What's Covered on This Page
- The Real Impact of Microdermabrasion on Your Skin
- Coastal Living Raises the Stakes for Microdermabrasion
- How to Prepare For Your First Microdermabrasion Appointment
- What Happens During and After a Microdermabrasion Session
- Aftercare That Actually Fits a Beach Town Lifestyle
- Is microdermabrasion safe for skin that gets a lot of sun exposure near Murrells Inlet?
- How many sessions do you need before you see real results?
- What should I avoid doing right before my microdermabrasion appointment?
- Does microdermabrasion hurt?
- Can microdermabrasion help with dark spots and rough texture from years of outdoor living?
- Will my skincare products work better after a session?
Need microdermabrasion?
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The Real Impact of Microdermabrasion on Your Skin
Although your skin does renew itself approximately every 30 days, dead skin cells on occasion simply will not slough off as they are supposed to. They get stuck around the pores and make the complexion appear drab. This is where microdermabrasion comes in.
Dead skin cells are gently scraped off with our diamond-tipped handpiece. This method is completely free of chemicals and does not involve needles; rather, it employs controlled exfoliation more thorough than a home facial scrub. The skin is also subject to a light degree of suction which increases blood flow to the treatment area, allowing a higher level of oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to the cells below.
In response, the following takes place:
- The rate at which new cells are created is increased, so they are available sooner than before.
- In subsequent weeks following the treatment, the rate of collagen production rises.
- The capacity to absorb topically applied serums and treatments is improved.
- The appearance of fine lines, sun spots, and irregular skin texture is diminished.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, microdermabrasion is one of the most popular non-invasive facial procedures in the U.S. The procedure is safe for practically all skin tones, requires no recovery time, and each successive treatment improves results from the last.
Ninety percent of our Murrells Inlet patients say they feel their skin is dull. Perhaps they have spent a lot of time out on the boat, or on the beach near MarshWalk. The sun along the coast here is particularly harsh, which wears down on the skin. The roughness of the skin, dark spots, and uneven skin texture accumulate, which contributes to the dullness.
How would you characterize this feeling? Many clients have said it feels somewhat like the feeling of a cat's tongue. It is somewhat coarse and warm, but definitely does not hurt.
We do not only remove the top layer of skin; rather, we are looking for what our bodies do next. We employ controlled exfoliation to stimulate your body to increase collagen production, which tightens and smoothes the skin in the weeks afterwards. While one session may help you, you need a series of four to six treatments for a true improvement.
Coastal Living Raises the Stakes for Microdermabrasion
Lifestyle in coastal regions has an impact on your skin. We tend not to notice these consequences until many years later when it is too late.
Murrells Inlet is situated at the edge of the coast. The air is salty, it's humid, and the sun's rays penetrate even the marsh area. Each afternoon the sun hits your skin twice, first from above and second as it reflects off the water and marsh. We have many patients who are religious about their sunscreen, stand beneath parasols yet still show up for appointments with dull, coarse skin they don't understand. 90% of the time this is due to coastal buildup of dead skin on the face which can only be treated professionally and not by regular washing.
Here are the real, long-term effects of sea air and sun on your skin:
- Salt deposits dry out the topmost layer of skin and cause dead skin cells to become caked on
- Prolonged sun exposure causes the skin to thicken and toughen to the point of looking like leather
- High humidity levels causes the skin pores to expand and collect dirt and pollution
- Wind and sand cause surface-level trauma that creates rough skin
Microdermabrasion can safely clear away this build up on the skin surface. It's not overly aggressive, but it works deeper than your typical at-home routine. If you reside near the coast and spend much of your free time boating or strolling the MarshWalk, microdermabrasion is the ideal treatment for addressing the stress that the coastal environment puts on your skin.
Another reason this treatment is important is that it's not just cosmetic. That layer of dull, thickened skin on your face will prevent your skincare products from working as well as they are intended to. So, if you're paying top dollar for serums and moisturizers, but your skin doesn't really feel like they're doing anything, then it might be that dead cells are acting as a barrier, keeping your products from being absorbed. Once a microdermabrasion treatment has cleared that buildup, your skin is finally able to absorb those active ingredients, which is why many clients say that this is when their skincare regime starts working better than ever before.
