Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that is designed to improve the appearance of the skin by removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. This non-invasive procedure is performed by a skincare professional using a special tool that exfoliates the outermost layer of the skin. However, some individuals may notice that their skin appears darker after microdermabrasion. In this article, we will explore the causes of skin darker after microdermabrasion and what you can do to prevent and treat it.
Understanding Skin Darker After Microdermabrasion
Skin darker after microdermabrasion is a common side effect of the procedure. This can be caused by several factors, including:
Increased blood flow: Microdermabrasion can increase blood flow to the treated area, which can cause temporary redness and discoloration.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Microdermabrasion can cause inflammation in the skin, which can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This condition causes dark spots or patches to appear on the skin.
Sun exposure: After microdermabrasion, the skin may be more sensitive to sun exposure. Exposure to UV rays can cause the skin to darken.
Excessive pressure: If the microdermabrasion tool is used with excessive pressure, it can cause bruising or discoloration.
Preventing Skin Darker After Microdermabrasion
While skin darker after microdermabrasion is a common side effect, there are steps you can take to prevent it from occurring:
Avoid sun exposure: After microdermabrasion, it is important to avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30. This can help to prevent sun damage and discoloration.
Choose a qualified and experienced professional: Choosing a qualified and experienced professional to perform the procedure can help to ensure that the microdermabrasion tool is used with the correct pressure and technique.
Follow aftercare instructions: Following the aftercare instructions provided by your skincare professional can help to prevent skin darker after microdermabrasion. This may include avoiding certain skincare products, avoiding hot water, and avoiding excessive sweating.
Avoid picking or scratching the skin: Picking or scratching the skin after microdermabrasion can cause further inflammation and discoloration.
Treating Skin Darker After Microdermabrasion
If you notice that your skin appears darker after microdermabrasion, there are several treatments available to help reduce discoloration:
Topical treatments: Topical treatments, such as hydroquinone and retinoids, can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots or patches on the skin.
Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin and reduce discoloration.
Laser treatments: Laser treatments use laser technology to target dark spots or patches on the skin and reduce discoloration.
Microneedling: Microneedling uses a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and reducing discoloration.
It is important to consult with a qualified and experienced skincare professional to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs.
Causes of Skin Darker After Microdermabrasion
Now let’s take a closer look at the causes of skin darker after microdermabrasion.
Increased blood flow
Microdermabrasion can increase blood flow to the treated area, which can cause temporary redness and discoloration. The increased blood flow is a result of the microdermabrasion tool’s suction and abrasive action, which stimulates the skin’s natural healing process. This increased blood flow can cause the skin to appear darker, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes dark spots or patches to appear on the skin after an injury or inflammation. Microdermabrasion can cause inflammation in the skin, which can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This condition is more common in individuals with darker skin tones, as they have more melanin in their skin, which can lead to more pronounced discoloration.
Sun exposure
After microdermabrasion, the skin may be more sensitive to sun exposure. Exposure to UV rays can cause the skin to darken, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. It is important to avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 after microdermabrasion to prevent sun damage and discoloration.
Excessive pressure
If the microdermabrasion tool is used with excessive pressure, it can cause bruising or discoloration. This is more common in individuals with thinner or more delicate skin, as they are more prone to bruising and discoloration.
Preventing Skin Darker After Microdermabrasion
Preventing skin darker after microdermabrasion involves taking steps to minimize the risk of inflammation and discoloration. Here are some tips to help prevent skin darker after microdermabrasion:
Avoid sun exposure
After microdermabrasion, it is important to avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30. This can help to prevent sun damage and discoloration.
Choose a qualified and experienced professional
Choosing a qualified and experienced professional to perform the procedure can help to ensure that the microdermabrasion tool is used with the correct pressure and technique. This can help to minimize the risk of bruising and discoloration.
Follow aftercare instructions
Following the aftercare instructions provided by your skincare professional can help to prevent skin darker after microdermabrasion. This may include avoiding certain skincare products, avoiding hot water, and avoiding excessive sweating.
Avoid picking or scratching the skin
Picking or scratching the skin after microdermabrasion can cause further inflammation and discoloration. It is important to avoid touching the treated area and to let the skin heal naturally.
Treating Skin Darker After Microdermabrasion
If you do experience skin darker after microdermabrasion, there are several treatments available to help reduce discoloration. Here are some of the most common treatments for skin darker after microdermabrasion:
Topical treatments
Topical treatments, such as hydroquinone and retinoids, can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots or patches on the skin. These treatments work by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin and reduce discoloration. The solution is applied to the skin and left on for a certain amount of time, depending on the strength of the peel. The solution is then neutralized and removed, revealing smoother, brighter skin.
Laser treatments
Laser treatments use laser technology to target dark spots or patches on the skin and reduce discoloration. The laser emits a beam of light that is absorbed by the melanin in the skin, causing it to break down and be absorbed by the body.
Microneedling
Microneedling uses a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and reducing discoloration. The needles create tiny channels in the skin, allowing topical treatments to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
It is important to consult with a qualified and experienced skincare professional to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs.
Conclusion
Skin darker after microdermabrasion is a common side effect of the procedure. This can be caused by increased blood flow, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun exposure, or excessive pressure. However, there are steps you can take to prevent skin darker after microdermabrasion, such as avoiding sun exposure, choosing a qualified and experienced professional, following aftercare instructions, and avoiding picking or scratching the skin. If you do experience skin darker after microdermabrasion, there are several treatments available to help reduce discoloration, including topical treatments, chemical peels, laser treatments, and microneedling. By understanding the causes and solutions for skin darker after microdermabrasion, you can make an informed decision about whether microdermabrasion is right for your skincare needs.
