Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with great skin—this is where microdermabrasion enters the picture. All our skin woes, like sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, will be addressed by this minimally invasive procedure.
What is Microdermabrasion? Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure typically done by a specialist to give your skin a rebirth. It sloughs off dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin and works to renew overall skin health. Microdermabrasion will give you a brand-new skin texture and tone. It shrinks your pores, evens out your pigmentation, fading out the blemishes for a Snapchat-filter look.
But can you do microdermabrasion at home? All by yourself?
Short answer? Yes. Let’s dive into to learn how.
Microdermabrasion at Home
Did you know that skincare brands are already selling microdermabrasion kits and devices so you can cure your skin problems on your own? They’re so convenient, like microwavable popcorn, or a coffee maker.
Also, it is way cheaper. Shelling out $150 every microdermabrasion session (it is not a one-time procedure) will literally break your bank. A microdermabrasion kit, on average, costs the same as one in-office session—but the best part is, you can use it over and over again.
Also, because you now have your own machine, you can do this on your own time, and it can deliver the same results as going to an in-clinic procedure. Some microdermabrasion devices are not even machines; others are practical hand-held devices without the bells and whistles.
Who Is Not Qualified for Microdermabrasion?
Before you read on, check first if you are fit for this non-surgical procedure. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to undergo this if you belong to the following:
- You are pregnant
- You have difficult skin conditions, like keloids (raised scars), or warts
- You are too young (below 12) or you are too old (above 65).
- Always discuss with your doctor before going for microdermabrasion to protect yourself.
How Does it Work at Home?
A microdermabrasion kit is a skin-fixing beauty machine that comes with a patented suction technology. This device, which looks like a wand or pen, suctions your skin against a rotating crystal-coated disc. While you glide the tool across your skin, the spinning disc exfoliates your skin along the way. This is because the vacuum-like device sucks all your dead skin cells away.
Your home kit will come with several discs of different sizes and textures. Each disc can be used several times before you need to replace it. The great thing is, you can buy disc refills!
For simple devices, and not kits, there is no suction technology. Other varieties are merely applicators or simple microdermabrasion massagers.
How Safe Is It to Use at Home?
Safe. Otherwise, microdermabrasion-at-home kits would not exist. But the safety of this device when used on your own will highly depend on you, the user. Here are some tips to get the best of your microdermabrasion experience without hurting yourself (or others).
- Read the instructions on your kit very carefully and strictly follow them as if your life depends on them. Seriously. This is because each brand and device is slightly different in design.
- If you need an audio-visual guide, watch YouTube videos to understand how to do it yourself.
- Don’t get too excited and overconfident—use with caution.
- You must understand your skin type, tone, and texture to understand the speed, which disc to use for specific problems, and which post-procedure moisturizers to use.
- Do not pause in one area or glide across the same area more than once.
Different Types of Microdermabrasion
There are two types of microdermabrasion: crystal and diamond.
Crystal Microdermabrasion
The device’s pump blasts off a river of inert crystals to scrub your skin clean. The crystals that are released on your skin are mixed in with sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, and sodium bicarbonate.
Diamond Microdermabrasion
The tool contains zero crystals; instead, the wand’s tip is made rough. The diamond microdermabrasion is the most common variety for at-home use, as the device is a safer way to use around your lips and eyes.
However, the most common at-home microdermabrasion kits are, in essence, literally facial scrubs and have a much lower amount of active ingredients compared to microdermabrasion tools used in professional derma clinics.
Basic Guide on How to Use Microdermabrasion At Home
There are a gazillion microdermabrasion kits on the market and each one is uniquely designed but has the same technology. But to give you the gist of the basic how-to’s of microdermabrasion by yourself, then here are the steps to follow:
#1. Clean Your Face
Get rid of dirt, oil, and pollution by cleaning your face. It is highly recommended that you skip harsh cleansers and instead use a gentle cleanser (zero fragrance and oil-free). Harsh cleansers can negatively affect the microdermabrasion process.
#2. Dry Your Skin
Please don’t rub your face with a towel. Air-dry it, or gently pat your towel against your skin. It is important to use a cotton towel. Make sure your face is 100 percent dry.
#3. Switch on the Machine
Time to use your machine! Plug it in, press the power button to turn it on. Follow the manual in your kit down to the T. Then grab that wand.
