Does Microdermabrasion Have Additional Risks for Dark Skin Types?

Microdermabrasion is a very superficial form of exfoliation and it's method is one that is perfectly safe for all skin types.  When electing to have a microdermabrasion procedure performed you need to focus on WHO is performing your service with regards their level of skill and experience. Pursuing treatment at a dermatologist or plastic surgeon's practice is ideal because patient care is overseen by a physician, and should you experience any adverse effects, you will be well cared for.  Your service provider will need to review the proper post-care to ensure that your skin recovers well without any complications.  When doing in-office treatments, you should consider making an investment in an at-home skin care routine to ensure that your skin is properly cared for and protected.

Microdermabrasion can be very useful on patients of color. It can take down some of the dead skin and stratum corneum.  Usually multiple microdermabrasions need to be done over time to see more significant results.  Make sure that you have a good conversation with your skin care professional as to how aggressive the treatment will be and the expected effects over time.

No, it does not.
Microdermabrasion is a safest way to exfoliate the skin. It is a non-invasive treatment with no downtime and no side effects. In our practice we use a microderm system with medical grade baking soda crystals as oppose to other microderms with aluminum oxide crystals that are irritating and leave most patients red after the treatment. We have the most advanced and unique system that delivers results and leaves the skin looking young and feeling healthy.

The safety record of microdermabrasion is tried and true and should not result in any significant downtime. In the hands of experienced medical aesthetician under supervision of board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, adverse events such as pigmentation or scarring is exceedingly rare. Regularly monthly microdermabrasion can be quite helpful pigmentation problems, superficial acne scarring, and overall facial rejuvenation. It is important, however, that one discontinue potentially irritating topical creams, such as prescription acne products, for 3-4 days prior to microdermabrasion to minimize excessive irritation.

Microdermabrasion can be performed in any skin type. The depth, duration, and intervals of treatment should be determined based on the oiliness of the skin, complexion, and texture of the skin.
In darker skin patients, the microdermabrasion treatment can be performed without incident by an experienced physician. Postprocedural hyperpigmentation and scarring are rare events that occur with treatments that are excessively deep.
Hydroquinone treatment should be prescribed synchronously with a deeper treatment in order to avoid hyperpigmentation.

Thank you for your question! The ideal candidates for microdermabrasion are healthy adults who have relatively minor skin conditions or imperfections and realistic expectations about what microdermabrasion can and cannot do.  Microdermabrasion works well for damaged skin, whether affected by acne, sun damage or aging; and skin of any type or color. Best of luck!

The ideal candidates for Microdermabrasion are healthy adults who have relatively minor skin conditions or imperfections and realistic expectations about what Microdermabrasion can and cannot do.  Microdermabrasion works well for damaged skin, whether affected by acne, sun damage or aging; and skin of any type or color.

As noted by all of the responders to this question, micro dermabrasion is a true and tried, safe procedure and works as well on skin of color as it does with every other skin type. The biggest consideration to avoid any potential adverse events, and even with microdermabrasion there are potentials for adverse events, is to make sure that if an aesthetician is performing the procedure, as they are the ones using these devices the most, that they are done under the auspices of a board-certified dermatologist orplastic surgeon. And the reason for this is to make sure that, along with the microdermabrasion, that you are placed on a proper skin care routine and that, if something goes wrong, we are the best qualified and most knowledgeable in addressing any concerns from having the procedure.

Thank you for your question. Microdermabrasion is a process by which the VERY top 1-2 layers of the top layer of the skin (epidermis) is removed either by a gentle rotary tool, or by microdermabrasion crystals. Microdermabrasion is safe for any skin type when done gently and appropriately. Darkening of the skin is more likely to occur in darker skinned patients, but usually happens when there is an inflammatory response (redness, swelling, etc). Customary microdermabrasion should not result in redness, irritation, etc., unless done vigorously or too strong. That being said, darkening of the skin is a rare event, and will resolve on its own over time, or even quicker with a bleaching agent such as hydroquinone.