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“Is It Safe to Use Salicylic Acid After Microdermabrasion?”
Beauty

“Is It Safe to Use Salicylic Acid After Microdermabrasion?”

27 March 2025


Can You Use Salicylic Acid After Microdermabrasion?




If you have had microdermabrasion before, you will know the full benefits for the skin and the overall improved look and feel. With such a highly effective treatment, the question we are left with is, can we use our normal skincare routine after microdermabrasion? Will salicylic acid help or hinder the results for the complexion? Are there huge no-no’s to using these potent powerhouses together? This is exactly what we plan to explore in today’s blog post, so stick around if you wanted to get to the bottom of things.



Before we start our investigation, let me explain what microdermabrasion is and how it works on the skin. If you are already familiar with how this treatment benefits the skin, you can skip to the next part.




What is microdermabrasion?



Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that involves fine crystals providing deep exfoliation




The vacuum device of the machine can remove dead skin cells from the top layers of the skin



Visibly improved complexion with fine lines and wrinkles significantly reduced




Signs of dark spots and hyperpigmentation improved with pigmentation appearing brighter with an even finish to the skin



Microdermabrasion can be used on the face, neck, hands, chest and back.




Skin texture is improved with an all-over smoother, younger, even looking complexion



There you have a few examples of what microdermabrasion does for the skin and the benefits you can expect to see. Finding a salon or spa that performs this treatment is an easy task as it is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available.




How long after microdermabrasion can I use salicylic acid?



Do not use any form of exfoliation on the skin after for microdermabrasion for at least three days after your treatment. This could be in the form of physical scrubs containing pieces of nut shells, as well as chemical exfoliation, such as salicylic acid and other acids.




Due to the deep exfoliation revealing brand new skin, increased sensitivity exposes the skin to become easily irritated. Therefore, it’s thought best to avoid any further exfoliation whilst your skin heals.



Other skin ingredients to avoid using during your healing stage are,




Glycolic Acid



Retinol




Benzoyl Peroxide



Topical Acne Treatments




After waiting for 72 hours, you can reintroduce your skincare products containing these ingredients back into your routine. Ideally, this should be performed as a staggered routine starting by only using one product enriched with a potent ingredient. By doing this you are keeping your skin healthy without causing it to become overly dry and irritated. Follow any skincare products containing the mentioned ingredients with a formula that is hydrating and packed with actives, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Each of these ingredients act as humectants meaning they can lock moisturise into the skin and keep it hydrated with the skin barrier strengthened.



What should you not do after microdermabrasion?




There are a few does and don’ts when it comes to the aftercare of microdermabrasion. Here are the main factors that should be avoided.



Don’t forget to moisturise more




Microdermabrasion is one of the most effective treatments with the quickest results. After your treatment you will instantly see an improvement of your skin. Many users exclaim how they can’t believe the softness of their skin after just one treatment, this is something that can easily be maintained by applying liberal layers of moisturiser. Be sure that you opt for a water-based formula packed with hyaluronic acid to keep the skin plumped, glowing, and healthy. You will also find that any signs of flaky, dry areas of skin are reduced, and the skin is left comfortable and the skin barrier at its healthiest, strongest state.



Don’t forget your SPF




For the first 3 days after your appointment, it is advisable to avoid touching and cleansing the skin and ideally, you should avoid any exposure to direct sunlight. Once these days have passed, it is of the highest importance you apply a daily SPF of 30 and above. This will ensure all the hard work of the microdermabrasion is not altered and you have full protection from free radicals, such as UV light, pollution, central heating, and other environmental aggressors.



Do not work out




If you were after a good excuse to skip the gym for a few days, then microdermabrasion is the answer. As I have mentioned, your skin’s sensitivity is increased so avoid heavy workouts that will result in you sweating profusely. This will prevent any sweat from reacting to the skin and causing irritation.



Avoid caffeine




I understand how the thought of not having your morning tea or coffee sounds like an absolute nightmare. The trouble is caffeine is very dehydrating for the skin, especially after a treatment that performs such as deep exfoliation. The easiest way to counteract this is to remember to consume the same amount of water as you do caffeine.


There you have some examples of the main factors you need to avoid, including the exfoliation I mentioned in the previous section. If you have any concerns with your aftercare post microdermabrasion, consult with your doctor or the trained professional who performed the procedure for more advice.

Can I use BHA after microdermabrasion?

No, it is best to avoid any form of BHA after microdermabrasion. The new skin layer on the surface of the face is highly sensitive and suspectable to long term damage if exposed to any form of exfoliation, this will cause the skin to become red, irritated, and uncomfortable. You will also find your natural protective barrier will become weakened and lacking in the vital oil and water needed to function correctly. This will result in all manner of skin concerns and problems, from redness, signs of premature ageing, and hyperpigmentation.

How do you treat acne after microdermabrasion?

If you are starting a course of microdermabrasion to treat your acne, you may need to prepare yourself from more breakouts before you reach your skin goals. Many find that their acne can worsen after the first treatment, but don’t panic, as this is all part of the process.

The way microdermabrasion exfoliates the skin is by stimulating the skin cycle, sloughing away the build-up of dead skin cells and unclogging the pores of deep-rooted impurities, such as bacteria, debris, excess sebum, and dirt. All of this can lead to something known as purging when all the “gunk” in the skin is drawn to the surface of the skin. As disheartening as it may feel, this won’t last forever and after a couple more sessions of microdermabrasion, you will be left with the best skin you’ve ever had!

How long after microdermabrasion can I use retinol?

You need to avoid using retinol for at least three days after microdermabrasion. With retinol performing on the face in a similar way to the treatment, you’ll find this will be too much for the skin and you will be left with a flare up of acne, redness, breakouts, and other skin concerns. Once the skin has healed and settled, you can then reintroduce retinol into your routine with the peace of mind you won’t damage the skin.

I hope that this has answered some of your questions you had about using salicylic acid after microdermabrasion. Don’t forget, if you have any further questions, you can come and follow us on Instagram.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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