Microdermabrasion is one of the most versatile skin treatments, mostly done as a facial, but also possible on other areas of the body, like the back. It helps with a wide variety of skin imperfections, as it’s a form of relatively intense mechanical exfoliation which is still gentle on the skin.
One of the issues it’s most efficient at treating is microdermabrasion for blackheads. Let’s take a look at how microdermabrasion is done and how it helps congested skin.
How Is Microdermabrasion Done?
Microdermabrasion is a form of mechanical exfoliation done with a diamond-tipped handpiece (or one that sprays crystals, but that’s a bit outdated) which is pressed against the skin. The handpiece rotates, which removes the outermost layer of skin, and it provides suction, which takes away the lifted skin and vacuums out the pores.
This way, the pores are cleaned out thoroughly and in a very neat and tidy way, without their extracted contents and dead skin lingering on the skin, posing the threat of further contamination and congestion.
There’s also a spin-off on this treatment called hydradermabrasion which includes a spray of liquid that penetrates the pores and provides deep hydration and disinfection. This is a better option for very dry skin, or for particularly oily skin that needs a deep cleanse.
Image source: Instagram @spectrum.laser.skincare
What Can Microdermabrasion for Blackheads Do?
Microdermabrasion extracts blackheads as thoroughly as possible. It also removes the build-up of dead skin cells in the openings of pores, making them look smaller.
The same goes for whiteheads – another type of pore congestion less visible than blackheads, but formed in much the same way.
Microdermabrasion also cleanses out the pores that were on their way to becoming blackheads or whiteheads, or those little bumps you may get along the jawline or the hairline you don’t quite identify as congestion. That way, it improves the texture of the skin and makes it smoother.
Image source: Instagram @bb.beautybyderya
Is There a Need for Maintenance?
Well, yes. A single microdermabrasion session will clean out the pores, but they’ll inevitably get filled back up over time. But the thing is, with regular microdermabrasion sessions, your pores will shrink to a degree, so they’ll get less and less congested.
Skin type is a huge factor here, as oily skin accelerates the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, along with different types of pimples. Still, microdermabrasion will give quite an improvement.
Maintenance sessions can be done every 2 to 4 weeks so the skin isn’t overworked, but if you only need microdermabrasion for blackheads and other congestions, perhaps you can space them out further. If you’re also trying to improve other conditions, let your tech decide how often to repeat the treatment.
What Additional Effects Do I Get?
Microdermabrasion is one of the more holistic treatments, meaning it targets all surface skin imperfections simultaneously:
- Dull skin
- Fine lines
- Hyperpigmentation
- Large pores
- Some types of acne
- Acne scars
So if you decide to get a microdermabrasion for blackheads, you’ll actually get an overall improvement. Your skin will feel soft, smooth and have a healthy glow.
Image source: Instagram @jess_skin_bar
Is Microdermabrasion for Blackheads Better than Regular Extraction?
Many skin experts say yes.
When you get a professional pore extraction, the skin tech will use a range of metal tools to physically pop out the contents of your pores. While this is definitely a step up from you squeezing your face with fingers before a magnifying mirror, it’s still relatively aggressive on the skin and it can’t really extract everything from the pore.
Microdermabrasion is gentler, as there’s no localized pressure or pinching or squeezing. Yes, the vacuum may get a bit intense, but it also cleanses the pores more thoroughly. An experienced technician will adjust the force of the vacuum to do the job without being too aggressive.
There’s also the fact that microdermabrasion will give you additional benefits, which a regular extraction won’t, unless combined with a number of add-on services.
How Much Does Microdermabrasion Cost?
The average price of a microdermabrasion sess is around $120, but many factors affect the price set by individual technicians, and the price range can be quite wide. Also, if you know you’ll be getting multiple sessions, many salons offer package deals. You can learn more about the price range in this guide.
Final Note
Microdermabrasion is becoming more and more available, as skin clinics everywhere are adding it to their service list. But we advise you to do some research before you book the treatment in whichever random salon is closest to your home.
The treatment is done using a professional system, but the expertise of the practitioner is still important. The rotating handpiece is pressed against the skin, and the pressure applied to it determines how intense the exfoliation will be. The pressure has to be adjusted to the thickness and state of your skin!
Cover image source: Freepik
