Recording microdermabrasion machine settings is essential for safe and effective client care.

Charting the machine settings: the quiet hero of a great microdermabrasion session

If you’ve ever watched a seasoned esthetician work, you’ve probably noticed something quiet and steady: a notebook or a digital log opened to the same page every time. The real star of the show isn’t the shiny device or the pretty gloves or even the client’s glow—it's the meticulous recording of the machine settings. In microdermabrasion, what’s dialed into the device often dictates safety, comfort, and results more than any other single factor. So, yes, when you’re taking care of a client, the settings of the machine deserve center stage in your chart.

Let me explain why this matters. Microdermabrasion works by delivering controlled exfoliation to the skin. The exact amount of exfoliation, how aggressively it’s applied, and how the suction is tuned can change everything: from a brief, pleasant session to irritation or uneven results. Two clients can look very similar on the surface, but their skin texture, sensitivity, and healing pace are different. If you don’t lock in the settings that were used, you lose the map you need to guide future sessions. The machine settings become the reference point—your consistency tool, your safety net, and your roadmap for progress.

Here’s the thing: while a client’s skin type, the products you use, and the total treatment duration are all important, the precise knobs and dials of the device are the technical heartbeat. Recording those settings isn’t just good practice; it’s essential for delivering predictable results and for safeguarding the client’s skin. Think of it like a chef noting the heat, timing, and oven position for a delicate recipe. You’re not guessing; you’re following a reproducible process that respects the client’s unique skin response.

What to chart, exactly

If you’re building a robust client record, you’ll want to capture a few core elements related to the machine settings. Here’s a practical starter list you can adapt to your clinic or school program:

• Intensity level or energy setting

• Note the number, level, or range used for the session. If you’re using a diamond-tip handpiece, write the grit or tip size in the same line as the energy. If it’s a crystal-based machine, note the rate of crystal flow and the corresponding energy as a pair. You’ll thank yourself next week when you’re deciding how to adjust for a client’s second or third visit.

• Exfoliation type

• Diamond tip vs crystal-based exfoliation? Document which method was used and why. Some clients tolerate one method better than the other, and your notes will help you tailor future sessions.

• Suction or vacuum settings

• The level of suction isn’t a cosmetic flourish; it shapes comfort and efficacy. Record the suction range and any adjustments made mid-session. If you had to tweak it to accommodate a sensitive area, write that down with a short reason.

• Tip type and size

• Different areas of the face and body respond differently to tip shapes. Record the tip model, size, and whether you used any protective barriers or shields.

• Duration and pacing

• While the total time is part of the treatment plan, the pacing—how long you held a pass in a given area, how quickly you moved—often correlates with the energy you chose. If you adjusted pace during the session, capture that, along with the rationale.

• Adjustments and rationale

• This is the “why” behind every change. Maybe the client’s skin reddened a touch, or you noticed a particularly resilient area. Jot down the reason for any modification to settings and the observed outcome.

• Device calibration or maintenance notes

• If you ran a quick calibration, checked filters, or cleaned the nozzle, log it. These small steps matter for reliability and safety over time.

• Safety checks performed

• Record a quick checklist: skin sensitivity, contraindications discussed, and client comfort level at the start and end. If anything alarms you—red flags, unusual responses—note it and plan a cautious course for the next visit.

Think of this list as a living diary for the device. The more you log, the more you can read the skin’s language across sessions.

How to log it without turning your day into a spreadsheet saga

We all want efficiency. A heavy, clunky chart can feel like a drag, especially on busy days. The trick is to design a lean, readable record that’s quick to fill and easy to scan later. Here are some practical formats you can adapt:

• Quick-entry template (digital or paper)

• Date:

• Client initials:

• Device model:

• Diamond tip or crystal type:

• Intensity level:

• Suction setting:

• Tip size:

• Exfoliation type:

• Duration:

• Adjustments during session (yes/no) and what changed:

• Rationale for changes:

• Start/finish skin condition (overall tone, redness, comfort):

• Observations and next steps:

• Simple narrative note

• A short paragraph that hits the key settings and the client’s response. You might say: “Diamond tip, level 3 intensity, suction 4, 6 minutes per side; gentle passes in the T-zone; observed mild erythema post-session; plan to reduce suction next visit if sensitivity persists.”

• Quick-checklist plus one line

• A 5-item checklist (concepts you must confirm before starting) followed by a single sentence about next visit adjustments.

