Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that can completely transform the surface of your skin after just a few treatments, leaving you with soft, smooth and radiant skin. But you may be wondering how long these results will last.
Just like with any beauty treatment, you will need to continue caring for your skin on an ongoing basis if you want to maintain your results. A course of microdermabrasion facials can help with a number of skin concerns such as scarring, blocked pores and pigmentation. These imperfections develop over time and, if you don’t take steps to care for your skin once your treatments are finished, they can develop again over time.
The good news is, if you maintain your beautiful new complexion, the results of your treatments could last indefinitely! You don’t need to adopt a complicated routine to maintain the results of your facials. In this guide, we’ll look at whether microdermabrasion is permanent and share our top tips both for the days after your treatments and on an ongoing basis.
Is microdermabrasion permanent?
Results from your microdermabrasion treatments can be long-lasting provided you care for your skin and follow the correct skin care routine. Skin is constantly renewing itself and we are continually ageing so we recommend regular maintenance sessions after completing a course to maintain results and keep your skin in great condition. Expecting results to be permanent without following a good skin care routine is unrealistic.
What should you do straight after your treatment?
To maximise the effects of your treatment and to make sure you protect your skin, there are a few things you should do in the days or weeks following your treatment.
Avoid harsh cleansing products
Immediately following your treatment, your skin is likely to be more sensitive than usual. Make sure you avoid using any exfoliating products such as at-home scrubs, shaving or skin acids such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and retinol. Make sure you cleanse your skin with gentle products and use non-irritating moisturisers for three to five days after your treatment. SkinBase skincare products are specially formulated for use after microdermabrasion and so perfect for use after your treatments.
Avoid direct sunlight
Due to the added sensitivity of your skin, you should avoid direct sunlight for several days following your treatment to protect your skin.
Avoid caffeine
We recommend cutting down on caffeine in the first week after your treatment. Caffeine can draw water away from your cells and reduces the hydration which is important to help microdermabrasion work properly.
Avoid alcohol
Try and avoid drinking alcohol for around 48 hours after your treatment. Alcohol can cause your blood to thin which means you will not get the extra blood flow needed to keep your skin looking healthy. Alcohol can also have an impact on hydration which can impact how well your body responds to microdermabrasion treatments.
How can you maximise the results of your treatment on an ongoing basis?
The length of time that your microdermabrasion results last for can be affected by various environmental factors, lifestyle choices, skincare habits and, of course, the ageing process, are all factors that can affect how permanently your skin can maintain the results of your microdermabrasion treatment. To get the best results from microdermabrasion, you will need to keep returning to your therapist.
There are a number of steps we recommend you take on an ongoing basis to care for your skin and prevent skin concerns from developing again over time.
Exfoliate
Microdermabrasion exfoliates your skin far more deeply than any at-home treatment will provide so it can remove years of deeply embedded grime, stimulate circulation and promote cell renewal to rejuvenate your skin.
If you neglect exfoliation after your treatments have finished, this will all return to normal. But, if you keep your fresh new skin well-exfoliated, your cell turnover will remain high, ensuring clear pores and an even complexion. Don’t overdo it though – twice a week with a gentle face scrub and a monthly maintenance session of microdermabrasion is fine! You can repeat a course of treatments every 6 months or as required to keep those fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
Cleanse
When you have skin looking as clean, clear and radiant as it does after microdermabrasion, you might be tempted to think that you can ‘get away with’ skipping a cleanse every once in a while. Don’t fall for it! You’ll undo all the hard work of your therapist and the investment you made in your skin. Your skin needs constant maintenance, and cleansing twice a day is the most basic, but also the most important thing you can do for your skin.
Moisturise
As you age, your skin naturally decreases its production of hyaluronic acid. This helps your skin to attract and hold moisture but weather conditions, pollutants in the air, and other factors can contribute to dry skin so it’s important to moisturise every day to help with these issues. One of the biggest benefits of microdermabrasion is it allows your skin to hold moisture more effectively meaning your products will work better.
Stay hydrated
Hydration helps to keep moisture in your skin and help to fight the skin conditions that cause damage. Drink plenty of water on a daily basis and eat fruit and vegetables with a high water content.
Wear SPF
Whilst microdermabrasion is great for sloughing away those pigmented areas and leaving you with clear, even skin, it won’t protect you from the sun. You need to be the one to stop pigmentation from coming back, and you can do that by wearing a good SPF every day.
One of the most damaging things you can do to your skin is to expose it to direct sunlight. Sun exposure contributes to uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and age spots. After your treatment, you can make your results last longer by wearing sunscreen every time you go outside to prevent sun damage and keep your skin looking fresh and blemish free.
Find your local therapist and book your microdermabrasion appointment.
