Over the last few months, my skin and I haven’t been on the same page. There have been pimples, red spots, and an overall uneven texture that won’t go away no matter what I do. The reason? No clue. All I know is I was in meed of some help. So, when I received an invitation to try microdermabrasion at Beautery Munich, I jumped at the chance. Miraculously, it completely changed my skin.
What is microdermabrasion?
“Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive procedure that uses aluminum oxide crystals to exfoliate the epidermis,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Maryam Safaee. “It works at both the epidermal and dermal leaves by increasing collagen formation and thickens the epidermis.”
In the United States, microdermabrasion is one of the most common nonsurgical procedures performed at medspas and dermatologist offices—and has been ever since it was first introduced in 1985 as a less aggressive alternative to chemical peels. “The primary clinical significance of microdermabrasion lies in cosmetic and aesthetic benefits,” notes a 2023 clinical overview of its benefits, methods, and effects. “It is a minimally invasive procedure that can offer evened skin tone, bright complexion, reduced appearance of dark spots, and wrinkles, with cleaned-out pores and improved smoothness of the skin.”
What are the benefits of microdermabrasion?
“After the treatment, the skin immediately looks smoother and fresher. Fine lines, small imperfections, and slightly enlarged pores are visibly reduced and the skin’s overall appearance is refined,” explains Beautery Munich’s Evi Weidel, who performed my treatment. She notes that the skin usually feels a lot softer afterwards and is particularly receptive to skincare products. “In the long term, regular use can stimulate collagen production and sustainably improve the skin’s appearance.”
According to the aforementioned review, the procedure can also be used to treat uneven skin tone and texture, photoaging, stretch marks, melasma, and scars, including acne scars: “Patients often report improved skin glow.”
The treatment is also considered safe for all skin types. “This procedure is great for those looking to improve pigmentary changes and photoaging features and to even out the skin texture,” agrees Safee. “Because the procedure involves minimal downtime and a low risk of complications, it is a popular choice for overall skin rejuvenation.”
But how long do the results last? “The immediate ‘fresh feeling’ usually lasts a few days to a week,” explains Weidel. For a longer-lasting effect, she says the treatment can be repeated at regular intervals every two to four weeks, depending on skin type. “With continuous care, the skin texture remains permanently refined.”
What’s the treatment like?
My treatment took about an hour, during which I was able to zone out and relax. First, my skin was thoroughly cleansed of makeup and other residue and then prepared with a gentle enzyme peel, which tingled slightly as it sat on my face for a few minutes loosening dead skin cells.
This was followed by the actual microdermabrasion procedure: “Using a special hand-piece, the finest crystals are applied to the skin and immediately sucked off again. This removes the upper, keratinized skin cells in a controlled manner and stimulates blood circulation,” Weidel explains. It tingled a bit as the handpiece was moved across my face from hairline to chin, and I could feel a slight suction pressure, but it was fairly pleasant.
After the procedure, my skin was soothed with a cooling mask, which was left on for several minutes. This was then followed up by skincare products, and of course, sun screen.
Microdermabrasion aftercare tips
There’s no downtime after microdermabrasion, but aftercare is essential. Below are a few important points to bear in mind:
1. Sun protection is mandatory: “The skin is more sensitive to UV radiation after the treatment. Use a high-quality sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even in winter or on cloudy days,” advises Weidel.
2. Use gentle products: “Avoid aggressive peels, acids, or retinol for the first 24 to 48 hours,” says Weidel. “Instead, use soothing, moisturizing skincare products.”
3. Don’t rub: “The skin is sensitive, so just cleanse it gently with lukewarm water or mild cleansers,” Weidel recommends.
4. Skip the hot shower and sauna: Heat can further irritate the skin. It s better to take a lukewarm shower and avoid direct heat.
5. Go light on makeup: “If possible, allow the skin to breathe immediately after the treatment. If makeup is necessary, only use light, non-comedogenics products,” Weidel explains.
6. Moisturize, moisturize, moisture: Look for hydrating creams, serums or masks that soothe the skin and support regeneration.
7. Use a clean pillowcase: To avoid exposing skin to bacteria, change your pillow after microdermabrasion. This will help new acne from forming.
How microdermabrasion changed my skin
The treatment was pleasant and completely painless—already a winner on my list. I hadn’t made any appointments for the rest of the day so there was no need to wear makeup, but I really didn t need to anyway: My skin was totally radiant after the treatment and looked super even. There was no trace of redness. In the evening, I simply cleansed my face as instructed and then applied my usual moisturizer. Of course, I also changed my pillowcases.
The next morning I saw the full result: My pores looked finer, my skin more even, and there was a nice glow. With subtle makeup, I could really see the effect; my pores were almost imperceptible. I hardly needed foundation at all. Overall, it looked like someone had put a soft focus filter over my skin.
After a week, I did an at-home fruit acid peel, to further enhance the effect. As always, I used T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum from Drunk Elephant. My skin tolerated it wonderfully and it intensified the glow even more.
In fact, my skin has generally been better since then. I usually get quite a breakout at least once during my cycle, but I haven’t had one in the two months since the treatment. My skincare routine has certainly contributed to this, as I ve changed it and am currently tolerating it very well—I use Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum when I wake up, and the Advanced RGN-6 Cream in the morning and evening. In combination with microdermabrasion, my skin is currently better than it has been for a long time. I will definitely be doing microdermabrasion again. About that, my skin and I are finally on the same page.
Who is microdermabrasion suitable for?
In general, microdermabrasion is recommended for anyone who wants to refresh their dull, tired skin. “People with slight pigmentation irregularities, sun damage, coarse texture or slight scars can also benefit from the treatment,” says Weidel, who adds that anyone with normal to slightly sensitive skin and no active inflammation and is well suited to microdermabrasion.
Though the treatment is safe for most people, there are a few call-outs: “The treatment is not suitable if you have active skin infections, acne inflammation, or open wounds. I would also advise against it if you have severe rosacea, eczema, or highly inflamed skin,” says Weidel. “Skin that has just undergone an aggressive chemical peel or laser treatment, as well as very sensitive or thin skin where irritation or redness is particularly likely, is also not suitable. Pregnant women and people with skin conditions such as psoriasis or severe vascular problems should also seek medical advice first.”
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