Facials are a great way to clear and refresh the skin, but with some patients, the results they deliver aren’t really worth the money. For those hoping to even out skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and scarring, they may not even work at all. Luckily, a standard facial isn’t the only option. Diamond microdermabrasion, whether used in conjunction with a traditional facial or done on its own, is a great way to bring your clients real, proven results.
Perhaps due to the rise of social media and the subsequent pressure people feel to have flawless skin, microdermabrasion procedures are in high demand. In fact, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that in 2020, around 522,693 microdermabrasion procedures were performed in the U.S. alone. So, if your dermatology practice or medspa doesn’t have a Viora Pristine diamond microdermabrasion machine already, now may just be the time to invest.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion, a minimally invasive exfoliating procedure, was first introduced as a less aggressive alternative to dermabrasion and chemical peels in 1985. Targeting both the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) and the deep layer of the skin (the dermis), this technology works by gently sanding off a few of the top layers of the skin, the stratum corneum, and suctioning away dirt and dead skin cells. The procedure triggers the skin’s natural wound healing process, thickening the skin’s collagen, and leaving the skin looking rejuvenated.
Diamond Vs. Crystal Microdermabrasion
Both diamond and crystal microdermabrasion work to “sand” the skin, but they do so in different ways. Crystal microdermabrasion works like a sandblaster. Tiny crystals, typically composed of aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), are shot out from the receptacle on the microabrasion device through a wand, which sprays the crystals over the skin. As the crystals exfoliate, they are simultaneously suctioned away through the same wand.
Diamond microdermabrasion works more like sandpaper than a sandblaster. The devices used to perform these procedures have a wand with a diamond-encrusted tip that gently “buffs” the skin while simultaneously sucking away particles. How rough the diamond tooltip is can be adjusted depending on the patient’s needs, as can the strength of the suction, which practitioners may reduce around sensitive areas such as the eyes and mouth.
While both forms of microabrasion offer similar benefits, crystal procedures have a few downsides you won’t see with diamonds. Crystal treatments tend to leave small particles around difficult-to-reach places such as the mouth and the ears, and they aren’t as gentle on the skin as diamonds are. Plus, breathing in or getting crystals in the eyes can cause irritation (though with an experienced practitioner, this shouldn’t be an issue).
What Can Diamond Microdermabrasion Treat?
This procedure can treat a wide range of skin conditions, including:
- age spots
- blackheads
- hyperpigmentation (areas of darkened skin)
- sunspots
- stretch marks
- fine lines and wrinkles
- enlarged pores
- acne and acne scars
Who Shouldn’t Get This Treatment
While diamond microdermabrasion is a great way for many people to solve their skin problems, it isn’t a good solution for everyone. The following patients may not be good candidates for this treatment:
Those With Rosacea, Eczema, Psoriasis, A Rash, Or Highly Sensitive Skin
If the patient’s skin is sensitive, especially if the sensitivity is due to an underlying skin condition, disrupting the skin barrier can end up doing more damage than good. Plus, the procedure stimulates blood flow to the face (or whatever area is being treated), which can cause further irritation in these patients.
Those With Loose Or Thin Skin
The suction involved in the procedure can break the capillaries of people with thin or loose skin, and those broken capillaries can take days to heal.
Those With Inflammatory Acne
If the patient’s skin is inflamed and raw to begin with, sanding it with diamonds isn’t usually a good idea. In those cases, the procedure can irritate the sensitive areas and even spread bacteria, worsening acne.
Those Experiencing A Cold Sore Breakout
Not only can diamond microdermabrasion be painful around cold sores, it can also make them worse. It can irritate the sensitive skin around the mouth, spread them to other areas being treated, and cause an unwanted breakout. However, if this is a concern, medications could potentially be prescribed to help alleviate cold sores before treatment.
Those Taking Certain Medications
Topical retinoids and exfoliating acids make the skin more sensitive, which could cause irritation during the procedure. Similarly, many acne medications such as Isotretinoin and Accutane can dry the skin, make it more prone to irritation, and impact the patient’s ability to heal. Because of this, microdermabrasion could cause further damage or even scarring.
What Clients Can Expect
During diamond microdermabrasion treatments, the practitioner will move the wand in strokes over the patient’s face. The procedure isn’t painful at all, many describe the sensation as similar to having a cat lick their face. The entire process happens in a matter of minutes, no anesthesia is necessary, and there’s no recovery period. In most cases, makeup can be applied right away, though the patient will need to use sunscreen to reduce the chance of side effects.
While it may take a few rounds of treatment to see results, microdermabrasion tends to be very effective at evening skin texture and improving complexion, and it can even help patients absorb products such as anti-aging creams and serums better.
Thinking Of Investing In A Diamond Microdermabrasion Machine?
Microdermabrasion is one of the most in-demand procedures available, and if your practice isn’t offering it already, there’s no better time to start. However, purchasing a new machine can be expensive, and finding a reputable reseller is challenging, to say the least. You could take your chances and hope for the best, or, you could turn to Laser Resellers. Our company offers a wide range of used cosmetic devices you can trust, including the Viora Pristine diamond microdermabrasion machine. We provide maintenance to each of our devices, ensuring they are in top-notch condition before they are sold, and every device you see on our website is guaranteed to be in stock. So, if you’re thinking of investing in a diamond microdermabrasion machine, request a quote today!