Acne scars occur when previous breakouts scar the surface layer of the skin. They become more prevalent as your skin starts aging because the skin starts losing collagen. The collagen helps the skin renew itself as an essential protein that functions to keep the skin supple and smooth. Acne scars can also be more noticeable when your skin is exposed to the sun. However, that doesn’t mean you need to suffer from acne scars forever. 

Microdermabrasion is one way for you to improve the appearance of scarring. The dermatologist will use a handheld device that removes the outer layer of the epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin. This helps the skin reveal newer cells and keeps the overall appearance of the skin looking even and smooth. The treatment is conducted at your dermatologist’s office or at a spa. 

Who is Microdermabrasion for? 

Microdermabrasion does not work with severe acne scarring like ice pick scars or scarring that goes beyond the dermis. It focuses on creating even layers of the epidermis so it won’t have an effect on the lower layers of the skin. If you have darker skin, be sure to consult your dermatologist because it might lead to hyperpigmentation You should also avoid it if you have cystic acne if you have recently taken Accutane, if you have oral herpes that is active, and malignant skin cysts.

Are Facials Worth the Cost for Acne Scarring? 

If you have acne scarring, getting a facial might be worth the cost. It works best if your acne scarring is the depressed kind that causes pits in the skin. The treatments helps to regenerate new skin cells to level the surface of the skin. However, if you have ice pick scars that are deeper, microdermabrasion is not the best option for you. 

It is a great treatment if you are still experiencing mild breakouts. By removing the dead skin cells, microdermabrasion prevents your pores from clogging. It can also help your skin balance oil production by reducing excess sebum. However, if you have more serious breakouts like cystic acne, talk to your dermatologist about treatment options. Microdermabrasion facials will likely aggravate the inflammation. 

How Much Do They Cost? 

Insurance won’t cover procedures like microdermabrasion because it is considered cosmetic rather than health-related. However, you can talk to your skin care specialist about the estimated costs so you won’t be shocked by the price tag. The average cost per session is around $138.00 and you will several sessions for optimal results. 

Getting Ready for your Facial 

The procedure is performed at the spa or the dermatologist’s office though you won’t need to prepare beforehand. Simply make sure you take all your makeup off prior to the visit to ensure you present the dermatologist with clean skin. They will use a diamond handheld device to take off the debris from the skin. The procedure feels like a mild scratching and will last up to thirty minutes. 

After the Procedure 

Microdermabrasion does not have many side effects and it does not require any downtime. The crystals and diamond wand do not cause pain so your dermatologist doesn’t need to use any anesthetic. You can go back to your normal day right after the procedure. Each session should be followed with moisturized to keep your skin hydrated. You should also make sure you are wearing a strong SPF to protect your fresh skin from the harmful rays. Microdermabrasion makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage.