Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that treats scarring and rejuvenates skin through exfoliation. The ultimate goal is to create cleaner, smoother, softer skin, through two mechanisms: firstly, the removal of dead skin cells; secondly, the encouragement of the healthy development of cells in the skin's deeper layer.

Essentially, microdermabrasion is a form of mini-massage. To achieve this, a therapist or nurse passes a special, hand-held wand over your skin. This wand features a diamond tip which exfoliates the skin. However, unlike a standard exfoliating glove or cream, it's able to remove even the smallest dead skin cells. At the same time, the wand gets rid of dry skin and unclogs pores. Dry, dead cells and clogged pores cause your skin to appear dull and unhealthy, so removing them does wonders.

Most microdermabrasion sessions take around twenty to thirty minutes. Usually, the wand is passed over the skin two or three times. As a rule of thumb, the thicker your skin or the more severe the skin problem, the longer the session. In addition, your treating nurse of therapist will adjust the device to suit your skin type – be it dry, oily, combination or damaged in any way.

Who Could Benefit from Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion can help with a variety of skin conditions – from medical issues, such as acne, to cosmetic concerns, such as scarring. Just some of the reasons why people seek microdermabrasion are acne, clogging, wrinkles, uneven texture or pigmentation, scars, dryness and flakiness.

That said, microdermabrasion isn't just about treating problems. It can also encourage your skin to improve, by promoting the activity of skin-friendly vitamins and proteins, such as collagen and Vitamin C. The process tends to accelerate their journey into the skin's deeper layers.

Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can microdermabrasion treat?
Microdermabrasion can deliver excellent results for people with wrinkles, fine lines, scars, age spots, sun damage, acne, blackheads, whiteheads, enlarged pores, open pores, oiliness, congestion or skin that appears dull or stressed.
What are the advantages of Microdermabrasion?
After microdermabrasion, you'll typically notice cleaner, clearer, smoother, younger-looking skin, with reduced pores. Anyone who's been experiencing acne, sun damage or uneven pigmentation can look forward to less redness and a more even tone.
Is microdermabrasion painful?
Usually, microdermabrasion doesn't hurt at all. The only sensation you can expect at the time is gentle tingling and, afterwards, a short-lived feeling akin to slight sunburn.
What does skin look like after microdermabrasion?
For a few hours after microdermabrasion, the skin appears slightly red. During the following days, some shedding might occur and, on acne sufferers, scabs might form. If this happens, you should avoid picking at your skin, to avoid scarring.
How many microdermabrasion treatments are necessary?
Optimum results are achieved by having six to twelve sessions, spaced two to three weeks apart. Each session takes between twenty and thirty minutes, depending on your skin and its condition. Once these initial sessions are done, it's a good idea to return for treatment every one-to-three months. Before commencing microdermabrasion, your therapist will help you work out a plan, so you know exactly how long your treatment will take and what it will involve.
In what ways are microdermabrasion and dermabrasion different?
While microdermabrasion treats the skin's surface only, dermabrasion is invasive, involving the removal of several layers of skin. This means undergoing an anaesthetic and putting up with redness and swelling for as long as a fortnight afterwards.
Is microdermabrasion suitable for anyone's skin?
Microdermabrasion is suitable for skin of any type and any skin tone. You can benefit from it, whether your skin is dry, oily, combination or damaged by sun or age. Before treatment starts, your therapist will discuss your skin type with you and set the equipment accordingly. However, if you are suffering from a particular skin condition or problem of the immune system, it's important to let your therapist know. In some cases, microdermabrasion can lead to inflammation.
How is crystal microdermabrasion different to diamond microdermabrasion?
Both crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion remove dead or dry skin cells. However, the latter is easier to control and allows more precision, thereby enabling the treatment of skin around sensitive areas, such as the mouth and eyes.
For which parts of the body is microdermabrasion appropriate?
Microdermabrasion is appropriate for nearly any part of the body – from the face, neck and chest to the arms, legs, chest and back.
After Care
Can I resume normal life straight after treatment?
Absolutely. A microdermabrasion session doesn't have any nasty side effects that impact your ability to function normally. As mentioned, you might notice some redness for a few hours, but that doesn't mean you can't go to work or spend time with friends. The only activity you should avoid is exposing the treated area to the sun.