What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a form of professional physical exfoliation.

A diamond-tip device is moved across the skin to remove surface buildup and dead skin cells.

The treatment may help leave the skin feeling:

✓ Smoother
✓ Softer
✓ Refreshed
✓ Professionally exfoliated

It is different from a chemical peel, which uses a professional exfoliating solution instead of a physical device.

What Does the Diamond-Tip Device Do?

The device gently exfoliates the surface of the skin while using suction.

Most clients notice a combination of:

• Light suction
• Gentle abrasion
• A polishing sensation

It should feel controlled rather than harsh.

If anything feels too intense, tell your esthetician.

Does Microdermabrasion Hurt?

Usually, no.

Most people describe the treatment as noticeable but not painful.

You may feel:

• Mild suction
• Gentle scratching or polishing
• Slight sensitivity in some areas

Certain areas of the face may naturally feel more sensitive than others.

If something becomes uncomfortable, speak up.

What Is the Difference Between the 45- and 60-Minute Services?

Tacora offers:

45-Minute Luxury Microdermabrasion

$95

This includes the core professional microdermabrasion treatment.

60-Minute Luxury Microdermabrasion

$115

This includes the same core treatment with additional time incorporated for relaxation.

The 60-minute service is not a stronger or more aggressive version.

It simply gives you more time to enjoy the appointment.

Which Length Should I Choose?

Choose the 45-minute option if you mainly want the microdermabrasion treatment itself.

Choose the 60-minute option if you want the same treatment with more time for relaxation.

Neither is more effective simply because it is longer.

How Should I Prepare for Microdermabrasion?

Preparation is generally simple.

Before your appointment, tell your esthetician about:

✓ Retinol or retinoid use
✓ Prescription skincare
✓ Active irritation
✓ Recent sunburn
✓ Recent professional skincare treatments
✓ Skin conditions
✓ Products that make your skin unusually sensitive

You do not need to aggressively exfoliate beforehand.

The treatment already provides professional exfoliation.

Should I Stop Retinol Before Microdermabrasion?

Retinol and retinoids can affect skin sensitivity.

Tell your esthetician what you use.

The appropriate timing may depend on:

• The product
• The strength
• How often you use it
• Your skin
• The treatment plan

If you use prescription retinoids or are unsure whether to stop something, contact Tacora before your appointment.

Should I Exfoliate Before Microdermabrasion?

Avoid aggressive exfoliation immediately beforehand.

That includes things like:

• Harsh scrubs
• Strong acids
• At-home peels
• Aggressive exfoliating tools

Microdermabrasion is already providing professional exfoliation.

Adding more right before the appointment can increase irritation.

Do I Need to Remove My Makeup First?

No.

You can arrive wearing makeup.

Cleansing is part of the facial process.

If you happen to arrive with clean skin, that is fine too.

What If I Have a Sunburn?

Contact Tacora before your appointment.

Freshly sunburned skin may be too irritated for professional exfoliation.

If your skin is:

• Red
• Hot
• Tender
• Peeling from sun exposure
• Significantly irritated

the treatment may need to be postponed.

What If My Skin Is Already Irritated?

Tell your esthetician.

If your skin is currently:

• Burning
• Itchy
• Very red
• Extremely dry
• Swollen
• Tender

microdermabrasion may not be appropriate that day.

It is better to adjust or postpone treatment than exfoliate already irritated skin.

What If I Recently Had Another Advanced Skincare Treatment?

Tell your esthetician what treatment you received and when.

This includes things such as:

• Chemical peels
• Other professional exfoliation
• Recent waxing on the face
• Other advanced skincare treatments

Professional exfoliation adds up.

Spacing treatments appropriately can help reduce unnecessary irritation.

What Happens When I Arrive?

Your esthetician will review your intake information and talk with you about:

• Your skin concerns
• Current products
• Prescription skincare
• Sensitivity
• Recent treatments
• What you want from the appointment

If anything affects whether the service is appropriate, that conversation happens before treatment begins.

What Happens During Microdermabrasion?

The core of the treatment is professional physical exfoliation using the diamond-tip device.

Your esthetician will:

✓ Cleanse the skin
✓ Prepare the skin
✓ Use the diamond-tip device over appropriate areas
✓ Monitor how your skin responds
✓ Complete the treatment with appropriate skincare products

The exact flow can vary based on your skin and the length of the appointment.

What Does the Treatment Feel Like?

Most clients notice:

✓ Light suction
✓ Gentle abrasion
✓ A polishing sensation
✓ Mild sensitivity in some areas

It should feel controlled.

If something feels too intense, tell your esthetician.

Stronger sensation does not automatically mean better exfoliation.

Will My Skin Be Red After Microdermabrasion?

Possibly.

Some clients may experience temporary pinkness afterward.

How your skin responds can depend on:

• Sensitivity
• Skin condition
• Current products
• Treatment intensity
• Individual response

Temporary pinkness should gradually settle.

If redness becomes significant or continues getting worse, contact Tacora.

Will My Skin Feel Dry?

It can.

Temporary dryness may occur after microdermabrasion.

Keeping the skin moisturized can help while it settles.

