Microdermabrasion Near Me: Why At-Home Remedies Are Dangerous

Taking proper care of your skin can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor, especially if you’re still figuring out what works for you. As such, many people prefer to cut corners, prioritizing convenience and low costs over quality solutions for their skin. Microdermabrasion, for instance, remains an effective way to reduce wrinkles, target uneven skin tone, and shrink pores when administered by a professional. When attempted at home, on the other hand, microdermabrasion might not get the job done – in fact, doing it yourself might lead to negative outcomes. Here’s why at-home, DIY microdermabrasion might not be as effective as you want and may even be hazardous for your skin.

How to Properly Treat a Microdermabrasion

You Might Exacerbate Existing Skin Conditions

The simplest way to describe microdermabrasion is to say it’s like sanding one’s skin. This non-surgical procedure makes use of a mildly abrasive tool that rubs against the skin to exfoliate its outer layers. Stimulating the skin in this way triggers collagen production and new skin cell growth, ideally restoring the skin’s youthful appearance and improving overall tone. This is a delicate matter, however, as rubbing the skin too aggressively or improperly can cause irritation and potentially worsen different conditions. Indeed, while many people seek microdermabrasion for acne, the wrong approach can actually make acne more noticeable and aggressive. Skin care professionals usually recommend that those with active acne, moderate to severe rosacea, or other inflammatory conditions steer clear of microdermabrasion. If you go it alone, however, you might miss this memo and attempt it anyway, to your skin’s detriment.

Microdermabrasion Materials Range in Quality

While the operating principle of microdermabrasion is static across the board, many different products and tools can be used for this procedure, ranging in quality. When you go to a reliable and certified cosmetic dermatologist or esthetician, you can expect to receive the highest-quality treatment from medical-grade diamonds or aluminum chloride crystals. Conversely, if you opt for an over-the-counter DIY solution, you might not be happy with the results (you certainly won’t find comparable, medical-grade options). It’s important to know a thing or two about the materials you plan on purchasing so you don’t harm your skin and/or end up with buyer’s remorse. If you undergo professional microdermabrasion instead, you won’t have to worry about these matters.

You Might Neglect Important Preparation

Like many other cosmetic dermatology treatments, proper preparation is key for protecting your skin and ensuring the best results. One of the advantages of seeing a professional for such treatments is that they will likely give you detailed instructions regarding what to do (and what not to do) prior to your appointment. When it comes to microdermabrasion, for example, you should avoid using products containing retinol, hydroxy acids, or irritating exfoliating products at least one week prior to treatment. You can find this information for yourself by reading reliable sources, but not everyone will do their homework before attempting microdermabrasion on their own – and this can cause problems.

Risks and Side Effects Are Always Possible

Whether administered by an expert or by yourself, microdermabrasion comes with its share of potential risks and side effects, including swelling, redness, bruising, burning, stinging, and increased sunlight sensitivity. Should any of these side effects occur, they’re usually mild and not long-lasting. However, it’s better to hear about these potential risks from a professional and have their contact information at the ready should you experience complications later on. Going it alone will make it more difficult and time-consuming to address these concerns if they arise.

The Bottom Line on At-Home Microdermabrasion

These days, it’s possible to treat your skin with a variety of products, tools, and procedures in the comfort of your home. When it comes to procedures like microdermabrasion, however, it’s best to leave them to the professionals – attempting it yourself can be risky, and the results might not be worth the trouble. If you’re looking for high-quality microdermabrasion services near Bellevue, WA, look no further than North Pacific Dermatology. Set up a consultation with our team today.