Gently Wash Your Face
After you get home from your microdermabrasion treatment, you may want to wash your face to remove any remaining dead skin cells with a gentle cleanser. You don’t want to use any products that will irritate your skin or clog pores. It is also recommended to avoid any heavily scented products on the treatment area.
Stop Exfoliation
Microdermabrasion is essentially an intense form of exfoliation, as it takes off all of the dead skin from the treatment area, nullifying the need to exfoliate for 7 to 10 days after treatment. Because microdermabrasion removes the topmost layer of the skin, exfoliating will irritate the fresh, new skin that is revealed after treatment. Do not use any retinols, microbeads, or acids (salicylic lactic, glycolic) as these can all irritate the skin.
Do Not Pick Your Skin
Some areas of dry skin may appear after microdermabrasion, but do not pick, scratch, or scrub the dead skin away. This can irritate the skin and pulling off dead skin can even lead to infection. Peeling any dry skin can also cause hyperpigmentation and redness. Instead, use a scent-free facial moisturizer.
Moisturize Inside and Out
Staying hydrated both internally and externally will help keep your skin radiant. Using moisturizer frequently will help reduce any dry skin caused by microdermabrasion. A daily moisturizer also helps your skin stay hydrated and supple for the long term. Drinking plenty of water will also help keep your skin looking young both now and in the future. Drinking water is a vital part of minimizing dry skin.
Wear Sunscreen
While it’s always important to wear sunscreen every day, it is even more crucial after microdermabrasion. This treatment will temporarily increase photosensitivity and your skin will need extra protection from UV rays. It’s best to stay out of direct sunlight 48 hours after treatment, and to avoid wearing sunscreen for 24 hours after treatment so as not to clog your pores. After these first 24 hours, you should wear sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF 30 on your face every day regardless of the weather, as UV rays can cause signs of early aging as well as skin cancer.
Don’t Wax the Treatment Area
Your skin may be very sensitive, and waxing can become more painful than usual, but it may also affect the results of the microdermabrasion treatment. You should also avoid harsh chemicals and any fake tanner, as these can irritate the skin or lead to hyperpigmentation.