Our clients with coastal skin come into our office every day. They've got dry patches on their forehead, no natural glow, and a lack of skin smoothness around the nose and cheeks. None of these things may actually mean that you're aging, they just mean that you have coastal skin.
How to Prepare For Your First Microdermabrasion Appointment
It'd be great if people spent less time stressing about this part. Preparing for a microdermabrasion session is simple, but there are a few important things that you need to know so you'll be better prepared.
Stop using retinol or any other type of strong exfoliating product on your skin five days before you come into our office. You want to be coming to us with calm skin, not with skin that's just been traumatized. It happens all the time. The patient comes to the office with skin that's been rubbed raw the night before and we can't do the treatment.
Don't take that chance.
What to Do Before Your Microdermabrasion:
- On the day of your appointment, don't wear a full face of makeup. A simple hydrating moisturizer is fine, we'll be cleansing your face before starting the procedure.
- Avoid any and all exposure to the sun for 48 hours before your appointment. If you have a sunburn, we can't do the treatment.
- Drink a lot of water the day before your appointment.
- Let us know ahead of time if you are experiencing any active breakouts, cold sores, or other skin conditions when you schedule your appointment.
So, if you plan on being out in the marsh or sitting out in the sun before your session, remember that the water reflects sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock of at least SPF 30 for the days preceding your treatment.
Most clients report that the procedure isn't as painful as they thought it would be. It basically feels like a tiny sandpaper brush making light strokes over your skin. It's gentle.
It might feel a little rough or warm in areas, but no numbing cream is needed. The procedure takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Depending on your skin type, you may be red afterward, much like a mild sunburn. It fades away quickly.
Most of our clients come to us for lunch and then head out for their afternoon.
As for our beginners, we suggest that you tell us exactly what you do for your skin care when you sit in our chairs. If you have recently undergone chemical peels, or have acne treatments such as retin-A topical medication, that will be taken into account in your microdermabrasion treatment. Our skilled aestheticians will adjust the procedure for your specific skin concerns. Walk in with a bare, clean face and come with an open mind.
Let us take it from there.
Need help with microdermabrasion?
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What Happens During and After a Microdermabrasion Session
You will sit in our comfortable treatment chair as we clean any residue from your skin. Then, using a handheld tool with a diamond tip, we will move it over your face and neck. You will feel something like fine-grain sandpaper on your skin. But don't worry, it is painless and has suction.
Most of our Murrells Inlet clients say the procedure was much easier to tolerate than they expected. It typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
What Is the Microdermabrasion Experience Like?
The suction and the diamond tip remove dead skin from your face. Some parts of your face are more sensitive to suction than others. You will notice suction more around your nose and forehead, but there's no stinging or sharp feeling.
After treatment has started, here's what will happen:
- We move to your forehead, in rows, with mild suction.
- Then, we go to your cheeks and chin, adjusting the suction.
- We move to your nose where we may use a smaller diamond tip and more suction.
- We apply a soothing serum to calm skin.
- We apply a layer of sunblock and you are off to go.
We always have clients tell us that they came into the salon with all kinds of concerns about their skin, and then leave thinking, why did it take me so long to come in and see you people?
You may notice that immediately after your microdermabrasion session, your skin will appear red. Depending on the treatment, you may look like you got a sunburn. It goes away quickly, typically within a couple hours. Lots of people make an appointment with us at lunch time to treat the face, and come back to work with the face of a newly polished car.
Some people also notice the skin feels slightly tight and dry.
And then the best thing about having microdermabrasion at the moment you leave the salon? The bright, glowing face that you've been dreaming about. You love the look the moment you see yourself in the rear view mirror in the parking lot. That top layer of skin comes off, you'll be left with the nice shiny skin underneath.
Your pores look smaller, your skin feels impossibly smooth. The American Academy of Dermatology tells us that with most skin types, there are no aftercare or downtime with microdermabrasion.
We will make sure to give you simple aftercare instructions that go home with you. Stay away from harsh chemicals for 24 hours, stay out of the direct sunlight and keep the skin moisturized. That's the gist of it.
Aftercare That Actually Fits a Beach Town Lifestyle
You live near the ocean. You're outside pretty much constantly. And the common aftercare guidelines that you'll find online do not always work in Murrells Inlet real life.
This is what matters after your treatment. Since you have that brand new layer exposed, you need to protect it from sun exposure and irritation for the next few days. It does not mean you should not be outside, it just means you need to be smarter with that.
Most importantly, our clients need to use sunscreen! It's not that bottle you grab on the way to MarshWalk. It's an SPF of 30 or higher, mineral based, and you need to reapply that every two hours while you're out. And most people do not reapply.
That's the problem.
The First 48 Hours
- Use a mild, gentle moisturizer day and night, nothing fragrance or active ingredients.
- Skip your retinol or vitamin C serum for at least 3 days.
- Stay out of direct sun 10 am until 2 pm. A hat is your friend here.
- No heavy workouts that make you sweat for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid touching your face! Your hands have more germs than you think.
If you spend any time on the creek or fishing, be extra cautious because wind and salt air dries out your skin more quickly. We will give you a barrier cream that helps protect the newly exposed layers of skin. We will tell you what is best before you go.
Most clients that do the right thing are happier with their results than those who spent double the amount of money and did not care about the aftercare. The treatment does the hard work, aftercare protects it.
How about swimming? Wait 48 hours before going in a pool or the ocean. Bacteria and chlorine on that skin can cause breakouts or irritation. Two days, we only ask that you give us two days.
Living in a beach town means the humidity, the UV rays, and the salt are with you all year. We make that a part of your aftercare. There is no one size fits all with your aftercare. We will not give you the standard textbook instructions.
If you are feeling any sort of discomfort, let us know! Do not Google it and do not wait, give us a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about microdermabrasion services in Murrells Inlet
Is microdermabrasion safe for skin that gets a lot of sun exposure near Murrells Inlet?
Yes, microdermabrasion is safe for sun-exposed skin, but timing matters. We ask that you avoid sun exposure for at least 48 hours before your appointment. Coastal sun around Murrells Inlet is stronger than most people expect — the marsh and inlet water reflect UV rays and double your exposure. As long as your skin isn't actively sunburned, we can treat it safely and actually help reverse some of that environmental buildup your daily routine can't reach.
How many sessions do you need before you see real results?
You will notice a difference after your first session, but the real change happens over four to six treatments. One session removes dead skin and boosts blood flow right away. But collagen production — the part that firms and smooths your skin — builds over several weeks and multiple visits. Most clients space sessions about two to four weeks apart. That gives your skin time to respond and produce new collagen before the next treatment.
What should I avoid doing right before my microdermabrasion appointment?
Stop using retinol and strong exfoliants at least five days before your visit. Irritated skin changes how we have to approach the treatment, and it can reduce your results. Skip heavy makeup the day of your appointment. Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours beforehand. If you are spending time near the MarshWalk or out on the water before you come in, wear SPF 30 or higher. Hydrated skin also responds better, so drink plenty of water the day before.
Does microdermabrasion hurt?
Microdermabrasion does not hurt. Most people describe it as feeling like a cat's tongue moving across your face — slightly gritty and a little warm, but not painful. The diamond-tip handpiece moves across your skin with light suction. The whole session takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You may look a little pink afterward, similar to a mild sunburn, but that fades quickly. Most clients go straight to lunch after and no one notices anything.
Can microdermabrasion help with dark spots and rough texture from years of outdoor living?
Yes, it directly targets both of those concerns. Sun spots, rough patches, and uneven texture are some of the most common things we treat here in Murrells Inlet. Years of salt air, wind, and coastal UV exposure thicken the outer skin layer and trap dead cells on the surface. Microdermabrasion removes that buildup in a controlled way, speeds up cell turnover, and helps fresh skin reach the surface faster. Results build with each session.
Will my skincare products work better after a session?
Yes, and this surprises a lot of people. That thickened outer layer of dead skin actually blocks serums and moisturizers from absorbing properly. You could be using great products that just sit on top of the surface doing nothing. After microdermabrasion removes that barrier, your skincare routine actually penetrates the way it is supposed to. Clients tell us their morning routine suddenly starts working again after just one or two sessions.