A practical example helps

Let’s put the idea in plain language with a small, concrete example. Imagine you’re in a mid-morning clinic run. The client has normal skin, no active irritation, and wants a refreshing treatment.

• Date: 2025-10-25

• Device: Crystal-based microdermabrasion unit, standard nozzle

• Exfoliation: Crystal flow light, caution on delicate areas

• Intensity: Level 2

• Suction: Level 3

• Tip size: Medium

• Duration: 8 minutes total (4 minutes per side)

• Adjustments: Slightly reduced suction after first 2 minutes due to mild cheek sensitivity

• Rationale: Mild sensitivity noted; aim to avoid excessive irritation

• Start condition: Calm, slight sheen

• End condition: Mild redness, no abrasion; client tolerates well

• Plan: Maintain Level 2 intensity with Level 3 suction; monitor redness; reassess next session

That’s a clean snapshot you can revisit quickly. It’s not a grand novel; it’s a precise map you can follow and adjust.

Why consistent charting pays off, session by session

Consistency helps you serve every client with confidence. When you keep track of exact settings, you create a chain of evidence that informs safe practice and dependable outcomes. Here’s what that looks like in real life:

• Safety first, every time

• If a client reports post-treatment sensitivity, you’ll recognize trends faster if you’ve logged the exact suction and energy used previously. You can then fine-tune the approach to keep comfort high and risk low.

• Personalization that feels smart, not invasive

• A client may respond differently to the same device across visits. Your notes make it possible to tailor future sessions by recognizing how their skin reacts to specific settings.

• Consistency for repeat visits

• If the client returns after a few weeks, you’ll have a ready-made plan rooted in data from prior sessions. It’s like having a GPS for treatment progression.

• Collaboration and continuity of care

• If you work with another clinician or supervisor, a clear log helps others pick up where you left off without guessing. It’s respect for the client’s skin and for your own time.

Beyond the device: the bigger picture

Yes, the device settings are the star in this scene, but where they sit in the broader workflow matters too. Charting machine settings should sit alongside notes on skin type, products used, and the duration of treatment. These elements aren’t competing rivals; they’re teammates. The complexion you’re treating isn’t just a target; it’s a living thing with history. Your notes should reflect that history in a way that’s accessible and actionable.

Some clinicians like to pair a short pre-treatment assessment with their chart. A quick thumbs-up to skin condition, sensitivity level, and any new products the client has started helps prevent surprises. Then, after the session, a brief post-treatment note about the client’s immediate response closes the loop. The rhythm matters: assess, treat, log, review, repeat.

A few tips that keep the process smooth

• Keep it simple and legible

• Whether you’re using a notebook or a digital record, make sure the fields you track are easy to read and quick to fill. A cluttered chart slows you down more than you’d think.

• Standardize your terms

• Agree on how you describe intensity, suction, and exfoliation type. A shared vocabulary reduces confusion if you’re teaching others or supervising trainees.

• Review and reflect

• Set a tiny weekly review to spot patterns. Are you consistently using lower suction for a sensitive client? Do you find a certain tip size works best for sun-exposed skin? Small reflections lead to big improvements.

• Protect client privacy

• Keep records secure. Use passwords or locked files if you’re in a shared space. Respect privacy as a cornerstone of trust.

A gentle nudge toward the state-board concept

In modules that cover professional standards and consistent care, the focus isn’t just on what you do; it’s on how you document. The underlying principle is that thorough, precise notes support safe practice, accountability, and quality outcomes. The settings you log are a concrete expression of that principle. This approach helps you speak the language of professional care—clear, disciplined, and focused on patient safety.

A few final thoughts

If you’re part of a program or a clinic influenced by broader curricula, you’ve probably seen this idea show up in different shapes. Some schools emphasize a standardized chart for every treatment; others encourage more narrative notes that capture the “feel” of the session. Either way, the core message stays the same: the machine settings you record are not just technical details; they’re the blueprint for consistent care and client confidence.

So next time you’re about to start a microdermabrasion session, pause for a moment to glance at the notes you’ve already made. Is the energy level recorded? Is the suction noted, with any mid-session tweaks? Are you clear about the tip in use and its size? If the answer is yes to these questions, you’re not just performing a treatment—you’re building a dependable, client-centered experience that respects skin health and promotes trust.

If you’re exploring topics that show up in the state board discourse, keep this thread alive in your notes. The machine settings aren’t the flashiest part of the process, but they’re the most dependable anchor for safety, efficacy, and repeatable results. And in a field where outcomes matter as much as intention, that anchor is worth its weight in precision.