after microdermabrasion?
While most microdermabrasion treatments require little-to-no downtime, direct exposure to UV rays should be minimized and it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily after your procedure.
What are the side effects of microdermabrasion?
While a microdermabrasion treatment is a non-invasive, gentle procedure, it may result in some temporary side effects, including pink or red complexion, feeling that the skin is sun or wind-burned, slight skin tightness, bruised or sensitive sensation.
What should I do if my skin is red or itchy?
Skin redness is normal immediately following a treatment. If this continues or if your skin is extremely itchy 24 hours after the procedure, contact your skin care specialist immediately.
What Are the Different Types of Microdermabrasion?
There are two different kinds of microdermabrades available: crystal and diamond tip.
- Microcrystal dermabrasion– super-fine crystals are sent through a glass or stainless steel wand and sprayed across the skin to essentially “lightly sandblasted” the surface. Dead cells are simultaneously vacuumed away. The crystals are discarded after the treatment. Sometimes the crystals can get into the patient’s eyes or be inhaled. This is very rare, especially if the practitioner is experienced and careful.
- Diamond Tip – a wand with a diamond-encrusted tip is carefully moved across the skin while at the same time, the exfoliated cells are suctioned away. Although it is sanitized after every treatment, the tip is used over and over. This does have a slight risk of bacterial contamination and infection if the practitioner is not diligent in cleaning protocols.
Both types provide equal effects. The method is really just a matter of preference.
Is microdermabrasion safe?
Microdermabrasion is a safe and effective way to treat acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmented spots. As long as your practitioner is trained and skilled in the methods and safety protocols you have nothing to worry about.
Always ask your provider about their credentials, experience, and training.
Check on their reviews from previous clients. And above all trust your gut- if things don’t seem clean or your provider does not seem to have a lot of knowledge about the procedure, don’t be afraid to leave!
Is microdermabrasion the same as a chemical peel?
No. Chemical peels are an entirely different process than microdermabrading. It involves using chemicals that actually damage the top layer of your skin. Your skin will appear red, irritated, and possibly even peeled. After a chemical peel, your skin will be flaky and very red for several days until your skin heals.
A microdermabrasion treatment is much gentler. You won’t feel any pain or discomfort whatsoever. There’s no peeling or flaky skin involved. Instead, your skin will look smoother, brighter, healthier, and more radiant.
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