Microdermabrasion is not really an invasive or high-risk medical procedure. However, the sensitivity of the skin will indeed increase after that! Therefore, a very intense treatment is needed to restore the skin more quickly and improve its condition. After the procedure, avoid using products that risk irritating your skin and focus on soothing it. If the recovery process doesn't go smoothly, don't hesitate to contact your doctor for proper medical advice!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Minimizing Irritation
Step 1. Clean and moisturize facial skin
Immediately clean your face after the microdermabrasion procedure to remove any remaining crystals on your facial skin. After that, gently pat your face to dry it, then make sure it stays moisturized throughout the day.
Use a product with a very high moisturizing content for 4 to 6 days after the procedure, to prevent the risk of severe peeling of the skin
Step 2. Avoid direct sunlight as much as you can
Apply sunscreen every three hours until the skin condition is completely healed. If you have to go outside, wear a wide hat and sunglasses, as well as a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from sun exposure.
- Look for sunscreens that contain 5-10% zinc or titanium, or 3% mexoryl.
- Consult your doctor for additional sunscreen recommendations.
- Continue to care for the skin once it has recovered. In other words, stick to a moisturizer that contains SPF, and continue to wear sunscreen, a wide hat, and sunglasses when you have to be out in direct sunlight.
- Apply sunscreen to a small area of the skin to make sure there is no allergic reaction. If you want, you can also choose a sunscreen that is specifically intended for those with sensitive skin, although allergy testing should still be done beforehand.
Step 3. Wait 24 hours before doing very strenuous activities
After doing the microdermabrasion procedure, don't immediately do intense exercise so that the body has time to recover. Also, don't swim in chlorinated pools for a few days as exposure to chlorine can make your skin very dry afterwards.
Step 4. Avoid beauty routines that can irritate the skin
Wait at least a week before removing hair on the treated facial area. Also, make sure you don't use skin care products that contain Retin-A, glycolic acid, fragrance, and/or have a high alcohol content, for at least two days after the microdermabrasion procedure.
- Do not use chemicals that are not friendly to the skin for at least a week. Also, you should not wear makeup for 2 to 3 days. In particular, eye and lip makeup is still acceptable, but avoid using foundation and powder completely.
- Do not sunbathe for at least a week.
Step 5. Do not touch freshly treated skin
Keep your hands away from skin that is still very sensitive to prevent irritation due to exposure to oil and bacteria from dirty hands. Wash your hands well before applying moisturizer and sunscreen to minimize exposure to oil and bacteria. Also, make sure you're not scratching and/or peeling your skin.
Step 6. Allow at least a week between procedures to give the skin time to heal
Want to schedule multiple procedures at once? Go ahead and do that, but make sure each procedure has a gap of about a week. After the first few procedures, the duration can be increased.
Step 7. Eat healthy foods and drinks
After the microdermabrasion procedure, you should consume as many fruits, vegetables and water as possible to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. Also keep your body from sweating!
Method 2 of 3: Cools and Soothes Facial Skin
Step 1. Apply a moisturizer that contains SPF as often as possible
At least, use a moisturizer that contains SPF in the morning and evening, especially before applying makeup so that the moisturizer can function as a barrier between the skin and makeup. Consult a doctor to find out which type of moisturizer is most suitable for you to wear.
Drink as much water as possible. Like wearing a moisturizer, drinking water can also keep your skin well hydrated
Step 2. Cool the skin temperature
After doing the microdermabrasion procedure, most likely the facial skin will feel hot or burned. Therefore, try sprinkling it with cold water to make the skin feel more comfortable. Also compress your skin with a cold pad or rub an ice cube into your skin, if desired. Use cold water and/or ice cubes as often as possible to cool your face.
Generally, the skin will feel hot or burning within 24 hours after the procedure. Don't worry, this condition is completely normal
Step 3. Consult a dermatologist about the possibility of using an anti-inflammatory cream or pain reliever
In other words, use these products only if permitted by your doctor, following the recommended dosage instructions so that the skin doesn't get redder or the number of red bumps doesn't increase. Before using an anti-inflammatory cream, first clean your face with a very gentle soap.
Method 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Call the doctor if bleeding occurs
Observe the presence or absence of petechiae (small red bumps) that indicate bleeding behind the skin layer. In addition, also observe the presence or absence of purpura (purple patches that do not turn white when pressed) which indicates excessive bleeding behind the skin layer. Call your doctor if you think you've found one or both!
Do not take aspirin to relieve discomfort that appears. Aspirin can actually worsen the condition of petechiae or purpura, you know
Step 2. Monitor your recovery process
In other words, monitor for any changes in your skin, such as redness or swelling. Also monitor the duration, and contact your doctor if the changes do not return to normal after three days.
Also call your doctor if redness or swelling appears within two or three days of the microdermabrasion procedure, especially since by this time the skin should be almost healed
Step 3. Call your doctor if you experience intense or persistent pain
Also call your doctor if you experience unusual irritation after three days. In front of the doctor, make sure you describe all the symptoms that appear in detail, as well as the activities that may trigger the irritation or pain. That's the only way your doctor can give you the best advice.