Is Microdermabrasion Safe While on Retin-A?

Patients seeking a non-surgical method to rejuvenate and refresh their facial skin need look no further than microdermabrasion. It is safe to be on Retin- A and most of our patients are on this helpful medication if tolerated.Microdermabrasion is a less aggressive technique than dermabrasion. It is effective for treating:light scarringdiscolorationsun damagestretch marks

Tretinoin therapy used in conjunction with microdermabrasion is safe and can produce a very nice result in the skin with regards to overall rejuvenation.  It is very common to experience skin sensitivity while on the topical, therefore I recommend discontinuing it's use for 2 weeks prior to a microdermabrasion and 1 week post-treatment.  Retin-A can then be resumed per your physician's directions for use.

Using Retin-A in combination with the microdermabrasion treatments will only enhance the results. It is recommended for patients to stop using the Retin-A 3-4days up to 1 week prior and after the treatment to prevent being extremely sensitive during the treatment. Using sun protection every day is a must when using any Retin-A  and doing any medical spa treatments.

It is not uncommon to use both Retin-A and other hydroxy acids simultaneously with microdermabrasion treatments. But most doctors will likely stop your Retin-A treatment either two weeks or a couple of days before your first microdermabrasion treatment. Note that since you have been on Retina-a, you may have more redness and scabbing after microdermabrasion than if you were not on Retin-A. 

Microdermabrasion and Retin-A.
Retin-A is a proprietary name for tretinoin. The active ingredient is a derivative of Vitamin A and stimulates the cell cycle, thereby inducing exfoliation and deposition of linear collagen in the dermis.
In the early stage of treatment, tretinoin can cause redness, exfoliation, and sensitivity of the skin. As the treatment progresses, the skin will increasingly become tolerant of the Retin-A. The result, a smoother complexion with eradication of fine lines and increased skin resiliency.
Microdermabrasion is a mechanical form of exfoliation. There are many variants. In our Santa Monica office, we utilize two more predictable and effective treatment modalities of mechanical exfoliation. The first is a diamond microdermabrasion that we use routinely with Retin-A treatment. Second, we use a water based exfoliation that infuses enzymes and acids to loosen cellular and pore debris prior to exfoliation to effect a more effective treatment without the intense abrasive effects.

Yes, microdermabrasion and Retin-A are actually complementary skin care treatments. Both work to provide exfoliation. Microdermabrasion is great for deep exfoliating and smoothing of the skin, and Retin-A will continue to help with cell turnover in the skin, keeping skin smooth and youthful following your microdermabrasion. However, you should stop use of the Retin-A 5-7 days before your treatment to avoid oversensitivity and/or irritation of the skin.You can start reapplying the cream around 4-5 days after the procedure.Strict photoprotection and sunscreen application is a must post procedure and with Retin A .

Yes, microdermabrasion and Retin-A are actually complementary skin care treatments. Both work to provide exfoliation. Microdermabrasion is great for deep exfoliating and smoothing of the skin, and Retin-A will continue to help with cell turnover in the skin, keeping skin smooth and youthful following your microdermabrasion. However, you should stop use of the Retin-A 5-7 days before your treatment to avoid oversensitivity and/or irritation of the skin.

Yes, it is perfectly safe to utilize Retin-A during
the time period you are having microdermabrasion performed. In fact, Retin-A and microdermabrasion complement
each other perfectly to provide optimal results for all skin concerns such as
hyperpigmentation, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, skin tone and skin texture.

After a
microdermabrasion your skin may feel more sensitive because the top layer has
been exfoliated and products with active ingredients such as Retin-A may tingle
or sting when you apply the product the post treatment. However, the products are able to penetrate
deeper into the skin after an exfoliating treatment such as a microdermabrasion
and bring more benefits to your skin.
You do not need to discontinue the use of Retin-A before or after a
microdermabrasion treatment. If on the rare instance you were to experience any
signs of excessive irritation and inflammation you could discontinue the use of
Retin-A for 2-3 days post treatment to allow your skin to calm down and then
begin using Retin-A again regularly. Microdermabrasion
is a safe, non-invasive exfoliation method that removes and vacuums dead skin
cells from the skin revealing fresh, healthy skin. Softer,
smoother skin will be visible after one treatment and results will continue to
advance after additional treatments. This
procedure promotes new cell growth and vascular circulation under the skin
resulting in healthier and firmer skin.

Retin-A, medically known as Tretinoin,
is a derivative of Vitamin A which stimulates faster cell turn over providing
exfoliation to the skin. It is common
for patients to report skin irritation such as redness, peeling or sensitivity
when they first being the use of a Retin- A.
The skin will adjust and become more tolerant as the patient continues
to use the Retin-A as instructed. As a
result the skin becomes smoother with decreased fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

As you can see from the variety of answers below, each of us has our own way of combining RetinA and microdermabrasion. In my office, I stop all Retin A and hydroxy acids just two days before a microdermabrasion and restart them two days after the procedure. There is no right or wrong answer it's just a matter of personal preference. Both Retin-A and microdermabrasion will boost collagen production so they work in a complementary way.

I would generally recommend stopping Retin-A for 2 weeks prior to microdermabrasion. Retin-A can make your skin more sensitive and could increase your healing time from the microdermabrasion. However, I do think Retin-A is an effective medicine for photoaging and would recommend restarting it after the microdermabrasion.