salon-treatment
Microdermabrasion
Mechanical exfoliation using a handpiece with a diamond tip or fine crystals, with suction.
Indicative cost
£45.00–£100.00 per session
Downtime
Minimal. Pink skin and mild sensitivity for up to 24 hours.
Typical course
A course of four to six spaced two to three weeks apart is common
Keeping it up
Every four to eight weeks
How it works
Abrasion removes surface dead skin while suction lifts debris. It works on the outer layer, so it suits surface texture rather than deeper scarring.
What a session actually involves
The practitioner passes the handpiece over the skin in overlapping strokes. It feels like a rough cat's tongue with a pulling sensation. Skin is left pink and is finished with a calming serum and SPF.
What people usually consider it for
- Texture
- Dullness
- Congestion / blackheads
- Uneven tone
This reflects what the treatment is commonly used for — not a claim that it will work for you.
When it may not be suitable
- You have rosacea, eczema or active acne on the area
- You bruise or scar easily
- You are using a prescription retinoid without advice
This list is not exhaustive. A qualified practitioner should assess you before any treatment.
Things to weigh up
- — Not for deep lines or scarring
- — Suction can bruise thin skin
What the evidence looks like
A long-established treatment with reasonable evidence for surface texture and dullness. It does not treat deep scarring or wrinkles.
Questions worth asking first
Deeper scarring is usually better addressed with needling or peels — ask why this is being recommended.
What tends to sit alongside it
- Chemical peel
- LED therapy
Others people compare it with
Treatments and devices are listed for information only. Nothing here is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a promise of a result. Suitability depends on your health, skin and the specific device or practitioner — always check with a qualified professional first.