Microderm Aftercare: What to Do in the First 72 Hours
By Spa Apsara | August 7, 2026
Fircrest, WA (near Regents Boulevard and the University Place border)
One of our regulars told us she loved that we texted her the aftercare notes after her microderm appointments, because it kept her from forgetting the little changes we discussed. Here’s the big rule to remember in the first 72 hours: treat your skin like it’s fresh and exposed. Keep it clean, hydrated, and protected, and skip anything that heats you up, rubs you raw, or “tingles.” That’s how you keep that smooth microderm glow looking good in Fircrest, even when the sky’s cloudy.
Your first 24 to 48 hours after microderm: the do and don’t list
Right after your appointment
Your skin often feels extra smooth and a little warm or pink. That’s normal. For the rest of the day, keep hands off your face, keep it simple, and think gentle only.
For 24 to 48 hours, we generally recommend: no heavy sweating (hard workouts, hot yoga), no saunas or steam rooms, and no hot tubs. Heat and sweat can sting and can kick up redness.
If you’re running errands along Regents Boulevard or heading out for a walk, skip midday sun. Fircrest weather is classic marine west coast, which means cloudy doesn’t equal UV-free. If you have to be outside, put on broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and reapply like you mean it.
Cleansing and moisturizing in the first 2 days
Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser and lukewarm water. No scrubbing, no cleansing brushes, no washcloth friction. Pat dry.
Follow with a fragrance-free moisturizer. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin are usually a good idea right after microdermabrasion because they support hydration without the sting.
Days 3 to 7: keep the glow, don’t “over-fix” your skin
Most microderm facial results look best when you let your skin calm down instead of throwing your whole product shelf at it. We spend time asking questions and making skincare suggestions in the room, and we’ll send the changes in writing when helpful, because it’s easy to forget once you’re relaxed and back in real life.
Avoid these for 5 to 7 days
- Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin) and “anti-aging” actives that cause dryness
- AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, lactic, salicylic) unless we told you otherwise
- Physical scrubs and at-home exfoliating tools
- Picking at flakes or “dry patches” if you get them
You can usually go back to your normal routine gradually after about a week unless we’ve asked you to wait longer. And if you’re planning a long outdoor weekend, like a round at Chambers Bay or a beach walk, lean hard on sunscreen and a hat. Your skin is more sun-sensitive right after microdermabrasion.
The microderm product plan: simple cleanser, barrier moisture, SPF 30+
If you do one thing right after microdermabrasion, do this: cleanse gently, moisturize consistently, and wear SPF every single day. That trio protects your result better than any “active” serum can in the first week.
Cleanser
Non-foaming, fragrance-free is your safest bet. If your cleanser leaves you tight, switch it up for the week.
Moisturizer
Look for barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and glycerin. Apply more often than you think you need, especially if you feel dry.
Sunscreen
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, then reapply if you’re outside. Cloud cover in Fircrest still lets UV through, so don’t let the gray sky trick you.
Microdermabrasion at Spa Apsara is a $50 add-on enhancement, so a lot of people pair it with other skin services. That also means aftercare has to be easy. If your schedule has you commuting along SR-16 between Fircrest, Tacoma, University Place, Lakewood, Steilacoom, or Parkland, this routine is quick enough to stick to.
Redness, peeling, and “is this normal?” When to reach out to us
A little redness and sensitivity right after microderm is common, and it often settles quickly. Some people get mild dryness or a bit of flaking a few days later. What we don’t want is you guessing and stressing yourself out.
Reach out if you notice: persistent intense redness, swelling that lasts beyond 72 hours, blistering, or any signs of infection. If something feels off, let us know. We’d rather answer a quick question than have you push through discomfort.
“The entire team at Spa Aspara is phenomenal, and I'm grateful to have found such a wonderful spa.”
one of our regulars
And if you’re planning your next visit, we can talk timing so you’re not stepping straight into midday sun. Morning or evening appointments tend to make aftercare simpler, especially if you’re already out and about around Regents Boulevard.
Ready to keep your results consistent?
If you loved how smooth your skin felt after microderm, staying consistent matters. We’ll help you space your add-on microderm sessions in a way that fits your skin and your schedule.
Call +12534604681 or email info@spa-apsara.com. You can also find our basics on Spa Apsara’s home page.
Visit us at: 1029 Regents Blvd, Fircrest, WA 98466