SHARK TANK APPROVED 
Spring is upon us (finally!) and it’s time to say goodbye to that winter skin. Microdermabrasion is a fantastic way to slough off dead skin cells to achieve gorgeous glowing skin. Since many redheads have extreme sensitivity, it’s important to learn if this procedure is right for you.
We spoke to Elle Lorenzetti, a licensed esthetician and owner of Puresthetics Skin Care, Dr. Austin’s head aesthetician Daniele Pacione over at the Cane + Austin medispa and Robin Hillary, and a registered nurse with Dr. Sharon Giese in NYC, to break down everything from what the procedure is like to why it benefits redheads.
What is microdermabrasion?
Lorenzetti describes the procedure as a form of manual exfoliation, similar to a chemical peel, that “sloughs off the top dead layers of skin, except it is done using a machine instead of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (natural chemicals).”
“The machine creates a vacuum or suction (which stimulates collagen and elastin production, keeping the skin tight and firm) and is attached to a tube with a steel wand attached to the end of it. At the tip of the wand, there are tiny diamond crystals, that when dragged across the skin, exfoliate the dead layer. The suction then vacuums the dead skin cells and collects them in the filter of the machine.”
How can redheads benefit from this?
“Microdermabrasion helps to remove the top dead layer allowing skin care products to penetrate deeper and be more effective. It also helps to lighten and even out pigmentation,” Lorenzetti explains.
Since fair (redhead) skin is known to be thinner than skin with a higher amount of melanin, it can dehydrate faster and begin showing the signs of aging fast unless treated and protected daily. “Having regular visits to your esthetician, microdermabrasion treatments (a series of 6-8 treatments) and proper home care practices will continue to stimulate collagen production, keeping the skin plump and healthy,” says Lorenzetti.
Who are the right candidates for microdermabrasion?
Everyone can benefit from microdermabrasion, especially those looking to retain a youthful glow. Consult with your dermatologist first if you have rosacea, cystic acne or currently on any acne treatments.
Is it safe?
The procedure is safe and effective. Pacione goes further into stating, “An individual may experience mild redness immediately after treatment that dissipates within hours. Clients should also abstain from using RetinA 3 days prior and 3 days post-treatment.”
What are the advantages of microdermabrasion?
“From my years of experience, I have found the advantages of microdermabrasion treatments will promote more youthful, more vibrant and more radiant looking skin. The procedure improves skin tone, removes dead cells, stimulates the growth of new collagen and improves uneven texture. In addition, it improves discoloration, fine wrinkles, brown spots as well as acne scars left from acne,” says Hillary.
What is the recovery process?
Hillary explains the downtime for microdermabrasion is virtually nothing. “I have found some patients experience slight peeling, so I make them aware of this before I commence the treatment. There is no lasting visible redness or irritation.”
Any side effects?
“Redheads will naturally be pinker upon treatment. On the other hand, if the redhead client is complaining of red, splotchy skin with broken capillaries she may be experiencing some rosacea and microdermabrasion wouldn’t be recommended. This client would do better with a photo facial or superficial peel to improve skin tone,” explains Pacione. Make sure the esthetician is taking special care to lower the intensity of the machine since redheads have more blood vessels close to the surface of the skin.
How long will the treatment last before you have to go back?
Microdermabrasion can be done as often as every month.
Would you try this procedure on your skin? Rock it like a Redhead!
Watch to see if you would benefit from a chemical peel:
