Microdermabrasion Fact Sheet

The objective

Microdermabrasion is a method that takes away the top layers of skin on the face to give it a fresher and cleaner appearance, through ‘sanding’ the skin with fine abrasive crystals. It can be effective in reducing age spots and delicate wrinkles or lines.

The procedure

The procedure can be carried out in about 30-60 minutes. It is sometimes combined with a mild chemical peel (see Skin Peels Fact Sheet for more information).

The practitioner will use a special tool to spray the abrasive agent - normally made from fine aluminium oxide, diamond or salt crystals - into the layers of skin on the face in order to slough the surface layers off. The dead skin particles and crystals will be vacuumed from the face leaving it feeling smoother. There may be some very mild tingling through this process but no pain should be experienced.

If the microdermabrasion is combined with a skin peel, there will be a longer treatment time. You will normally need up to 4-5 treatments to see the results.

The outcome

Following the procedure, there may be minimal redness in the treated area for a few hours. If combined with a skin peel, expect a slightly longer recovery time.

Normally, you can leave the clinic a few minutes after the procedure. You can usually return to work and resume all activities immediately afterwards.

The face should have a more ‘youthful’ and fresh appearance as a result of this treatment, with lines and wrinkles smoother and softer, and blemishes eased.

The risks

Complications particular to microdermabrasion are few, but may include increased sun sensitivity, dryness of the skin and bruising, as well as redness that lasts a while longer than expected.

You may find that the treatment is not invasive enough to deal with the problems you would like to address, and will need further treatments or decide to opt for a different procedure.

If combined with a skin peel, there may be some risks which come about as a result of this procedure.

The costs

Privately in the UK, expect to pay from around £55. As this technique is relatively inexpensive compared to other techniques, it is unlikely to be cost-effective to travel abroad for the treatment.

The availability

Microdermabrasion procedures are widely available at specialist skin care clinics and beauty salons within the UK and abroad.

The popularity

With very few side effects, microdermabrasion is a popular ‘lunchtime’ skincare treatment with women who would like a cost-effective way of obtaining smoother, cleaner looking skin, possibly to diminish spots, blackheads and very fine lines, but who do not desire (or require) more invasive or surgical treatments.