Microdermabrasion Aftercare: What to Do First 72 Hours
By Unique Beauty Salon | August 28, 2026
A lot of people find us because we keep things affordable and we genuinely take care of our customers. The single most important rule after microdermabrasion is simple: keep your skin calm and protected for 72 hours. That means gentle cleansing, no extra exfoliation, and sunscreen every day, even in Tacoma’s marine, overcast weather.
Quick mindset: microdermabrasion gently exfoliates the outer layer of skin to help reveal a more even tone and refined texture underneath. Aftercare is what protects that fresh surface so you actually see the glow you came in for.
First 24 to 48 hours: the “cool, clean, hands off” plan
Right after your microdermabrasion facial, your skin usually feels smoother, a little tight, and sometimes mildly pink. That’s normal. We generally recommend you treat your face like it’s in a calm-down phase, because it is.
Do this today
- Cleanse gently with a non-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat dry. No washcloth scrubbing.
- Moisturize with a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer to reduce tightness.
- Use SPF 30+ broad spectrum every morning. In Tacoma, UV still gets you through cloud cover.
- Keep your hands off. No picking, rubbing, or “checking” texture all day.
Skip makeup for the first day if you can. We know some people have work the next morning. If you truly need something, keep it light and avoid heavy foundation that sits in pores. And don’t use any topical actives for at least 24 to 48 hours: retinol, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, strong vitamin C, and anything labeled “peel, ” “resurfacing, ” or “polish.”
Heat is another big one. No steam, no hot yoga, no long hot showers aimed at your face. Your skin doesn’t need extra inflammation right now.
Days 3 to 7: keep the glow, don’t restart the exfoliation
By day three, most people notice that smooth, “polished” feel that microdermabrasion is known for. This is also the point where it’s tempting to throw your whole routine back on. Slow down. Your results tend to last longer when you keep things simple for the first week.
Avoid these for one full week
- Scrubs, cleansing brushes, exfoliating pads, or anything gritty
- Other exfoliating treatments, chemical peels, or strong enzyme masks
- Waxing on or near the treated area (give your skin time to fully settle)
- Saunas and heavy sweating sessions that leave your face flushed for hours
Swimming is a no for this week too. Pools, hot tubs, and even the Puget Sound can bring irritation or bacteria to skin that’s freshly exfoliated. If you’re planning outdoor time near Point Defiance, or you’re out near the 72nd Street corridor running errands in the sun, keep SPF on and choose shade. Hats help a lot.
People tell us they love our prices in Tacoma, but the part that really protects your investment is the follow-through. We’d rather you take it easy for a week than call us frustrated because your skin got irritated and you had to pause your routine anyway.
Product picks we actually like after microdermabrasion (by type)
We keep aftercare practical. You don’t need a whole new shelf. You need a few basics that won’t sting.
1) Cleanser
Choose gentle and non-foaming. If it leaves your skin squeaky, it’s usually too stripping for the first few days.
2) Moisturizer
Go fragrance-free and barrier-friendly. If you tend to feel tightness, apply a thin layer morning and night for that first week.
3) Sunscreen
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day. If you’ll be outside, reapply every 2 hours. This matters in Tacoma, even when it’s cloudy and cool.
Hydrating serums are usually fine after day one, especially hyaluronic acid. Keep it simple and skip anything that tingles. If you’re searching for “facials near me” or a “facial spa near me” because your routine is confusing, we’ll talk you through what to pause and what to keep.
When to text us: what’s normal, what’s not
Most people have mild redness, a little tightness, or slight flaking for a couple days. That tends to fade quickly with gentle cleansing and good moisturizer. We’re big on explaining steps and aftercare clearly, because it’s how you stay comfortable and get the result you came in for.
Reach out the same day if you notice
- Worsening pain (not just sensitivity)
- Blistering, spreading swelling, or intense burning
- Pus, yellow crusting, or anything that looks like infection
- Heavy peeling that doesn’t calm down with gentle care
"She makes you feel at ease and walks you through the steps of each procedure."
, one of our regulars
We’re in East Tacoma, near the 72nd Street corridor, and we see clients coming in from Fircrest, Fife, Ruston, University Place, and Lakewood. If you need your microderm timed around duty schedules or weekend plans, let us know. We’ll help you pick a day that makes the aftercare easy, not stressful. For more options beyond microderm, take a look at our facials in East Tacoma and our guide on microdermabrasion for brighter, smoother skin.
Planning your next visit: microderm, Acne Facial, Hydra Facial, and brows
If you’re building a routine, we’ll talk through what fits your skin and your schedule. Many people pair microdermabrasion with other facial goals, like an Acne Facial or a Hydra Facial, but timing matters. We’ll space services so your skin stays happy. And if you’re also searching “brow services near me, ” “brow threading near me, ” or “eyebrow threading near me, ” we can help you plan that too so you’re not doing waxing or intense exfoliation back-to-back. Same idea for lashes, like a lash lift, lash tint, lash extensions near me, and lash fills near me.
