Treating Sun Damaged Skin: Does Microdermabrasion Work?


You could be in your late twenties, just returned from a vacation at the beach, with sunburn as a memento or someone in their 40s and 50s who’s never paid attention to sun protection. Sun damage is a reality you’ll have to contend with.
But you can rest your anxiety and fears. Due to innovations in treatment modalities, it is possible to erase the sun damage to your skin, and give yourself spotless, smoother and younger–looking skin!
Before telling you how to erase sun damage let us quickly get to know the enemy better.
What is sun damage or sunburn?
Sunburn is nothing but an acute inflammation of the skin due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It starts off by reddening of the skin, seen usually after just 3-4 hours of exposure, and reaching a peak at 12-24 hours. In addition to redness, the skin will also be warm to touch, painful, tender, itchy; because it’s inflamed, it may also appear swollen or demonstrate small fluid-filled blisters. In severe degrees of sunburn, you are at a greater risk of dehydration and infections and may develop a headache, fever, chills, nausea, and fatigue. Healing occurs within 4-7 days by way of peeling. The sunspots, on the other hand, are a result of cumulative sun exposure over years, due to increased melanin.
Sun damage can happen to any area exposed to the sun, including earlobes, scalp, lips, and eyes. The best way to prevent it is to stay covered up, wearing scarves or wide-brimmed hats, to stay hydrated, and to always wear sunscreen (SPF>30).
But if the damage has been done, here’s how you can treat it, and reverse the damage done to your skin.
Microdermabrasion Treatment: An effective treatment for sun damage
Microdermabrasion is a procedure in which a special machine applies a slightly rough applicator tip to the surface of the skin of the face or neck. Hence, this removes the topmost layer of the skin. As a result, this allows the repair of damaged skin and renewal of skin tone and texture. Microdermabrasion can improve the appearance of:
- Sunspots
- Age spots
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Melasma
- Hyperpigmentation
It works on all skin types. It solves skin problems without causing any skin color changes or scarring. In the procedure tiny crystals are sprayed onto the skin and the applicator is rubbed against it to remove the skin layer. It helps in skin exfoliation and skin rejuvenation to get healthy-looking skin.
If you’re considering microdermabrasion, your dermatologist will review your medical history. In fact, he will even conduct an examination to ensure you are a good candidate for it. Accordingly, the dermatologist will also discuss your expectations, optimum outcomes and potential risks of the procedure as well as post-treatment skincare routine.
What exactly goes into it?
First, the doctor uses a deep cleaning gel or foam to remove any makeup, dust or natural oils from your skin. A device is then applied to your face to abrade the uppermost layer of skin, i.e. rubbing it away via friction. A moisturizer is applied later. The procedure takes about 30-40 minutes.
Microdermabrasion: The best tan removal option?
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive, tan skin removal process that involves manual exfoliation of the top layer of the epidermis. The removal of the tanned or sun-damaged skin, the epidermal layer gives way to new, healthy-looking skin. However, this de-tanning method should not be performed if the patient has been administered tretinoin in the past six months or anti-inflammatory medication in the past week. Suited to any skin type and completely painless, this procedure is deemed to be the best way to remove tanning from the face as it increases new cell formation, reduces scarring and smoothes your facial skin as well.
Microdermabrasion is one of the best tanning removal options, it can benefit your skin the most especially if you’re trying to maintain the natural facial skin texture by removing the sun-damaged layers. The right implementation of this procedure can help remove tan and dead skin cells from your body.
At Home vs Clinic.
Yes, microdermabrasion kits are available for you to use at home. Even though promoted as safe and effective, the fact is that home microdermabrasion will never match the professional treatment. Because the professional treatments use pure crystal flows by way of vacuum effect as opposed to crystal-based cream that is part of the at-home kits, they leave no residue to trigger adverse reactions, give better and longer-lasting results, and also stimulate collagen remodelling.
You call the shots.
Microdermabrasion is performed by plastic surgeons, dermatologists and also in spas and salons. So choose wisely where and with whom you want to get it done. It’s best to go through a referral. Get a proper consultation, which includes an examination of your skin and accordingly the number of treatments needed, the safety of the procedure and the possible side effects, the results that can be expected, the cost, and whether microdermabrasion is the best treatment plan for you. Equip yourself to make the decision.
