Every skin type has special needs and there is no procedure that brings the same results. The reason for this is because skin reacts to chemicals and tools differently, add to that the environmental factors like pollution and the individual’s lifestyle.

If you’re looking to improve the condition of your skin start with the more gentle and non-invasive procedures.

A popular procedure is microdermabrasion, a type of exfoliation that removes the outer layer of the skin called the epidermis. After just one session, the effect will already be noticeable but it takes about five treatments to show its full effect.

It is generally recommended for all skin types even, African Americans skin.  But let’s face it,  your skin is more sensitive than causation skin.

The color of the skin is determined by its melanin content. Darker skin has more melanin and therefore contains more melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin.

Although darker skin is naturally better in protecting skin from the harmful UV rays than lighter complexion, it is actually more sensitive when it comes to skin procedures.

Melanocytes react to stress easily and it shows on skin through rashes, pimple breakout and swelling.

Should African American skin get microdermabrasion treatments?

With proper assessment and guidance from your dermatologist or surgeon, this is a completely safe procedure even for dark skin. It uses crystals or diamond tip wands to slough off the top layer of the skin revealing smoother and younger looking skin. Diamond tips can be somewhat harsh to African American skin.

Compared to dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is gentler and safer because it is minimally abrasive and therefore does not subject your skin to too much stress.

The procedure can offer many benefits when done properly including:
•    Smoother skin
•    Elimination of dark spots and hyperpigmentation
•    Minimize wrinkles
•    Reduce enlarged pores
•    Improve the appearance of scars
•    Even out skin tone
•    Minimize the appearance of stretch marks

This is a procedure that has very high success rate for some skin types. Needless to say, microdermabrasion and ethnic skin can combine well if the skin therapist is extremely knowledgeable about working with darker skin.

Just like any skin procedure, preparation and post-operation habits must be followed strictly. A skin patch test may be necessary for those with sensitive skin.

The procedure itself only takes about 30 minutes per session. For the first month, you may be required to have at least two sessions. Depending on the condition of your skin, a monthly session is usually enough for maintenance.

Microdermabrasion and ethnic skin give good results. If you are prone to acne or pimple breakout, this is the procedure you can have to improve the scarring of your skin.

After the procedure, your skin may be extra sensitive to UV rays so avoid sun exposure. Use sunscreen and moisturizer to prolong the results.

Other than that, you can go back to your normal routine right after the 30-minute session because there is no downtime expected. Your skin may show redness or swelling but that is a normal reaction. It will subside in a few hours.

Going back to the question should African American get microdermabrasion treatments? Yes, providing the skin therapist has experience treating African American skin.

Of course every skin treatment needs to be complemented with an overall healthy lifestyle.

Make sure your skin is protected from too much sun exposure by regularly using sunscreen, drink water to keep it hydrated, stop smoking, eat a balanced diet and use gentle skin products.

Dedicated To Your Beauty

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care