Learn when microdermabrasion should stop before a procedure begins.

Timing is everything in skincare, just like in a good recipe. You wouldn’t add the final garnish before you’ve tasted the base, right? When it comes to microdermabrasion and the steps that follow, the same logic applies. The guiding rule you’ll see in the Mandalyn Academy Master State Board curriculum—and echoed across clinical touchpoints—is simple: stop microdermabrasion before erythema begins. Let me unpack why that matters, what erythema actually signals, and how this tiny timing detail keeps skin calm, strong, and ready for whatever treatment comes next.

What microdermabrasion is really doing

Think of microdermabrasion as a careful, mechanical scrub for the surface of the skin. Tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped tool sweep away dead skin cells and polish the uppermost layer. The goal isn’t just to look refreshed; it’s to prep the skin so other therapies—like chemical peels, acne scar treatments, or professional home care regimens—work a little more effectively.

But here’s the rub: the skin is a living barrier. When you abrade the surface, you’re nudging this barrier to a response. That response can be mild and manageable, or it can be a sign that the skin is already irritated. That is where erythema enters the scene.

What erythema means, in plain terms

Erythema is redness caused by increased blood flow to the skin. It’s a visible cue that the skin has reacted—sometimes to something as simple as a warm wash or a light touch, sometimes to more intensive procedures. In a clinic setting, erythema signals that the skin is in a heightened state of sensitivity or inflammation.

Rationale for stopping before erythema begins

Here’s the practical line: if you see or anticipate erythema, you pause. The official, widely taught guideline is to cease microdermabrasion before redness starts to appear. Why?

• Preserve the skin barrier. A calm barrier is more resilient. When you’re about to layer on a chemical peel or a targeted scar treatment, you want a skin that isn’t inflamed or irritated. A irritated barrier can alter how treatments penetrate and react.

• Minimize discomfort and unpredictability. If the skin is on the verge of redness, more aggressive steps can trigger a sharper sensation or an uneven reaction during the next treatment.

• Improve outcomes. A non-irritated canvas often translates to more predictable results. When you’re aiming for even texture, clearer tone, and safer post-treatment recovery, keeping the skin calm at this stage is a smart move.

What happens if you wait too long or go too far

If microdermabrasion is performed too close to the onset of erythema, or if it continues into a phase where redness is evident, a few issues can crop up:

• Increased discomfort during the next procedure. Clients may feel more sensitivity, which isn’t ideal for anyone.

• Greater risk of post-treatment irritation. The combined insult of multiple procedures in a short window can lead to unnecessary swelling, itching, or burning sensations.

• Potential for uneven results. Inflammation can influence how well a treatment is tolerated or how uniformly it works, particularly with resurfacing modalities.

In other words, timing isn’t just a speed thing. It’s a safety and quality issue.

Coordinating microdermabrasion with subsequent treatments

Let’s connect this to a few common real-world scenarios you see in a clinic or spa setting. Different follow-up procedures have their own sweet spots, and the right timing helps them all sing in harmony.

• With chemical peels: A calm, non-irritated surface gives the peel something predictable to work on. If the skin is inflamed, a peel can feel harsher, and the risk of adverse reactions climbs.

• With acne scar therapies: Post-procedure downtime matters. A non-irritated starting point can shorten recovery time and reduce the chance of heightened sensitivity after the fibroblast kick-in that scar treatments provoke.

• With general skin rejuvenation plans: When you’re layering steps—exfoliation, hydration, barrier support—the sequence should honor the skin’s natural rhythm. A pause before erythema helps ensure subsequent steps are well-tolerated.

Practical takeaways for students and practitioners

If you’re studying or working with these concepts in the Mandalyn Academy Master State Board curriculum, keep these bite-sized notes in mind:

• Look for early signals. Gentle warmth or a mild flush can be normal after microdermabrasion, but a distinct reddening that resembles erythema means it’s time to pause.

• Communicate clearly with clients. A quick, friendly explanation helps manage expectations and reinforces trust. Something like, “We’ll proceed once the skin settles,” goes a long way.

• Plan the sequence, not just the single step. Think of the procedure as a relay race: the baton (the skin’s condition) must be healthy enough to hand off to the next runner (the next treatment).

• Don’t rush the aftercare. Hydration, barrier-supportive products, and gentle sun protection help maintain the skin’s calm state.

• Document what you observe. A simple note about redness, sensation, and timing creates a clear map for future sessions.

Common questions, practical answers

• Is a tiny amount of erythema ever acceptable? A little redness can be okay if it’s mild and fades quickly. The guideline is to stop before erythema begins, but every skin type is unique. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and reassess after a short rest.

• Can you resume microdermabrasion after the skin calms? Yes. If the skin returns to its baseline after a suitable interval, you can continue—but always adjust intensity and timing based on the skin’s response.

• How do you know when a treatment plan should be adjusted? If redness, tingling, or discomfort persists beyond a short rest, consider delaying the next step and revisiting the plan with a focus on barrier repair and gentler options.

A quick analogy to seal the idea

Think of your skin like a garden. Microdermabrasion is a light, controlled pruning that spurs new growth. Erythema is the moment you notice the soil is waterlogged and the plants look stressed. You don’t keep pruning while the garden is soggy; you pause, let things dry out, and then resume with a kinder approach. That pause is not a setback—it’s a smart step that keeps the garden healthy and thriving.

Bringing it all back to the core idea

The correct choice in the scenario you’re studying is A: Before erythema begins. Stopping microdermabrasion before redness appears is a precaution that protects the skin’s barrier, reduces the risk of adverse reactions during subsequent treatments, and supports more reliable outcomes. It’s a small rule with a big impact, especially when you’re aiming for consistent, professional results across a range of procedures.

If you’re navigating the Mandalyn Academy Master State Board materials, this is one of those concepts that feels tiny at first but proves its worth whenever you’re in the clinic or on the spa floor. The best practitioners are the ones who tune into the skin’s signals, respect its pace, and plan steps that move smoothly from one to the next. And that, frankly, is how good skincare becomes something worth repeating—day after day, client after client.