Dermatologist Dr Shammi Theesan shares the one popular treatment she would never do

A leading dermatologist has shared why she would never get the popular facial treatment microdermabrasion, and how you should look after your complexion instead.

Dr Shammi Theesan, from ODE Dermatology in Melbourne, said it might be ‘controversial’ but she believes microdermabrasion is like ‘sandpaper’ on the skin – and it could actually be causing your rosacea or acne flare-ups. 

‘This is controversial, but I’m going to put it out there,’ Dr Shammi said on Instagram.

‘The one thing I would never do as a dermatologist is microdermabrasion. I just hate it.’ 

The reason why, the skin expert (pictured) said, is because she doesn’t believe it does anything good for your complexion, and it can instead lead to acne flare-ups and rosacea 

The reason why, the skin expert said, is because she doesn’t believe it does anything good for your complexion.

‘It’s a temporary feel-good glow that only destroys your skin barrier and microbiome,’ Dr Shammi said.

‘It’s almost this metallic polish of aluminum hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate that is sprayed onto your face, and it’s either suctioned off or you’ve got this metallic brush that makes you feel squeaky clean but it’s only going to worsen your skin barrier in the long term.’

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive skin treatment that buffs away the outermost layer of the skin to create a smoother and younger appearance.

After the treatment, a new layer of skin forms. Often several treatments are needed to obtain the required results. 

But Dr Shammi said the glow is short-lived and it can often lead to more problems down the track.

‘That’s really how I see a lot of my new rosacea and acne flare-up clients,’ she said.

‘When you go back and look at what happened, it’s often that a couple of microdermabrasion treatments have been thrown in.’

She compared it to using a harsh physical exfoliating scrub like the apricot scrub from St Ives. 

‘It’s the same thing, but you’re paying a lot more money for it,’ Dr Shammi said.

Dr Shammi (pictured) said chemical exfoliation is a far better approach than physical exfoliation and you should steer clear of microdermabrasion

When it comes to what you should be doing instead, the dermatologist explained that she is much more of a fan of chemical exfoliation – or using acids to rid your skin of dry and dead skin cells. 

‘I love exfoliation and I know that as we get older we just don’t have those same skin renewal enzymes that we had when we were younger, so we need to do it,’ she said.

But Dr Shammi recommends either a lactic acid or a salicylic acid.   

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that is used on the skin to remove dead skin cells and help fade dark spots and soften fine lines.

While salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that gently exfoliates the skin.

It is a non-comedogenic ingredient which means it has the ability to unclog pores making it suitable for blackheads and acne-prone skin.

‘Preferably opt for a gentle regimen that’s on an everyday basis, rather than microdermabrasion,’ she added.

Hundreds who saw the dermatologist’s video were quick to agree with her and say that they too find microdermabrasion too harsh.

‘Chemical exfoliation is the way to go. I use a salicylic acid twice a week and it’s fab,’ one commenter wrote.

‘I’m a skin therapist, and absolutely loathe micro for that reason,’ another added.

A third wrote: ‘I hadn’t even thought about this. Thank you for saving my skin once again’.