How to Care for Your Skin After a Microdermabrasion Treatment

Quick Answer

After a microdermabrasion treatment, your skin is temporarily more sensitive. Follow a gentle aftercare routine: avoid harsh products, sun exposure, and picking at your skin. Moisturize and protect with SPF to enhance results and prevent irritation.

Microdermabrasion is a popular non-invasive treatment that exfoliates the outer layer of your skin, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. Whether you've just had a Diamond Tomé Microdermabrasion or are planning one, proper aftercare is crucial to maximize benefits and minimize any potential side effects.

Your skin has been gently abraded, leaving it more vulnerable to irritation and sun damage. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure a comfortable recovery and enjoy long-lasting results.

Immediate Aftercare: The First 24 Hours

In the first 24 hours after your microdermabrasion, your skin is at its most sensitive. Avoid washing your face with hot water or using any harsh cleansers. Opt for a lukewarm rinse and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel—never rub.

You may notice slight redness or tightness, which is normal. Refrain from applying any active ingredients like retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, or vitamin C serums for at least 48 hours. Instead, focus on soothing and hydrating your skin with a gentle moisturizer.

• Use a clean, soft towel to pat your face dry.
• Skip makeup for the rest of the day to let your skin breathe.

Sun Protection: Non-Negotiable

Your freshly exfoliated skin is highly susceptible to UV damage. Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation and undo the benefits of your treatment. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, even if you're indoors. Reapply every two hours if you're outdoors.

Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection during the first week. Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds entirely for at least a week post-treatment.

• Choose a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sensitive skin.
• If you're spending extended time outdoors, seek shade whenever possible.

Moisturize and Hydrate

Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of dead skin cells, which can temporarily disrupt your skin's moisture barrier. To restore hydration, apply a rich, non-comedogenic moisturizer immediately after cleansing and throughout the day as needed.

Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to attract and lock in moisture. Avoid heavy oils that might clog pores. Drinking plenty of water also helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

• Carry a travel-sized moisturizer to reapply if your skin feels tight.
• Avoid products with alcohol or fragrance that can sting or irritate.

Skip Exfoliation and Harsh Treatments

Your skin is already exfoliated, so do not use any additional physical or chemical exfoliants for at least a week. This includes scrubs, brushes, and acid-based toners. Let your skin renew itself naturally.

Avoid waxing, sugaring, or other hair removal treatments on the treated area until your skin has fully healed, typically 5-7 days. These can cause irritation or infection.

• Check with your esthetician before resuming any exfoliating products.
• If you must remove hair, use a gentle shaving cream and a fresh razor.

Handle Flaking and Peeling Gently

In the days following your treatment, you may experience mild flaking or peeling as your skin renews. Do not pick or pull at the loose skin. Let it fall off naturally to avoid scarring or hyperpigmentation.

If the flaking feels uncomfortable, apply a soothing moisturizer or a gentle occlusive like petroleum jelly to soften the area. Avoid using any exfoliating tools or harsh towels to remove flakes.

• Keep your hands off your face to prevent introducing bacteria.
• If you experience excessive peeling or redness, contact your skincare professional.

When to Resume Active Skincare

After about 48 hours, you can gradually reintroduce your regular skincare products, but start with a patch test. If you use prescription retinoids or strong acids, wait at least 5-7 days before applying them to the treated area.

Consult with your esthetician or dermatologist for personalized advice. They can recommend a timeline based on your skin type and the intensity of your treatment.

• Introduce one product at a time to monitor your skin's reaction.
• If you experience any stinging or prolonged redness, discontinue use and seek professional advice.

Your Post-Treatment Skincare Routine: 7 Steps

1. Cleanse gently: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water to wash your face. Avoid scrubbing or using cleansing brushes. Checkpoint: If your skin feels tight or stings, you're using too harsh a cleanser.
2. Apply a soothing moisturizer: Immediately after cleansing, apply a rich moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or ceramides to restore hydration. Checkpoint: Your moisturizer should not contain alcohol, fragrance, or active acids for the first 48 hours.
3. Protect with SPF: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning. Reapply every two hours if outdoors. Checkpoint: If you experience any burning or redness from the sunscreen, switch to a physical blocker.
4. Avoid exfoliants and active ingredients: Do not use any scrubs, acids, retinoids, or vitamin C serums for at least 48 hours. Checkpoint: If you're unsure, wait a full week before resuming these products.
5. Don't pick at flaking skin: Let any peeling skin shed naturally. Picking can cause scarring and hyperpigmentation. Checkpoint: If flaking is severe, apply a gentle occlusive like petroleum jelly to soften.
6. Skip makeup and heavy cosmetics: For the first 24 hours, avoid makeup to let your skin breathe. When you resume, use clean brushes and non-comedogenic products. Checkpoint: If makeup irritates your skin, wait another day before wearing it.
7. Hydrate from within: Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate your skin. Checkpoint: Your skin should feel plump and comfortable by day three.

Products to Support Your Recovery

• MICRODERMABRASION: An effective alternative to chemical peels, the Diamond Tomé Microdermabrasion exfoliates the outer layer of skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, smooth texture, eliminate clogged pores, reduce minor acne scarring and even out discoloration. Understanding what your treatment does helps you appreciate the need for gentle aftercare. Since it exfoliates the outer layer, your skin is more receptive to moisturizers and sunscreens, but also more vulnerable to irritation.
• VITAMIN C FIRMING: Designed for those with age-related concerns, dehydrated and damaged skin, this facial includes two masques; a Vitamin C Masque to firm, strengthen and repair, and a Vitamin B5 & Hyaluronic Masque to deeply hydrate and plump fine lines and wrinkles. Plus an ultra-hydrating collagen eye treatment. While you should wait before applying active ingredients, once your skin has healed, a hydrating and firming facial like this can complement your microdermabrasion results by boosting collagen and hydration.

Proper aftercare is just as important as the microdermabrasion treatment itself. By following these steps, you'll soothe your skin, prevent complications, and maximize your glow. Remember to always consult with your skincare professional for personalized advice. Your skin will thank you!