Dull, lifeless skin?
That's what most often brings someone in for a microdermabrasion.
A microdermabrasion is non-invasive, virtually no down time, 30-minute appointment that will leave your skin feeling fresh, soft, and clean.
This service can be upgraded with a facial mask and extractions for pore cleansing and skin tightening.
Lets now look at how to prepare for your microdermasion treatment.
Pre-Microdermabrasion
1. Book a consultation
If this is your first treatment, it is in your best interest to book a consultation prior to the service.
We offer complimentary consultations for both services and products. (Book here.)
Consultations are a great way for your skincare provider to assess your skin beforehand and determine what will be the safest and most effective treatment for you.
2. Discontinue any exfoliation (manual or chemical) at least 3-5 days prior to your service.
This includes scrubs, enzymes, retinol, serums, or any product containing an acid with the intention of sloughing off the skin.
The essence of a microdermabrasion is that it manually exfoliates away the outer-most layer of dead skin cells (while also stimulating blood flow and driving nutrients to the epidermis.)
Over-exfoliation can damage the skin and cause redness or hyperpigmentation.
If you are using tretinoin, like Retin-A (the strongest retinoid on the market and prescribed by a physican) you must discontinue use 7 days prior to your service.
3. Avoid direct sun exposure at least one week prior to your service.
While we do recommend sun exposure (in moderation) for healthy skin, it is imperative that you avoid the sun prior to microdermabrasion or chemical peel treatments.
Sun exposure can damage the cells and leave the skin more sensitive than normal.
If you have any redness or sunburn, you must allow at least 14 days before scheduling an appointment.
4. Discontinue use of NSAIDS one week prior to treatment.
NSAIDS are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin.
NSAIDS thin out platelets, which are the cells responsible for blood clotting.
Both crystal and diamond tip microdermabrasion are beneficial because they use suction to stimulate blood flow to the cells of the epidermal layers.
This is an example of a crystal microdermabrasion treatment.
NSAIDS in the bloodstream during treatment can cause you to "hickey" or bruise from the microcirculation of the treatment.
Consult your physician if you are prescribed.
5. Do not schedule botox or filler prior to microdermabrasion.
If you have a spa you trust, and prefer to stack your appointments, schedule your botox or filler after your microdermabrasion.
There is a minimum of 4 hours after botox before you can exercise or lay down.
Microdermabrasion is only safe 3-4 days after filler injections.
If you have had either of these treatments recently, please advise your provider.
6. Facial waxing should be scheduled one week before or after service.
Waxing, sugaring, and even threading should be scheduled no less than 7 days before a microdermabrasion service.
While threading does not technically remove the skin with its removal of hair, it can be rough and irritating, so schedule accordingly.
Facial waxing and sugaring by nature will remove some of the dead skin cells. To avoid over-exfoliation, wait 7 days after these treatments.
Waxing exfoliates the skin and should be scheduled one week prior or one week after a microdermabrasion.
7. Reschedule your appointment if you have open lesions or acne.
We do not want to preform a microdermabrasion over an open acne wound.
The abrasive nature of the treatment can cause the area to further open and damage the skin.
If you suffer from cold sores, avoid scheduling an appointment during an outbreak.
Microdermabrasion can worsen a current outbreak or cause a re-occurrence. Always notify your provider of this condition.
8. Wait at least 6 months after completion of Accutane before microdermabrasion.
Accutane increases the skins sensitivity and fragility. You are at a greater risk for injury and damage while taking this medication.
It is advised to wait 6-12 months after completion of Accutane before an exfoliating treatment like microdermabrasion can be preformed.
9. Don't smoke cigarettes.
Duh.