How do I prepare for microdermabrasion treatment?
Stay out of the sun, sacrifice your smoking habit in exchange for smoother looking skin, and clean your face with a cleanser before your appointment.
Post the procedure
Cleanse your face and apply moisturizer once it dries. Use moisturizer and sunscreen religiously over the next few days, and avoid sun exposure as much as possible. You can start using makeup after a couple of days. Microdermabrasion creams containing vitamins A, C and E help give the skin a fresh and toned look. Avoid using exfoliation products, chemical peels and waxing for a few days.
When is microdermabrasion not a good idea?
If you’ve been taking tretinoin for acne in the past 6 months, or anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDS) in the past one week; if you suffer from eczema, warts, psoriasis, lupus, or have had a sudden breakout of acne, boil or rash, it’s best if you postpone the treatment till the condition is resolved. Also at least until a week before, avoid waxing, facials, chemical peels, laser and other treatments and leave your skin feeling more sensitive.
How effective is it?
Very! Because not much preparation is needed, you can fit it conveniently as your schedule allows, as there is almost no downtime required. Walk in and walk out with results instantly noticeable, in terms of tone, texture and other signs of ageing. It can be comfortably used on any skin type since it is completely painless. Also, because it removes the dead skin cells, it permits your high-tech skincare products to penetrate better and work effectively. All of this is possible just after a single session! Multiple sessions enable you to have:
- Clean pores. Say goodbye to clogged up pores!
- New skin cells. Healthy, new cells give your skin a younger look.
- Smoother skin. Blemishes and fine lines fade over repeated treatments.
- Reduced scarring. Removes the dead skin cells that form your scar, replacing it with new ones.
But what about side effects?
Any discomfort experienced as part of microdermabrasion is short-lived. This includes redness and swelling, bruising, flaky, dry skin, slight skin tightness and sensitivity, small abrasions and areas of hyperpigmentation. But because microdermabrasion acts only on the outermost layer of skin, the potential drawbacks are very limited and temporary. Microdermabrasion is otherwise a painless and non-invasive procedure that results in smoother, clearer skin.
Too good to be true?
Not at all! Mainly because it makes no tall claims. Neither does it masquerade under the guise of a single treatment session as a cure, nor does it claim to treat severe damage, involving the deeper layers of skin. So it legitimately boasts of being the ideal treatment for people with minor skin imperfections, a quick procedure with minimal care measures to be taken before or after, minus the baggage of risks that come with other procedures, and bequests you with younger looking skin!
What else can I opt for?
- To start with, you can use topical skin damage repair creams and gels containing retinoids, vitamins C, E, and other antioxidants. They increase collagen, lighten spots and slow down the signs of ageing.
- Exfoliation in the form of alpha and beta hydroxy acids can be done to stimulate faster skin cell turnover.
- Chemical peels, whether superficial, medium or deep can be performed as indicated. They require a longer recovery time.
- When the sun damage involves deeper layers of skin, microdermabrasion isn’t of much use. Big guns have to be called in!
It’s always advisable to get your skin examined by a dermatologist to understand what is right for your skin type. These treatments may not work equally well for everyone. A dermatologist can provide the right treatment methodology or combination of treatments that will provide the best results for you unique skin concerns.
Why ClearSkin?
We can help you repair damaged skin tone through evidence-based treatment methods like microdermabrasion treatment that are transparent about the expected results to ensure customer satisfaction. We pride ourselves in giving patients great care and guidance during the pre and post-op stages, instead of treating it as a one-time session.
We practice the safest, quickest and most effective procedures for treating skin pigmentation and tan removal, ensuring a relatively painless experience.
Very nice! I love to read your blogs and I really like this article so much. Thanks and keep sharing.
hello,
thank you so much for reading the article.
keep in touch.
Doc namaskar I have pigments on my chicks so want treatment from you I live in Mumbai pls suggest me about this Thanks Regards Sonam
Sir, Since 2011 to 2015 I applied penderm plus cream on my face.some one was told me this cream is very good for pimples.so I used it on face.but I observed side by side my skin colour also changed .its improved brightes on my face so I continued it for long time but 2 years back when i stopped to apply this cream my skin colour totally changed whenever i go outside its getting burned and i visited to skin clinic but i did not continue the treatment bcz i was not get proper guidance or treatment.sir pls help me… Read more »
hello,
its always recommend never to use any medications over the counter and without any dermatologist prescription. While using any medications, there are some precautions need to be followed like the application of sunblock, proper follow up with your doctor after every 3 months etc.
now its very difficult to give you any medications without doing any check-up of your skin, as its already damaged.
as you wanted to meet me, then you can call on 7798022622, my support team will help you out.
keep in touch.