Use products your skin already tolerates well unless your esthetician recommends something different.

Is There Downtime?

Microdermabrasion generally has little to no interruption to your normal routine.

Some temporary:

• Pinkness
• Dryness
• Mild sensitivity

may occur.

If your skin feels more sensitive than usual, treat it gently.

Should I Moisturize After Microdermabrasion?

Yes.

Keeping the skin comfortably moisturized is especially helpful if you notice temporary dryness.

Do not try to fix dryness by exfoliating again.

Your skin has already been professionally exfoliated.

Should I Wear Sunscreen?

Yes.

Sun protection is important after professional exfoliation.

Freshly treated skin may be more sensitive to sun exposure.

Use appropriate sun protection when outdoors and follow your esthetician’s recommendations.

Should I Wash My Face Right Away?

Usually, no.

There is generally no need to rush home and immediately wash off everything applied during your treatment.

Follow the aftercare instructions you receive.

When you return to your routine, keep things gentle.

Can I Wear Makeup After Microdermabrasion?

Possibly.

It depends on how your skin responds.

If your skin feels pink or sensitive, giving it some time before applying makeup may be more comfortable.

If you know you need makeup later that day, mention it before treatment.

Can I Work Out After Microdermabrasion?

Heavy exercise can create:

• Heat
• Sweat
• Friction
• Repeatedly wiping the face

Those things may irritate freshly exfoliated skin.

If your skin feels sensitive, giving it some time to settle before a hard workout may be more comfortable.

Can I Use a Sauna, Steam Room, or Hot Tub?

Heat and steam can irritate freshly treated skin.

If you are planning one of these activities shortly after microdermabrasion, ask your esthetician what is appropriate for your skin.

Should I Exfoliate Again Afterward?

No.

Your skin has already been professionally exfoliated.

Avoid immediately adding:

• Scrubs
• Strong acids
• At-home peels
• Exfoliating tools
• Other aggressive treatments

Let the skin settle.

When Can I Restart Retinol?

Ask your esthetician.

The right timing depends on:

• The product
• The strength
• Your skin
• How your skin responded to treatment

If your skin still feels dry or sensitive, do not rush back into aggressive skincare.

Will My Skin Peel?

Microdermabrasion is not designed to cause dramatic visible peeling.

Some clients may experience temporary dryness or minor flaking.

That is different from the visible peeling people may associate with stronger chemical peels.

How Soon Will I Notice a Difference?

Many clients notice that their skin feels:

✓ Smoother
✓ Softer
✓ Cleaner
✓ More refreshed

after treatment.

Other skincare goals may require consistency over time.

One treatment cannot permanently correct every texture or skin concern.

How Often Should I Get Microdermabrasion?

For routine maintenance, approximately once per month can be a good guideline.

Your ideal schedule may vary depending on:

• Your skin
• Your goals
• Your home skincare routine
• Other treatments
• How your skin responds

Your esthetician can help you determine an appropriate schedule.

Can I Get Microdermabrasion More Often?

Possibly.

Treatment frequency should be based on your skin rather than simply trying to receive the service as often as possible.

If a more specific treatment series makes sense for your goals, your esthetician can recommend the timing.

Can Microdermabrasion Help With Congestion?

It may be useful when surface buildup and texture are part of the concern.

But if breakouts, clogged pores, and congestion are your main issue, the Clear Skin Detox Facial may be a better starting point.

Related Service: Clear Skin Detox Facial

Can Microdermabrasion Help With Dull-Looking Skin?

It may be a good option when dullness and surface buildup are concerns.

Professional physical exfoliation can help refresh the surface of the skin.

If your main goal is hydration and relaxation rather than advanced exfoliation, the Tacora Glow may also be worth considering.

Microdermabrasion vs. Chemical Peel

Both treatments exfoliate the skin, but they use different methods.

Microdermabrasion

Physical exfoliation using a diamond-tip device.

Chemical Peel

Chemical exfoliation using a professional exfoliating solution.

Neither one is automatically better.

The right choice depends on your skin and goals.

Related Guide: Chemical Peel vs. Microdermabrasion: Which Is Right for You?

Who Should Contact Tacora Before Booking?

Contact us before your appointment if you:

✓ Use prescription retinoids
✓ Have active skin irritation
✓ Have a fresh sunburn
✓ Recently had another advanced skincare treatment
✓ Have an active skin condition
✓ Are unsure whether your current skincare products affect treatment
✓ Have questions about whether microdermabrasion is appropriate

Call or text 319-939-6637.

Microdermabrasion FAQs

Related Facial Resources & Services

Professional Exfoliation Without the Guesswork

Microdermabrasion is pretty simple once you strip away the terminology.

A diamond-tip device provides professional physical exfoliation.

Your skin may be temporarily pink, dry, or sensitive afterward.

Keep it gentle, keep it moisturized, and protect it from the sun.

If you are not sure whether microdermabrasion or another facial is the better fit, your esthetician can help you decide.

Tacora Massage & Esthetics
Waterloo, Iowa

Serving Waterloo, Cedar Falls & the Cedar Valley

Need help choosing? Call us at (319) 939-6637