Microdermabrasion for Rosacea - Benefits, Expectations, Best Practices

Understanding Rosacea

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition estimated to affect over 16 million Americans. It most often occurs in people ages 30-60 and those with fair skin. The hallmark symptoms include facial flushing, persistent redness, and small, red visible blood vessels in the facial skin.

Other Common Rosacea Symptoms

In addition to flushing and redness, rosacea can cause other problematic skin changes such as:

• Acne-like breakouts
• Visible broken blood vessels
• Red, swollen nose
• Watery, irritated eyes
• Plump, enlarged nose from excess tissue
• Thick, bumpy skin on the nose, chin, cheeks, forehead (advanced stage)

Flares can be triggered by sun exposure, hot weather, alcohol consumption, spicy foods, stress and more. There is no known cure for rosacea, but treatments aim to control symptoms and minimize flare ups.

Can Microdermabrasion Help Rosacea?

Microdermabrasion utilizes a wand that sprays tiny crystals across the skin while simultaneously vacuuming off the dead skin cells. This polishes the top layer of skin to reveal newer skin underneath. Proponents feel this newer skin may be less prone to rosacea symptoms.

Gentle microdermabrasion is generally considered safe for rosacea patients when performed by a licensed esthetician. Harsher procedures can damage fragile rosacea skin and trigger inflammation. Always confirm your provider has rosacea experience beforehand.

Potential Benefits

Here are some possible perks of professional microdermabrasion for rosacea when used carefully:

• Exfoliates Skin - Removes pore-clogging dead cells and evens out texture.
• Reduces Redness - The massage action may constrict blood vessels to lessen visible redness short term.
• Minimizes Pore Appearance - Gently unclogs pores and temporarily tightens them up.
• Enhances Product Absorption - Allows rosacea creams, gels and serums to absorb better.
• Hydrates Skin - The wand releases hydrating crystals that get absorbed by skin.

Helps Prevent New Breakouts

By removing the topmost layers of skin cells through controlled abrasion, microdermabrasion cleans out pores to curtail new acne breakouts. This also prepares skin to better receive medicated rosacea topicals.

Note that microdermabrasion alone cannot treat papules, pustules and cystic-like breakouts common in rosacea. Additional therapies would be incorporated as well to treat active blemishes.

What to Expect During Microdermabrasion

During a typical microdermabrasion for rosacea session, you would:

1. Have the treatment areas on your face cleaned and prepped.
2. Put on protective eyewear.
3. The wand will be oriented perpendicular to your skin as the technician guides it over different zones in repeated, light motions (cheeks, nose, chin etc).
4. Multiple passes will likely be made until sufficient cell removal is achieved. This is usually 2-4 passes.
5. Session will conclude with a soothing, hydrating serum or mask.
6. Immediately after, skin may look slightly red and feel tight. This subsides after an hour or so.

Sessions Usually Last 10-20 Minutes

Total appointment time is around 30-45 minutes. This allows for intake, prep, cleansing, the service itself, post-treatment serum application and questions. The microderm itself is rather quick - lasting in the 10-20 minute range typically.

Best Practices & Precautions

When seeking microdermabrasion for rosacea, keep these tips in mind:

• See an experienced esthetician familiar with rosacea.
• A less harsh, crystal-based wand is best.
• Ask them to demonstrate on your arm first.
• Request lower intensity versus deeper abrasion.
• Speak up if too uncomfortable - some localized redness is expected but it should never hurt or sting.
• Avoid acids or retinoids for 24 hours post-treatment.
• Wear mineral SPF 30+ for a few days after.

While considered generally safe for most rosacea patients when done properly, microdermabrasion may be too stimulating for severe cases. Certain subtypes involve very dilation prone skin that could react.

Other Helpful Approaches

For optimal skin care management incorporating multiple therapies is best. Rotate gentle microderm sessions with:

• Laser or IPL treatments to address broken capillaries
• Prescription anti-inflammatories
• Soothing antimicrobial cleansers
• Light therapy masks
• A simple routine using rosacea friendly skin products

Discuss all options including potential risks as well as expected outcomes with your dermatologist and esthetician.

The Bottom Line

In summary, professional microdermabrasion for rosacea can offer certain benefits when performed carefully by an experienced technician. Be sure to take precautions, avoid over-abrading, and incorporate other therapies too. Used judiciously as part of a comprehensive skin care plan, many rosacea patients can enjoy smoother, calmer and more even toned skin.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.