Microdermabrasion

How it works

A handpiece with an abrasive tip glides across the skin while suction lifts away loosened cells. Pressure and the number of passes are set by the practitioner. By removing the outermost layer, the treatment can make the surface look smoother and help products absorb more evenly. It reaches only the epidermis, so it does not address deep scars or sagging. Effects vary by person and are short-lived, which is why clinics recommend a series spaced a few weeks apart.

Who it may suit

• Rough or flaky texture on otherwise healthy skin
• Dullness caused by a buildup of dead cells
• Mild surface unevenness
• Keeping skin smooth between stronger procedures when the doctor approves
• People who want no recovery period

The treatment day

1. Cleanse and assess. The skin is cleaned and checked for active breakouts, irritation or sunburn.
2. Abrade. The wand makes controlled passes over each area with suction, using lighter pressure on thin skin.
3. Clear debris. Loose cells are wiped away and the skin is toned.
4. Soothe. A calming serum or mask is applied, followed by sunscreen.

Aftercare

• Apply sunscreen every morning and reapply outdoors
• Avoid exfoliating acids, scrubs and retinoids for several days unless advised otherwise
• Use a plain moisturizer while the skin feels dry
• Do not pick at flaking skin
• Wait before waxing or other hair removal on the treated area

Things to know first

• Active acne, rosacea flares, cold sores, open wounds and sunburn are reasons to postpone
• Skin that is very thin, sensitive or recently treated with isotretinoin, peels or lasers may be too fragile
• Temporary redness, tightness, dryness and slight sensitivity to sun are common
• In darker skin tones, too much pressure can cause pigment change, so tell the practitioner your history
• It is not a treatment for deep acne scars, established wrinkles or laxity

What the price of microdermabrasion depends on

Most quotes are per session and per area. A face-only session, a face and neck session and a body area such as the back are different line items, so check which area your figure names. Session length matters too: a short polish and a longer visit that adds extraction, a mask or LED are not the same product even when the name matches.

The method can also move the price. Diamond-tip wands and crystal systems have different consumable costs, and some clinics bill the single-use tip or filter separately. If the facial is combined with a peel or a serum step, ask for each part to be listed so you can see what the abrasion itself costs.

Because the effect is temporary, clinics tend to sell series. A package lowers the average per visit only when you attend every appointment, and the spacing, often a few weeks, may not fit a short stay. Confirm VAT status, ask what happens to unused sessions, and ask whether the consultation is charged on its own.