Exfoliation is key to keeping our skin as vibrant and young-looking as possible. That’s because our outer epidermis tends to become an accumulation of dead skin cells, oil, and dirt. At the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, our team offers microdermabrasion for painless, non-invasive exfoliation with no downtime. The procedure delivers a light, abrasive cleansing of the facial skin, revealing a healthy glow.
In microdermabrasion, aluminum oxide or sodium chloride crystals are sprayed onto the facial skin. This removes the superficial layer of the epidermis. At the same time as the crystals are delivered, the wand provides suction to remove the dead skin cells, other impurities, and the crystals. Microdermabrasion improves sun damage, fine lines, age spots, acne, and superficial scarring.
Microdermabrasion is completely non-invasive and non-ablative. It can be used on all skin colors and skin types. It doesn’t cause hyperpigmentation, as more ablative procedures sometimes do. In reality, just about everyone could use microdermabrasion at our two locations in Hillsboro and at St. Vincent Hospital to brighten their complexion and improve their skin quality.
The only people who shouldn’t have microdermabrasion are those whose acne, eczema, or psoriasis are active. You need to wait until the breakout or flareup passes and your skin calms. At that point, you could have this treatment.
Everyone knows that shedding our old, mostly dead, skin cells is the key to making our skin look revitalized. The actual process of a full skin cycle — the time new skin cells are created at the deepest layer of the epidermis, rise over time to the surface, and are then shed — is six weeks. Microdermabrasion simply shortens the period of shedding the old, dull skin cells, along with dirt and other unwanted stuff, on the skin surface. There isn’t a person out there who couldn’t use that.
That’s the key to microdermabrasion at the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, giving our body’s exfoliation process a little helping hand.
We use microdermabrasion for a variety of skin problems:
At the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, our microdermabrasion sessions begin with a thorough cleansing of your skin to remove any makeup and oil. Then we take the microdermabrasion handpiece and pass it over the treatment area. The degree of exfoliation is determined by the amount of suction employed and the number of passes made over the skin surface. Because it targets only the superficial layer of the skin, our microdermabrasion treatments don’t require any local numbing anesthesia. Following treatment, any residual crystals are brushed off, and a cold, wet towel is applied to your face. If deemed necessary, a hydrating mask is applied. The session ends with the application of a moisturizer.
There is no limit to these procedures. We have patients who come in every month or two to keep their skin exfoliated and looking great. For new patients, we generally recommend between six and 10 treatments initially. These are spaced two weeks apart. From there, it depends on you. Many patients feel that they maintain their skin quality with a session every two or three months. Or you can mirror the skin cycle, which is about six weeks.
There is no recovery or downtime. Patients can return to work or other typical activities immediately after their session.
Be kind to your skin afterward, as it will be a little sensitive with the top layer exfoliated. Don’t use harsh cleansers, and don’t use a home exfoliator for a week. Your skin will be more exposed, so stay out of the sun for a week. If you’re using prescription retinoid products, wait until one week to resume them.
You’ll see your results immediately. For the first day or so your skin will be a little red and it may feel a little dry, but a good moisturizer takes care of that. Now that you’ve shed the dull outer skin cells and other debris, your skin will look brighter, revitalized, and healthier.
Microdermabrasion is safe and easily tolerated. It does not require anesthesia and is effective for all skin types. Your skin may be somewhat red after the procedure, but this passes quickly.
To schedule a consultation or to learn more about Microdermabrasion treatments to see if it is right for you, please contact us today at 503-297-3440. Our practice serves Hillsboro, OR, Portland, OR, and surrounding areas.