Microdermabrasion: How It Works to Improve Your Skin

Microdermabrasion: How It Works to Improve Your Skin

Microdermabrasion is a treatment that exfoliates the top layer of your skin to promote cell renewal and turnover. It’s powerful, effective, and noninvasive.

Gifty Aidoo, FNP-C, and Nandeesh Veerappa, MD, at Aesthetic Lab in Modesto and Turlock, California, offer many beauty treatments. Microdermabrasion treatments for ideal for acne, scarring, large pores, dryness, roughness, and hyperpigmentation. 

Our specialists exfoliate the skin with an abrasive instrument, removing dead or dying cells from the surface and debris buildup. Here’s how it works.

Many clients search, “How does microdermabrasion work?” The short answer: it’s a precise, mechanical peel that lifts compacted surface cells and vacuums them away. This action reveals a smoother, brighter look with minimal downtime.

What is microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment method in which special microcrystals and a vacuum-compressed air system remove the upper layers of the skin. 

Fine, sterilized microcrystals are directed onto the skin at high speed (using a handpiece) and sucked out again through a vacuum hose system into a separate container. This treatment is a type of peel without chemical or biological substances.

Now, if you’re wondering, “Is microdermabrasion safe for sensitive skin?” it can be, as long as parameters are adjusted and post-care is followed.

How Microdermabrasion Works

Your skin is an organ made up of different layers. The uppermost of the three skin layers of the epidermis consists of dead cells. The underlying skin layers comprise living cells, which are constantly renewed.

Over a series, tone and texture often refine, which answers the common question, “Does microdermabrasion help with pigmentation?”

During this renewal process, the overlying cells continuously push farther upward, where they then die and are constantly shed. The skin renewal process usually takes 28 days. With increasing age, however, this renewal process of the cells slows down.

Microdermabrasion starts at the top layer of skin and gently and safely removes the micro-layer of dead cells from the epidermis. A delicate, smooth surface appears. By removing the top layer, your skin receives the impulse to create new skin cells. 

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Immediate Glow and Smoother Texture

By lifting compacted surface cells (corneocytes), light reflects more evenly so skin looks brighter right after treatment. The polished surface also helps serums and moisturizers absorb more effectively over the next 24–48 hours.

Refines the Look of Pores

Suction clears oxidized oil and debris from pore openings, so pores appear less noticeable even though their size doesn’t physically change. With consistent sessions and good home care, congestion stays lower and makeup lays more smoothly.

Supports Even Tone and Mild Pigmentation Concerns

Regular, controlled exfoliation removes dull buildup that can exaggerate superficial discoloration, helping tone look more even. For deeper sun spots or melasma, microdermabrasion serves as a gentle polish that pairs best with pigment-safe topicals and strict daily SPF.

Complements Collagen-Supporting Routines

By encouraging a healthier renewal rhythm, skin can look smoother and more refined over a series of visits. Results are strongest when combined with sunscreen and collagen-supporting actives (e.g., peptides or retinoids as tolerated).

Minimal Downtime, Consistent Results

Most people experience mild pinkness or tightness for 24–48 hours, allowing a same-day return to normal activities with sun protection. Because improvements are cumulative, a short series followed by maintenance keeps texture and tone gains steady year-round.

Natural skin renewal

Microdermabrasion deeply cleanses your skin. The deep cleansing, through the combination of peeling and vacuum, stimulates the skin’s collagen and elastin production, making it firmer. The significantly boosted microcirculation also promotes the restoration of your epidermis. This protects against injuries and dehydration.

A significant benefit of microdermabrasion is the improvement of lymphatic drainage (lymph flow), blood circulation stimulation,  and skin detoxification.

What to Expect After a Treatment

Microdermabrasion removes an old layer of skin, temporarily removing the skin’s natural self-protection. Therefore, pre-treatment and aftercare are vital.

Depending on the treatment intensity, you may notice slightly pink skin but no open wounds. Short-term feelings of dryness and tightness of the treated skin are potential reactions that return to normal within a short time. Your skin needs 2-3 days to rebuild its protective barrier. 

What happens after a microdermabrasion session? Expect mild pinkness, tightness, or dryness for 24–48 hours with no open wounds. After the treatment, your skin is also sensitive to light, so use sunblock to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Avoid heavy sweating, swimming pools, and exposure to dust.

The skin usually becomes more elastic, and the pores become smaller after microdermabrasion. Wrinkles and lines are reduced. In addition, the treatment has a rejuvenating effect by activating your skin’s collagen and elastin production.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

Most clients do best with a series of 4–6 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 4–8 weeks depending on skin goals, season, and at-home routine; sensitive or richly pigmented skin types typically start conservatively and build as tolerated.

Ideal Candidates for a Microdermabrasion

Great for dullness, mild acne, and post-blemish marks, rough texture, superficial pigmentation, and early fine lines. Post-care diligence matters for sensitive skin; we tailor settings for rosacea-prone, reactive, or deeply melanated skin to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Avoid treatment if you have recently used isotretinoin, active cold sores, open lesions, recent sunburn, or active eczema/psoriasis on the area.

Book Your Microdermabrasion in Modesto & Turlock

Looking for the best skin rejuvenation treatment in Modesto with a quick refresh and minimal downtime? Our team at Aesthetic Lab personalizes parameters for Microdermabrasion Modesto CA and Microdermabrasion Turlock CA appointments, including gentle protocols for reactive skin and event-ready polishing. 

Suppose you’re exploring an anti-aging facial in Turlock, CA. In that case, microdermabrasion is an excellent foundation service. Plus, we can pair it with hydrating serums or finishing masks for an added glow. Book your consultation to see which plan fits your skin and schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is microdermabrasion safe for all skin types?

Yes, this treatment is safe, especially when customized by an experienced provider with conservative settings and strict sun protection.

How many sessions do I need for the best results?

Plan for 4–6 sessions at 2–4-week intervals, then maintenance every 4–8 weeks based on your goals and skin’s response.

What should I avoid after microdermabrasion?

For 48–72 hours, avoid sun exposure, retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating scrubs, waxing, hot yoga/sauna, and chlorinated pools. Rather, we recommend you use gentle skincare and SPF 30+ daily.

Can microdermabrasion help with acne scars?

It can soften the look of mild, superficial acne scarring over a series, while deeper or pitted scars may require additional treatments such as microneedling or laser.