Which method do you use for cleansing your skin? If you are considering microdermabrasion for cleansing your skin but also worried about skin damage, bear with us to learn more about the scientific facts of this cleansing method from Dr. Leila Fard’s viewpoint.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a treatment method to cleanse impurities from the skin surface, remove dead cells and oil. This treatment is the best and most efficient method to replenish the skin’s lost hydration, remove excess oil and tighten the large pores. Microdermabrasion further serves to improve acne appearance, blemishes, and dryness all besides deep cleansing the skin. Many are concerned about skin damage while microdermabrasion process despite the emphasized importance of this treatment for cleansing the skin. How valid are the common misconceptions on the topic and how can this method be trusted?
Does microdermabrasion damage the skin?
Many clients worry that microdermabrasion will render the skin sensitive to sunlight or open up pores. However, this reasoning is not based on any scientific evidence because a skin layer is not to be removed by microdermabrasion.
Dr. Leila Fard
“This reasoning is absolutely wrong and it is a myth passed down to us since the time of our mothers. In the past, perhaps 20 years ago, there were ‘dermabrasion’ devices that damaged the skin by removing part of the epidermis. The dermabrasion method was common back then because we had no other treatment method for acne scars at the time. Microdermabrasion is solely for removing the skin surface impurities and does not involve any action on the skin’s defense barrier. I currently do not perform microdermabrasion procedures in the office.”
All in all, you should not be afraid of microdermabrasion because undergoing this procedure will not open up skin pores, render the skin sensitive to sunlight, or thin the skin. Indeed, you should take care of your skin and avoid direct sunlight exposure for a while after the procedure, but neither of these implies skin damage.
Dr. Leila Fard
“We do not recommend direct sunlight exposure under any circumstances, and direct exposure is definitely harmful to the skin. However, note that microdermabrasion alone does not render the skin more sensitive to the sunlight, but your sunscreen is better absorbed due to the removal of impurities and oil. Last but least, consider that microdermabrasion must be performed methodically, undertaken per scientific standards. Microdermabrasion is a well-established method and must be followed by appropriate steam inhalations and masks so as not to damage the epidermis. I currently do not perform microdermabrasion procedures in the office.”
