What is microdermabrasion and how does it work?

Microdermabrasion involves a stream of fine micro particles being blasted across the face by a “skin vacuum cleaner”. The powder used varies between different machines and can include crystals of aluminium salts, sodium bicarbonate crystals, or even table salt crystals.

Movement of these crystals under pressure loosens and partially removes the outermost epidermal layer of the skin in a kind of “sandpapering” effect. Alternatively some systems use “diamond microdermabrasion” where the treatment tip contains tiny diamonds that abrade the skin. It helps improve the appearance of the skin and the circulation and generally gives the skin a healthy glow. Once the outer layer of skin has been removed, the layers of skin beneath then increase their production of new skin cells to renew the surface layer.

What skin problems can microdermabrasion treat?

Microdermabrasion is a mild treatment causing minimal damage to the surface of the skin. Results are subtle and include a freshening in the appearance and improvement in the texture of the skin, and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles.

Some stretch marks respond well to this treatment. Some people can experience a reduction in the appearance of brown age spots on their skin. This procedure is sometimes used in combination with chemical peels or some skin creams. Microdermabrasion is not suitable for deeper wrinkles and scars, deep hyperpigmentation problems or broken veins.

What happens during a microdermabrasion treatment? 

The skin is usually cleaned prior to treatment. The wand of the microdermabrasion machine will pass over skin in smooth, stroking movements. The intensity of treatment can be varied, either by altering the amount of crystals used, the pressure used, or the length of treatment.

Crystals are directed onto the face and then immediately “vacuumed “ away, along with the loosened skin particles. All the waste goes into a separate, closed container. This makes sure that there is no risk of contamination from dead skin products.The crystals are not re-used.

Follow-up treatment 

This procedure can be repeated every week or so for a series of 5 to 10 sessions. Maintenance treatments can then be scheduled every three or four months.