What should you know about microdermabrasion for sun damage?

Long-term ultraviolet exposure can contribute to uneven colour, fine lines, rough texture, dryness, and visible small blood vessels. Microdermabrasion removes superficial cells and may make the skin feel fresher, but it cannot repair every change caused by ultraviolet exposure. A rough or scaly spot, a sore that does not heal, or a mark that changes should be assessed before exfoliation because cosmetic treatment could irritate it or make it harder to monitor.

Arrange a skin examination when a lesion is new, changing, bleeding, crusting, or persistently tender. Tell the clinician about recent sunburn, tanning, cold sores, rashes, and medicines that increase sensitivity. After a session, keep cleansing gentle, moisturise, avoid picking, and protect the skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing. Ask whether a Microdermabrasion Device is appropriate for the texture you want to address. A Chemical Peel may be considered as a different exfoliation approach, with its own preparation and risks.

Contact the treatment provider for persistent or worsening redness, burning, swelling, blistering, crusting, or significant tenderness. Seek medical assessment for a spot that changes in size, shape, colour, or surface, bleeds, or fails to heal. Do not apply another exfoliating treatment to an area that is inflamed or open.

Ask which changes are cosmetic, whether any mark needs examination first, how much texture improvement is realistic, and what protection and follow-up will help limit further sun injury.