Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that mostly affects the face and neck. This condition is generally more prevalent in people aged 30-40 years with women being the most at risk.
Visible redness, large bumps, and pustules characterize rosacea. While the exact causes of the illness are still unknown, an early diagnosis can help to manage and prevent rosacea from spreading.
In recent years, exfoliation has become a popular method for managing skin conditions such as acne and increasingly rosacea. In particular, some users swear by microdermabrasion as a facial treatment for rosacea.
But is microdermabrasion good for rosacea? Read on to find out.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive surgical procedure that entails the use of microcrystals to remove dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin thereby revealing younger, healthier-looking skin. By removing the upper layer of the skin, microdermabrasion allows for the growth of new skin cells containing more elastin and collagen.
Specialists typically use two techniques to perform microdermabrasion. One technique entails the use of diamond while the other uses crystals. The diamond procedure entails the use of a diamond-tipped tool to remove dead skin cells. The crystal technique involves spraying small particles of aluminum oxide onto the skin to eliminate dead skin cells.
The patient usually undertakes 5 to 12 treatment sessions every two to three weeks. The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes and is essentially painless.
Although microdermabrasion is not painful, your face might feel slightly warmer as the crystals eliminate the dead skin cells. Where microdermabrasion before and after results are concerned many patients report that the procedure does expose your skin and your facial skin is particularly sensitive at this time.
Be sure to use sunscreen and moisturizer to shield yourself from direct exposure to the sun.
Microdermabrasion Side Effects
While microdermabrasion works for some people, this procedure may not be appropriate for everyone. In fact, experts caution against the use of techniques that involve scrubbing the face as this could increase the risk of skin inflammation and may worsen symptoms.
Rosacea makes your skin highly sensitive and prone to inflammation. Even though microdermabrasion does not use any chemicals, the crystal or diamond particles sprayed on the skin may be too aggressive and can inflame the skin.
If you have rosacea, what your skin needs is a treatment that will calm and soothe the affected area. Microdermabrasion may help with the production of collagen, which aids in generating new skin cells.
may deliver short-term results but after a while, the symptoms may return with full force. This is because the process actually changes the structure of the blood vessels, which in people with rosacea are already badly damaged. Any aggressive techniques will only serve to damage the vessels further, making a bad situation worse.
Is Dermaplaning The Same As Microdermabrasion?
Many people assume that dermaplaning and microdermabrasion are similar processes. While both techniques involve the surgical removal of dead skin cells from the upper layer of the skin, some differences exist between the two.
Dermaplaning entails the use of a surgical blade, placed at a 45-degree angle, to remove the top layer of the skin. A comparison of dermaplaning before and after results shows smooth and glowing skin. This non-invasive, non-chemical procedure is suitable for people who want to eliminate acne and fine lines.
Although the dermaplaning is usually touted as a promising procedure for people with sensitive red skin such as rosacea, you should be careful about this treatment method. Dermaplaning side effects can occur when you glide a sharp razor over rosacea pustules, bumps, or pimples.
Both dermaplaning and microdermabrasion are similar in that they remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Although both processes make the skin smooth, they require more than one treatment options for you to see visible and significant results.
However, as a rosacea treatment, microdermabrasion is a more aggressive procedure. The tool used in this process has a vacuum mechanism that can aggravate the symptoms of rosacea.
You should also bear in mind surgical procedures such as microdermabrasion make your skin raw therefore exposing you to the risk of infections. Other possible microdermabrasion side effects include:
- Hyper or hypopigmentation
- Skin perforation
- Bleeding
Although rare, some specialists may use the same crystals to perform microdermabrasion on multiple patients. This also increases the risk of serious infections and diseases.
Another issue pertains to hygiene. In clinics with questionable hygiene standards, the lack of proper equipment sterilization can also pose considerable risks.
Summary
While microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive technique, experts do not consider this as a formal treatment for rosacea. The crystal particles and suction mechanism involved in the process can inflame the skin and worsen the symptoms of rosacea.
Consult with your doctor before undergoing microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, or other types of surgical procedures for rosacea.
Alternatively, take a look at these options for a natural treatment of rosacea.