Is microdermabrasion damaging to healthy skin?

Question

I'm 28 years old with sensitive but otherwise healthy skin. I've read in many places about how you should be gentle with your skin even when it comes to washing your face and that you should not exfoliate more than twice a week, etc. I've always had skin that looks much younger than my age would suggest but lately it's started to look tired and stressed so I thought doing at-home microdermabrasion would help freshen my skin. But is microdermabrasion going to do more harm than good in my case?

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Most everyone can benefit from professional skin treatments whether it is microdermabrasion, laser, or chemical peels. I do not recommend, however, purchasing a " home microdermabrasion" system as this can tear the skin, it may have harsh particles, and products in it and most likely is not as effective and efficient as a professional treatment. It is best to start treating the skin while it is still healthy because treating the skin early can help to prevent future problems and premature aging. As I tell my clients, it is easier and more affordable to prevent than it is to correct. Good luck to you!

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

No not at all! When microdermabrasion is done properly and
by a well trained, experienced individual, it can be extremely effective for
helping acne, acne scarring, pore size, fine lines and wrinkles. It helps
slough dead skin and has a rejuvenating effect on the appearance of skin.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Microdermabrasion performed at home can give the skin a smoother look and feel. This is achieved, however, at the cost of:-- micro-abrasions and fissures which can increase the evaporation of water and the penetration of whatever else is put on the skin thereafter, causing dryness, increased sensitivity, and contact dermatitis-- plugging of follicles with bits of dead skin, which can lead to whiteheads, acne, and even cysts that can only be removed surgically, with a scalpel and sutures.This is true of facial skin as well as of skin anywhere on the body.  It is far better to have a microdermabrasion treatment at a doctor's office since as the skin is bombarded with crystals, these crystals along with the bits of dead skin are immediately vacuumed away. Physician's models are stronger than the aesthetician's models that are permitted to be sold to spas, and do not result in increased sensitivity.  As an alternative, there are many creams, gels and lotions containing glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and/or retinoids that safely and quickly exfoliate the skin without causing the problems I listed above.I see patients every day with acne, whiteheads, cysts, and sensitive skin whom I must convince to stop all scrubs, loofahs, and microdermabrasion.  Please never, ever physicallly scrub your skin or allow facial or body scrubs to be performed on your skin.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Microdermabrasion is a popular in-office treatment used to gently buff away the dead surface skin.  It is best performed by a professional.  The at-home microdermabrasion kits should be used very carefully since harsh particles can tear the skin.  At your age, a treatment with the Clear + Brilliant laser will stimulate more collagen than microdermabrasion and leave you with glowing, fresh skin.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Just about everyone can benefit from microdermabrasion. If you have sensitive skin, let your physician or medical aesthetician know about this as settings can be adjusted. Also, more advanced microdermabrasion systems such as the SilkPeel microdermabrasion can be used to infuse substances such as hyaluronic acid concurrently which is beneficial to everyone.

Is microdermabrasion damaging to healthy skin?

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Answer: Microdermabrasion and healthy skin

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Is microdermabrasion damaging to healthy skin?

Answers (5)

Answer: Microdermabrasion

Answer: Microdermabrasion

Answer: Microdermabrasion and healthy skin

Answer: Microdermabrasion and healthy skin

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Everything you need to know about Microdermabrasion

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.