Microdermabrasion in South Kensington
A gentle, professional resurfacing to brighten dull complexions, refine texture and help pores appear clearer — with minimal downtime. Perfect as a stand-alone glow treatment or combined with peels for amplified results.
For a deeper diagnostic, visit our Santi Skin Lab. Considering texture and pigment too? You may benefit from chemical peels, CO₂ laser or PRP (for skin quality in selected protocols).
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a professional exfoliating treatment that uses a diamond-tipped wand and controlled vacuum to lift and remove dull surface skin cells. It improves light reflection (radiance), smooths texture, and helps decongest pores. Suction and number of passes are tailored to your skin.
- Brighter, more even tone
- Smoother texture, makeup sits better
- Helps with congestion and blackheads
- Pairs well with light chemical peels for enhanced clarity
Diamond vs crystal systems
Diamond-tip handpieces gently abrade without loose crystals, offering more precision and comfort. Crystal systems project fine crystals and vacuum them away; effective but messier and less precise. At Santi, we favour diamond-tip for control and consistency.
Who it suits
Contraindications are assessed at consultation (e.g., active infection, open lesions, recent isotretinoin, severe rosacea flare). We adjust protocols for sensitive skin.
Real results
Photos shown with client consent. Individual results vary.
Before
After
How many sessions do I need?
Single boost
Perfect before an event for instant radiance. Combine with a light peel for extra glow.
Course of 4–6
For texture and congestion, we typically suggest 4–6 sessions every 2–4 weeks, then maintenance every 6–8 weeks.
What to expect at your appointment
1) Consultation
We review your skin, goals and any sensitivities, then calibrate suction and passes appropriately.
2) Treatment
We cleanse, perform microdermabrasion (face/neck/chest as planned), and finish with a calming, hydrating protocol.
3) Post-care
Expect a healthy glow with slight pinkness that usually settles within hours. You’ll receive tailored aftercare.
Microdermabrasion vs chemical peels & microneedling
Microdermabrasion
Mechanical exfoliation for instant smoothness and brightness. Minimal downtime; great for maintenance and events.
Chemical peels
Acids dissolve bonds between cells and can target pigment and texture more deeply. May involve light flaking/peeling.
Microneedling/laser
Stimulates remodelling and collagen. More downtime but stronger results for scars, laxity, and deeper concerns.
Unsure which to choose? Book a consultation or visit the Skin Lab for a plan tailored to your skin.
Aftercare
- Use a gentle cleanser and bland moisturiser for 24–48 hours
- SPF 30–50 daily; avoid direct sun, saunas and steam for 48 hours
- Avoid exfoliating acids/retinoids for 3–5 days unless advised
- Make-up can be worn if needed (prefer mineral/non-occlusive)
Browse more tips on the Santi Blog. For personalised regimes, speak to our team.
Pricing & packages
Single session
Includes consultation, tailored treatment and calming finish. See current prices.
Courses
Course pricing available for 4–6 sessions (popular). Ask about seasonal offers. Enquire.
FAQs
Is microdermabrasion safe for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin?
Often yes, with reduced suction and fewer passes, but we avoid active flares. Your clinician will advise.
Will it help acne?
It can improve congestion and blackheads. For active inflammatory acne, we may steer you towards peels and medical skincare first.
How soon will I see results?
Immediately brighter and smoother; texture and congestion typically improve over a short course.
Can I combine it with a peel the same day?
Often yes (light, superficial peels) as part of a “polish and glow” protocol. We’ll tailor this in consultation.
Find us & related treatments
Santi London, 33 Thurloe Street, South Kensington, SW7 — a few minutes from South Kensington Station.
Book your microdermabrasion
Tell us if you’d like face only, or face + neck/decolletage.
Questions first? Contact us.
What is microdermabrasion?
Dermabrasion, or microdermabrasion, is a mainstay of aesthetic skin treatment and has a long and colourful history. The concept of removing the upper layers of the skin – known as ‘abrading,’ a sort of intense exfoliation – has been around for millennia. Pre-industry, beauty addicts resorted to eye-watering methods – BC dwelling Egyptians used sandpaper and later manual contraptions were cumbersome and prone to infection. Motorised machines were developed in the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1980’s that a regulated machine was developed in Italy, that allowed the dead skin cells to be sucked away as soon as removed – solving hygiene problems and enabling an safe and effective process.
What are the benefits of microdermabrasion?
Today, microdermabrasion is a well-established cosmetic procedure. As fine crystals are swept across the skin, excess build up and dead skin cells are vacuumed away revealing the even, younger-looking layer beneath. Dermabrasion can reduce fine facial lines and wrinkles, minimise sun damage (including sun spots and pigmentation), unclog pores, reduce the appearance of minor scars and generally improve the texture of skin. It’s a relatively affordable resurfacing treatment which is often used in conjunction with other treatments. At Santi we combine the proven benefits of microdermabrasion with oxygen treatment, and also offer a natural alternative that is not widely available:
Our popular Santi Glow facial combines microdermabrasion with oxygen infusion, providing skin abrasion and hydration simultaneously. First, traditional dermabrasion resurfacing grains are used to polish and buff away dead skin cells. Next, moisture is delivered directly to your resurfaced skin via pulsating oxygen, resulting in immediate hydration and encouraging a brighter, tighter appearance. When oxygen treatment follows skin abrasion the health benefits are amplified and the clean is deep. In terms of non-invasive rejuvenation, these two treatments make a powerful complementary pairing.
What is organic microdermabrasion facial?
At Santi, our Flower Peel is in fact an organic microdermabrasion procedure, combining aromatherapy techniques with modern technology as pure flower grains (rose, lavender and tea tree) are powerfully introduced to the skin in a controlled exfoliating stream. This buffing process encourages skin growth, boosts collagen production and has all the benefits of traditional microdermabrasion whilst remaining 100% flower based and organic. By replacing the usual oxidised crystal with rose, lavender and tea tree grains, the Flower Peel can deliver serious aromatherapy benefits directly to the skin: tea tree targets problem/hormonal skin, rose is effective in combatting wrinkles and fine lines via its
hydrating properties, and lavender – famously therapeutic – has long been used in the treatment of rosacea and can even help protect skin from modern environmental factors like pollution. If you are interested in the concept of skin abrading but would like to begin more gently, the Flower Peel delivers all the exfoliation and cell-stimulation of dermabrasion, naturally.
However dermabrasion is administered, the principle remains the same – simply by removing dead skin cells your complexion will be improved. There are a plethora of treatments, such as peels, that also promote skin resurfacing – but if your skin is dull, sluggish and in need of a general boost, dermabrasion is a good and proven place to start.
Santi London, 33 Thurloe Street, London SW7 2LQ Appointments: 0207 5847000 info@santilondon.com