#4. Glide Across Your Skin
With your free hand, select an area of your skin that you want to start on. Gently pull the skin, then rotate your microdermabrasion wand onto your skin in an upward circular motion. Make sure to perform one or two passes only, and not overdo it.
#5. Continue to Other Areas
Repeat #4 in other areas of your skin until you are finished with your entire face, neck, jawline, or arms, upper thighs, and even your bum. Wherever you feel you need to exfoliate.
#6. Moisturize
To reduce skin redness caused by the microdermabrasion process, apply moisturizer. This will also hydrate your skin. Make sure that you are using the correct moisturizer for your skin type.
How Will You Feel After the Process?
Apart from some redness, you may also experience a little sensitivity and irritation. Your skin will also have a sensation of dryness and tightness; the feeling similar to windburn.
If you don’t have any moisturizers to minimize the after-effects of microdermabrasion, you can use sunscreen. You must keep your face makeup-free at least 24 hours after using your kit.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion
- It is hassle-free and painless.
- No anesthesia.
- Non-invasive.
- There is no downtime at all; the recovery is quicker than the procedure itself.
- After just one treatment, you will see instant results, such as noticeably smoother skin.
- A safe procedure.
What Happens to the Skin After Microdermabrasion?
The benefits are numerous. But to achieve the best results, the procedure must be repeated on a weekly or monthly basis. Sometimes even as far as two months in between. It depends on your tolerance and skin condition.
By using microdermabrasion, you will experience the following benefits:
- Fresh and youthful-looking skin
- A radiant glow
- Reduced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Your pores have shrunken
- Your scars have faded
- Your skin is much more tighter and elastic
- Age spots diminished
- Your skin color has improved and has become even
- Overall skin rejuvenation
Benefits of At-Home Procedure
- Cost-effective. Because you need to repeat the procedure, you are only spending one-shot for the kit.
- Privacy. If you are a shy person, or your skin condition has rendered you insecure, then you can happily do the procedure all by yourself without worrying about judgmental eyes.
- No schedule. No bookings, no appointments, you can dictate your own schedule.
- Satisfaction. Because you can use your at-home kit over and over again, you can actually see the results yourself because you’ve managed to sustain your self-treatment. Whereas if you get treatment in a derma clinic, you might not be able to keep the schedule due to a busy schedule and not reach your most desired result.
Different Types of Microdermabrasion for Home Use
Although all types of microdermabrasion use the same technology, some devices have special features in them. Here’s a roundup of different types of at-home microdermabrasion devices:
‘Wet’ Mode Feature
The wand also releases a fine mist during the process. As a result, your skin is being hydrated, making it a lot softer.
Manual
Not electrical, and it doesn’t come with other accessories. It’s like a traditional toothbrush with a diamond-coated surface. Grab it, glide it across the skin, and manually exfoliate yourself.
Mini Device for Travelers
Designed for travelers and backpackers who are always out in the sun, this one is designed to be tiny enough to slip into your carry-on. However, its power is similar to the larger machines.
Drug Store Device
Yes, you can get one from a drug store, in small packaging. They usually come with a disposable exfoliating pad with microcrystals. This is the type that you soak before massaging on your face for two minutes.
Machine
This is the one that can truly call a kit. It looks like a mini suitcase, and the wand is attached to a cord. This is the type that you plug in, and it comes with a small monitor so you can select various modes, timers, and speed. The wand in this type of kit is usually diamond-tipped. Also, it’s great for folks with sensitive skin as it has a ‘sensitive’ mode.
Vacuum Device
A personal, hand-held device with a power that is almost similar to those in professional clinics. It’s got crystal-coated discs—but its most distinctive feature is vacuum-like suction.
Sensitive Cleansing Device
This is perfect for those with ultra-sensitive skin or those who cannot handle the vacuum-like suction of a traditional microdermabrasion device. This is basically an alternative to microdermabrasion, but basically has the same concept of exfoliating. There are a variety of sensitive cleansing devices designed for different skin types.
Takeaway
Microdermabrasion is an effective cosmetic procedure that you can easily and safely perform at home. However, every individual has unique skin—we differ in the type of skin, needs, and flaws. Before purchasing your at-home device, make sure you deeply understand your skin to achieve your desired effect through microdermabrasion.
