As you age, your skin naturally becomes dryer and has less elasticity due to a lack of important substances and exposure to harmful conditions. Microdermabrasion is a simple, non-surgical approach to turning back the clock on skin problems that cause you to look older. At the Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine in Dothan, AL, we are dedicated to helping people feel more confident about the way they look. We want to help you get the healthy, youthful glow you once had.
How Long Do the Effects of Microdermabrasion Last?
The results of this treatment get stronger over several weeks and can be refreshed with regular maintenance. Find out what this treatment can do for you and why it has become so popular.
Results Timeline
Immediate Effects
You will begin to see some changes in your skin immediately after the first treatment session. Your skin will be more vibrant and have a youthful glow right away. This effect will get more pronounced in the first 24 hours after treatment as your skin calms from the therapy and the renewed skin becomes more visible.
Later
Over the next few weeks, you will notice that your skin tone and texture are changing. This is because your skin cells are triggered to produce larger amounts of collagen, which is responsible for creating plumper, more elastic skin. It is recommended that you come in for treatments approximately once a week for six to twelve weeks after you first begin treatment.
Maintenance
Because your skin renews on about a 30-day cycle, you will begin seeing a decline in the effects of the treatment after this length of time has passed since your last session. Most patients come in for maintenance sessions around once each month to keep their results fresh.
Every person’s skin is different, and your results may last longer than 30 days. We will help you set up a maintenance schedule that best fits your personal needs and the rate that your skin changes. The more efficiently you take care of your skin, the longer you will be able to go between maintenance treatments.
Strategies for Prolonging Results
Sun Safety
One of the most damaging things you can do to your skin is to expose it to direct sunlight. Sunlight 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. You can also choose to wear a hat and sunglasses on sunny days.
Moisturizer
Your skin naturally decreases its production of hyaluronic acid as you age. This is a substance that helps your skin attract and hold moisture. Weather conditions, pollutants in the air, and other factors can also contribute to dryness in your skin. It is important to use a moisturizer every day to help with these issues.
One of the benefits of your microdermabrasion treatments is that your rejuvenated skin will hold moisture more effectively. This will allow the processes that age your skin to become slower.
Hydration
Another important way of keeping moisture in your skin and fighting conditions that cause damage is hydration. Water is one of the most important parts of your body, including your skin, so you need to be sure you are replenishing it adequately. Drink plenty of water every day, and eat foods like fruit and vegetables that have high water content.
Chemicals
Some skin facial microdermabrasion treatments include harsh chemicals that can actually damage your skin. Be aware of what is in the products you use, and avoid anything that is harsh, steals moisture, or breaks down your skin. If you have questions about the products you are using on your face, we would be happy to talk to you about them and provide recommendations.
Also, talk to us about any additional cosmetic skin treatments you are considering so we can help you understand how they would affect y our microdermabrasion. Your overall skincare routine and treatments should work together to give you the best results.
Smoking
Smoking isn’t healthy for your skin. It can cause your skin to age at a faster rate, and the movements in smoking can cause small wrinkles to form around your mouth. If you are a smoker, you should make a plan to stop as soon as possible, for your skin as well as other health reasons.
Conditions Treated by Microdermabrasion
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Wrinkles are caused by outside conditions as well as a lack of collagen in your skin. Your skin cells naturally produce collagen, but this decreases as you age. Collagen is a protein that keeps your skin plump and supple. When your skin has less collagen, the lack of volume leads to wrinkles and creases. These may occur on your forehead, on your nose, around your mouth, and at the corners of your eyes.
Your microdermabrasion treatment will help reduce these wrinkles by stimulating your skin cells to produce more collagen. This is a natural process and will take a week or so to be effective. When the collagen is restored to your skin, you should see a great improvement in these lines.
Acne Scars
If you have ever struggled with moderate or severe acne, you may have developed scars. Scars can occur because of the broken skin and also because of harsh chemicals you may have used to try to control the acne. When your skin cells begin to regenerate and renew themselves, scarred skin is repaired. This can significantly diminish your acne scars and sometimes make them go away completely.