Hello Docter,
Meri skin combination Hai but Abhi woh dry ho rahi Hai or dhup Mai jatehi Bohot Sara pasina aata Hai cheharepe or kali Ho jati Hai plz Mujhe batye ki mai konsa sunscreen or moisturizer use karu…
hello madam,
aapka concern samaj sakte hai, aapko koi bhi dermatologist se consult karke skin check karna chaheya, aur prescription follow kijiya.aapke doctor aapka skin type check karke medication aur creams prescribe karenge.
aapko bahut benifit hoga.aapko bina check karke medications aur creams nahi prescribe kar sakte hai, koi bhi side effects ho sakta hai.
aap koi bh broad sprectum ke sun block use kar sakte hai, spf 30 to spf 50.
Ur address n contact no.and price of tratment.
hello,
i will share the address link, https://www.hairmdindia.com/contact and you can call on 7798022622, my support team will help you out. keep in touch.
Sir mere baki body part fair h except my face..baki body part tan bi kuch din chala jata but mere face ka tan ni ja rha ek dedh saal ho gya sir…sirf face pe tan ni jata .dhoop me bi ni jata ho sir fir…plz guide me
hello,
its very important to meet a dermatologist and get your skin checked.
i will suggest you to use sunblock whenever spf 30 to spf 50., whenever you go out which will help you get protected from getting tan.
keep in touch.
hlo pimples markes best cream ?
hello,
in this platform without doing a checkup of your skin, it’s not advisable to prescribe any medications.
you can show your skin to any dermatologist and the accordingly your dermatologist will give you medications and skin care products.
keep following us.
Hi,
Good morning sir, am.KALYANI ,from odisha my colour is black , and my face also black and am having dry skin also , so what type of treatments apply in my face .I want white n glowing skin.
hello,
to know in details about your skin condition and the remedy, i would recommend you to meet a dermatologist nearby your area. a physical checkup is very important to know your skin in details.
sir meri skin par acne ke redspot ho gye h to m kya istemal karu jisse ki redspot khatam ho jaye or m kafi tym se steroid cream ka bhi istemal kr raha tha jisse meri skin bhut jyada patli ho gyi hai.
sir plzz you help me…
hello,
aapko skin bina check up karke, nahi bata sakte hai, aapko dermatologist se skin consult kijiya.
Very nice sir… really like this article and very very helpful for us… Thanks for sharing
hello,
Thank you so much.
keep following us.
Sir mere face pe chote chote acne ho gai hai jahi nahi hote hai lekin completely nahi jate.
hello,
aapko dermatologist se consult karke medication use kijiya aapko help hoga.
bina skin check karke nahi bata sakte hai kuch bhi.
Hello sir, I’m from Bihar. My skin has become a pothole .sir plz tell me some ideas for for treat.
Thank you sir
hello,
you have acne scars, I will say you to meet a dermatologist and get yourself checked to do laser treatments.
make sure you consult and then follow any treatments.
Sir meri skin bohot sensitive hai mai kya karu
hello,
aappke skin sentitive hai, tow aapko mild products use karna chaheya.
Sir,
Thanks for sharing your useful video. In behalf of my wife I want to know in which cream or moisturiser will be use dark and dry skin. Also let me know that glutothin capsule use is safe or not.
hello,
in this platform we are not allowed to talk about any medications and its bands, so I will not able to prescribe you any medications.
Sir meri skin bhoat black type ho rhi hai sun damage ka hesab sa ho rha hai sir koi cream ya lostion hai toh sir baatao
hello,
I will suggest you consult a dermatologist to get better help, as I will not able to guide without doing any physical examination.
you can use any non-comedogenic creams also.
Without doing any physical examination, it’s not possible to prescribe any medications.
Sir pimples to gye face se but spot. Chod ke gye face pe so vo dark/black spot ko kese remove kiya jaye?
hello,
I will suggest you consult a dermatologist to get better help, as I will not able to guide without doing any physical examination.