Can I use salicylic acid after microdermabrasion?
If you’ve ever had microdermabrasion, you know all about the skin benefits and the improvement in overall look and feel. With such a highly effective treatment, the question remains whether we can use our normal skin care routine after microdermabrasion. Does salicylic acid improve or worsen skin tone? Are there any big contraindications when these powerful powerhouses are used together? That’s exactly what we want to explore in today’s blog post, so stay tuned if you want to know the details.
Before we get into our review, I want to explain what microdermabrasion is and how it works on the skin. If you already know how this treatment benefits the skin, you can move on to the next section.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that utilizes tiny crystals to deeply exfoliate the skin.
The vacuum unit of the machine removes dead skin cells from the upper layers of the skin.
Skin tone is visibly improved, and fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced.
Signs of dark spots and hyperpigmentation are reduced, pigmentation appears lighter, and skin looks more even.
Microdermabrasion can be used on the face, neck, hands, chest, and back.
Skin structure is improved and the complexion appears smoother, younger, and more even.
Below are some examples of what microdermabrasion does to the skin and the benefits you can expect. Finding a salon or spa that performs this treatment is an easy task as it is one of the most popular beauty treatments.
How soon after microdermabrasion can I use salicylic acid?
After microdermabrasion, do not use an exfoliant on your skin for at least three days. This can be in the form of a physical peel using husk flakes or a chemical peel such as salicylic acid and other acids.
Since deep exfoliation exposes brand new skin, the skin can be easily irritated due to increased sensitivity. Therefore, it is considered best to avoid further peeling during the healing period.
Other skin ingredients to avoid during the healing period include:
Glycolic acid
Retinol
Benzoyl peroxide
Topical acne treatments
After waiting 72 hours, you can reintroduce skincare products containing these ingredients into your routine. Ideally, this should be done in a staggered manner and you start by using only one product that is rich in active ingredients. This way you can keep your skin healthy without over-drying it and irritating it. After using skincare products containing the above ingredients, use a formula that is moisturizing and rich in active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Each of these ingredients acts as a humectant, which locks moisture into the skin and retains it, strengthening the skin barrier.
What Should You Not Do After Microdermabrasion?
There are some things you should and shouldn’t do after a microdermabrasion treatment. Here are the most important factors to avoid.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate More
Microdermabrasion is one of the most effective and fastest-acting treatments. After the treatment, you will notice an immediate improvement in your skin. Many users say they can’t believe how soft their skin becomes after just one treatment. However, this can be easily maintained by applying a generous amount of moisturizer. Be sure to choose a water-based formula with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump, radiant, and healthy. You will also find that all signs of flaky, dry skin areas are reduced, your skin feels comfortable, and your skin barrier is at its healthiest and strongest.
Don’t forget your SPF
For the first 3 days after your appointment, it’s recommended to avoid touching and cleaning your skin, and preferably avoid direct sunlight. After these days, it’s vital to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day. This ensures that the hard work of microdermabrasion is not compromised and that you are completely protected from free radicals such as UV rays, pollution, central heating and other environmental aggressors.
Don’t Exercise
If you’re looking for a good excuse to skip the gym for a few days, microdermabrasion is the answer. As I mentioned before, your skin sensitivity will increase, so avoid strenuous exercise that causes heavy sweating. This prevents the sweat from reacting to your skin and causing irritation.
Avoid Caffeine
I know the idea of skipping your morning tea or coffee sounds like an absolute nightmare. The problem is that caffeine can seriously dry out your skin, especially after a treatment like a deep peel. The easiest way to combat this is to remember to consume the same amount of water as you do caffeine.
Here are some examples of the main factors you need to avoid, including the peeling I mentioned in the previous section. If you have questions about post-microdermabrasion follow-up care, please contact your doctor or the trained professional who performed the procedure for further advice.
Can BHAs be used after microdermabrasion?
No, it is best to avoid using any form of BHA after microdermabrasion. The new layer of skin on the surface of the face is highly sensitive and susceptible to long-term damage with any form of peeling. This can cause the skin to become red, irritated, and uncomfortable. You will also find that your natural protective barrier is weakened and lacks the important oils and water it needs to function properly. This can lead to a variety of skin problems and concerns, from redness to signs of premature aging to hyperpigmentation.
How to treat acne after microdermabrasion?
If you start microdermabrasion to treat acne, you may need to prepare for more breakouts before you reach your skin goals. Many people find that their acne becomes worse after their first treatment, but don’t panic, as this is part of the process.
Microdermabrasion exfoliates the skin by stimulating circulation in the skin, removing the buildup of dead skin cells, and clearing deep impurities from the pores, such as bacteria, debris, excess sebum, and dirt. All of this can lead to what is known as detoxification, where all the “gunpowder” in the skin is drawn to the surface of the skin. Although it may be daunting, it doesn’t last forever, and after a few microdermabrasion sessions, you will have the best skin ever!
How soon after microdermabrasion can I use retinol?
Retinol must be avoided for at least three days after microdermabrasion. Since retinol has a similar effect to a treatment when applied to the face, you may find that it is too much for the skin and you will develop acne, redness, rashes, and other skin issues. Once the skin has healed and calmed down, you can reintroduce retinol into your daily routine with the confidence that you will not damage the skin.
I hope this has answered some of your questions about using salicylic acid after microdermabrasion. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram if you have any other questions.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
