Integrity Skincare Blog

Microdermabrasion and Men

August 6, 2012 3:08 pm

A man having microdermabrasion? Men ask me all the time if it’s “okay” for them to want to get a certain procedure. “What will my friends think? Will I be made fun of, etc etc” I will never understand why men question other men for taking pride in their appearance. We all have imperfections to deal with, and if women are not judged for trying to fix them, why should men be any different? So let’s narrow things down a bit and talk specifically about microdermabrasion. I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I believe there is absolutely no reason why guys can’t have microdermabrasion. And the truth of the matter is: I do a TON of microderms on men! So let’s delve into this issue and duke it out!

What is a Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a powerful mechanical exfoliation of the skin using an expensive machine; generally using either the older crystal technology or the newer diamond-tip machines (the latter of which we carry in the studio at 360 Skin).

First the skin is thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Then a certified and trained medical esthetician uses the diamond-tipped wand to excoriate (fancy word for remove) the dead skin in a specific overlapping pattern. This will effectively remove the uppermost 2-3 layers of the epidermal skin cells from the face. The process, in conjunction with the internal vacuum, lifts those layers of skin, removing them completely revealing the fresher, newer layers of skin below.

Because the machine can be adjusted depending on skin type and condition, even people with sensitive skin can get a treatment. It takes about 30 minutes and there’s no down-time for the skin to recover though your skin may be a little pink and feel tighter for a few hours. At 360 Skin we finish our microderm procedure with a hydration serum plus a deep penetrating skin “food” followed by an SPF/moisturizer so you’ll recover faster and feel really refreshed.

It is important to keep in mind that as we have taken off the outermost layer of the skin, which is also its protection, this is not the time to go lay in the sun. Be careful with your skin a few days after the microdermabrasion treatment: no vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours.

Now…Should Guys Have Microderm?

I like it when men become interested and concerned with their looks — it’s a good thing. Unlike women who use skincare products from an early age and on a regular basis, men pay less attention to maintaining and cleaning their skin. Poor skin hygiene leads to a dramatic buildup of dead cells on male skin, which, in turn, makes the skin look tired, gray, pallid, and dull. The lack of regular skin hygiene is also what makes men more prone to premature aging and sun damage.

Additionally, men need a little more boosted skin care because they shave regularly — irritation and ingrown hairs are clear signs of added stress to the skin caused by shaving itself, as well as by using before and after shaving products.

So, basically, men can have skin resurfacing just as easily as women can. We all know men have an deep seated fear of pain and an intense dislike for waiting for results, which is why microdermabrasion suits guys SO well — it doesn’t hurt, you can be up and running immediately after a treatment, and you’ll look awesome.

I fully understand why guys are a little reluctant to have professional skincare treatments. To many of them, spas and esthetician studios are exclusively female locations. That’s one of the reasons why at 360 Skin you’ll find an accomplished, impartial esthetics studio, purposefully designed to be professional, welcoming, and gender neutral.

This post was written by Brandon