Christine KellerClearer skin is your main goal for getting microdermabrasion. But nothing can be more frustrating than seeing a new crop of breakouts right after your first treatment session. Can microdermabrasion cause acne, then?
The short answer is yes, microdermabrasion may cause acne. But don’t panic just yet. The truth is that it is actually normal for some people to experience breakouts and it is not necessarily a bad thing. Acne breakout is also the most common side effect of microdermabrasion that occurs within the first several days after the treatment.
Continue to read on to know more about microdermabrasion and how to deal with the acne it may cause.
Overview of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion refers to the superficial mechanical peel of the outer layer of dry dead skin cells or stratum corneum. Microderm exfoliates the surface layers to expose the more hydrated underlying skin layer.
When light reflects off these more hydrated layers, this gives your face that unique glow. The sad news is that microderm can temporarily compromise the stratum corneum and leave it more prone to Propionibacterium acne infection. This breakout side effect is due to the Propionibacterium acne bacterial infection through the compromised stratum corneum.
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Microdermabrasion can stimulate the renewal of cells and draw out impurities from deep within the pores. All these factors and the fact that treatments often cause a healing crisis in the skin will result in spots.
But these breakouts are just temporary and signal the purification and rejuvenation of your skin. Just continue with the treatments and don’t forget to follow your therapist’s recommendations for skincare at home. Before you know it, you will start to see the clearer skin you have been dreaming of.
Tips to Deal with Acne Caused by Microdermabrasion
If you are suffering from breakouts after your microdermabrasion treatment, there are several tips you can follow to deal with them properly.
No Touching, Please
This is the first and most important tip you should never forget at all costs. It is an absolute must that you avoid picking or even touching a single spot while you are having microdermabrasion. Many of these tiny breakouts will soon be gone without a trace as long as you leave them alone. The only time that they will leave a scar behind is if you constantly pick them.
Poking and prodding these breakouts will only make them redder and appear more swollen, increasing the likelihood that these will leave an ugly mark behind. Never attempt to touch them. instead. Make sure your index finger is clean before using it to apply a good quality anti-blemish gel at night. But more than that, don’t do anything else.
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Stay Hydrated
A layer of oil and water called the hydrolipidic film serves as your skin’s protection. This is composed of sebum or oil and sweat or water. If you are dehydrated, you will have less amount of sweat, thus reducing the water content of the hydrolipidic film.
To compensate for this, your skin will produce more oil and any excess oil will trap dead skin cells that can result in blocked pores. The microdermabrasion treatment will increase cell turnover, leading to more dead skin cells. Maintaining a well-balanced hydrolipidic film will ensure that the old cells won’t end up stuck in your pores.
Deal with Them Gently
You might find it very tempting to attack those spots with rough scrubs, harsh cleaners, and acids but never give in to this temptation. Doing so will only lead to skin irritation. Instead, stick to the skincare routine recommended by your therapist. You might also want to try switching to a slightly lighter cream or a gentle purifying face wash. Avoid any harsh products and give your skin enough time to heal.
How to Care for Your Skin After Microdermabrasion Treatment
Since you will have a new skin layer after your initial microdermabrasion session, it is a must that you follow all the instructions of your skin while your skin undergoes the healing process.
This is the best way to care for your skin, protect the new layer, encourage a healthy and quick healing process, and see the best results.
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Stay Away from Blood-Thinning Pain Relievers and Alcohol
Blood-thinning pain relievers and alcohol will only prolong your healing process. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for 48 hours following your appointment, and never take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin for one week after the session to encourage quick healing.
Avoid Irritation
While your skin undergoes the healing process, make sure you use non-irritating gentle products. Never use other types of exfoliating products for up to three days after your appointment. Never touch, pick, or rub your skin which may only slow down the process of healing.
Also, avoid using products that contain benzoyl peroxide, retinol, glycolic acid, and other topical treatments for acne for 24 to 48 hours. Seek your doctor’s confirmation to know which products can be safely used on your skin following your microdermabrasion treatment.
Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
Tea and coffee have long been a staple part of people’s busy lives. Unfortunately, caffeine contains one of the culprits that can cause dehydrated skin. The general rule of thumb here is to drink the same amount of water as your usual tea or coffee intake in addition to your daily water intake. If drinking more water is impossible, you can try to cut down on your caffeine intake to ensure that your skin doesn’t dry out.
Use Sunscreen
During the first three days after your appointment, try staying out of direct sunlight and apply sunscreen to protect your new skin layer from dangerous UV rays. Doing so will help promote healthier skin down the road because it will prevent uneven skin tone, spots, signs of aging, and skin cancer. Begin your day by applying a layer of sunscreen then apply again every four hours if you will spend long hours outside.
Don’t worry if you notice breakouts after microdermabrasion. This is normal, and as long as you deal with them properly, they will soon be gone before you even know it.
