What should you avoid applying after microdermabrasion?

Have you ever wondered what could go wrong if you apply the wrong products after a microdermabrasion treatment? It’s easy to think that after a procedure that improves your skin, you can simply continue with your regular skincare products. However, using certain ingredients can cause irritation, infection, or even undo the benefits of the treatment. In this article, we'll go over what you should avoid after microdermabrasion to ensure optimal healing and that your skin looks its best.

The Importance of Proper Aftercare
Microdermabrasion is a great treatment for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and even addressing acne scars. But to achieve the best results, how you care for your skin afterward is just as important as the treatment itself. After microdermabrasion, your skin is more sensitive and vulnerable, meaning some products can do more harm than good.

So, what should you avoid applying after microdermabrasion? Let’s dive into the key things to stay away from.

1. Avoid Exfoliating Masks and Scrubs
Your skin is in a delicate state right after a microdermabrasion treatment. Exfoliating ingredients, like those found in scrubs, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), can be too harsh for recently treated skin. Using these can cause irritation, redness, and even unnecessary peeling, which can hinder the healing process.

Why? After microdermabrasion, the outer layers of your skin are temporarily damaged and more sensitive to acidic or abrasive actions. Instead, use gentle facial cleansers and soothing products.

2. Avoid Vitamin C Serums
Vitamin C is great for brightening the skin and fighting signs of aging, but right after microdermabrasion, your skin may react negatively to its acidic properties. Applying Vitamin C immediately after the treatment may cause a burning sensation, redness, or irritation.

Why? Your skin is more sensitive and absorbent post-treatment, making it more likely to overreact to high-concentration ingredients like Vitamin C, leading to irritation.

3. No Retinol or Retinoids
Retinol and retinoids are known for speeding up cell turnover and enhancing skin appearance. However, they can be too strong for skin that has just undergone microdermabrasion.

Why? These ingredients can cause skin irritation, especially when your skin is in a vulnerable state. Using them can result in dryness, redness, and even excessive peeling.

4. Avoid Alcohol-Based Products
Alcohol-based toners, sprays, or creams may feel refreshing, but they can dry out and irritate your skin after microdermabrasion. These products may strip your skin of its moisture and interfere with the healing process.

Why? Alcohol is known to dry out the skin, and during recovery, your skin needs hydration, not dryness. Opt for alcohol-free toners and soothing products.

5. Do Not Use Fragrance-Containing Products
Fragrances, whether natural or synthetic, are often irritating. Applying them on skin treated with microdermabrasion can lead to allergic reactions, redness, or rashes.

Why? The microdermabrasion process creates small openings in the skin, making it more susceptible to irritants like fragrance, which can trigger irritation and increase the risk of a negative reaction.

6. Avoid Heavy Makeup and Sunscreens
While sunscreen is crucial after microdermabrasion, heavy sunscreens or those with artificial ingredients can be problematic. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid makeup for the first few hours after the treatment to minimize the risk of infection and irritation.

Why? After microdermabrasion, your pores are more open, and heavy makeup or sunscreen can clog them, leading to breakouts or infections. Instead, use a mineral sunscreen and let your skin breathe.

7. Don’t Use Oil-Based Products
While oils are often considered nourishing, they may not be suitable immediately after microdermabrasion. Oils can clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially when your skin is in the healing phase.

Why? Post-treatment, your skin is more porous and reacts more strongly to oily ingredients, which can hinder healing or cause additional skin problems.

A Real-Life Example: The Importance of Choosing the Right Products
Let’s say Sara underwent a microdermabrasion treatment to reduce acne scars. Excited about the results, she quickly applied her Vitamin C serum the day after the treatment, unaware that it could cause skin irritation. The result? She experienced redness and a burning sensation. Had she avoided this, her recovery could have been much smoother and faster.

In Summary
After microdermabrasion, your skin needs gentle, soothing products to support the healing process. Avoid exfoliating masks, Vitamin C, retinol, alcohol-based products, fragrances, heavy makeup, and oils. Instead, opt for calming serums, hydrating creams, and a gentle, alcohol-free sunscreen.

Your skin deserves the best care, and with these simple tips, you can maximize the results and ensure it heals optimally.

Ready to Protect Your Skin After Microdermabrasion?
Now that you know what to avoid, make sure to use products that will support your healing after microdermabrasion and enjoy the amazing results. Have you had a microdermabrasion treatment? What products did you find work best during your recovery process? Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below!

Call to action: Make sure to give your skin the right care after microdermabrasion and enjoy the stunning results!