Uneven Skin Tone
Aging skin often leads to uneven coloring and tone in the skin. This is due to environmental factors like dirt and debris in the air as well as contact with sunlight. You may see splotchy patches on your face or redness in some areas. These problems can be addressed through treatment. When dead skin is removed and new skin comes through, your skin tone will become more even and clear.
Dull Skin
If your skin has an overall dull look, it could be because of damage to your skin cells or be a natural effect of aging. It may also be because of decreased blood flow near the surface of your skin. When you come in for treatment, the dead skin cells are exfoliated away. The movement of the exfoliating device will revitalize your skin and stimulated stronger blood flow. This is what creates the vibrant, youthful glow you want to see.
How Treatment Works
Consultation
The first step in your treatment will be to visit us for a consultation about your issues with your skin and about your expectations for the results of treatment. We will ask you questions about your skincare routine and about any treatments or skin therapy you have done in the past. We will also ask you about any medication you are taking or other medical issues you have recently dealt with. We will also need to know if you smoke or take drugs.
Once we have interviewed you and assessed your needs, we can tell you if you are a good candidate for microdermabrasion. After that is determined, we will explain the process to you and let you know what you can expect. We will answer any questions and explain what you should look for in terms of results. We want you to be satisfied with your treatment and love your new look, so it is important to us that you understand what the treatment involves.
Cleaning
You will need to have a clean face to begin your first session. Dirt, oil, makeup, and bacteria could cause problems during the therapy and may interfere with the results. You can come to your appointment with clean skin, or we can clean it for you. You may want to wear sunglasses or eye patches for comfort during the treatment and to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
Application
The treatment is done with a device that is rolled across the surface of the skin. The device lifts tiny patches of skin and sprays minute exfoliating crystals that bring out the dry, dead skin. This skin is then sucked up by the device, and you are left with smooth, bright, revitalized skin.
During the process, the device also triggers your skin cells’ rebuilding response. The skin cells go into action creating new, undamaged skin and producing more collagen and hyaluronic acid. These natural substances will increase over time and provide results in a slow, steady manner. It will also increase your skin’s ability to absorb topical products like moisturizers or serums.
Moisturizer
Moisturizing after treatment is important. We will apply a moisturizer to your skin, and we will talk to you about the best skincare routine going forward. We will recommend a moisturizing schedule to follow soon after treatment and in the future as well.
After Treatment
Skin Care Routine
You will want to carefully consider the products you use on your face after treatment. Avoid anything that is harsh or contains chemicals that may irritate your skin. You should avoid exfoliating products so you do no over-exfoliate. Please talk to us about the products you use on your face so we can help you decide which to continue using.
Sunscreen
After your treatment, you should avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. This means wearing sunscreen every time you are outside. Also consider protective gear like hats and sunglasses, especially the first several days after your treatment. Getting a sunburn or additional sun damage could lead to less than optimal results.
Caffeine
Try to cut back on caffeine the first week or so after your treatment. Caffeine robs your cells of water and hydration that is necessary for your treatment to do its work. Substitute non-caffeinated versions of coffee, and try to replace soda with water.
Alcohol
You should not drink alcohol for about 48 hours after your treatment. This is because alcohol can cause your blood to thin, and you will not get the extra blood flow that you need for a healthy glow. Alcohol may also have an effect on your hydration as well as how your body responds to the microdermabrasion treatment.
Medications
Talk to us about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you plan on taking including aspirin. Some medications can affect your treatment and detract from your results. We will counsel you on which types of medication you should avoid.
Results You Will Love
Your microdermabrasion treatments can change the way you feel about yourself. When you are looking younger and refreshed, you tend to feel more confident. This can increase success at work and bring greater enjoyment to your personal relationships. To renew your skin and take years off your face, call us today at the Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine in Dothan, AL to schedule your consultation. We want to help you love what you see in the mirror.