Microdermabrasion Facial London
A gentle mechanical exfoliation treatment designed to remove surface build-up and leave the skin feeling smoother, fresher and more polished.
Microdermabrasion works primarily at the outermost layers of the skin. It is best suited to dullness, rough texture and superficial congestion rather than deeper scarring or significant pigmentation.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a superficial mechanical exfoliation treatment. A controlled abrasive surface or flow of fine crystals is passed across the skin while suction removes loosened surface debris.
The treatment is designed to remove part of the outer layer of dead skin cells from the stratum corneum. The immediate effect is generally a smoother feel and brighter-looking surface.
Unlike a chemical peel, microdermabrasion does not rely on an acid to produce exfoliation, and unlike resurfacing laser it does not deliberately create a deeper thermal injury.
What can microdermabrasion help with?
Dull skin
Removing superficial build-up can make the skin look fresher and more reflective immediately after treatment.
Rough texture
Mechanical exfoliation can smooth the feel of superficial dryness and uneven surface texture.
Superficial congestion
It can be useful where dead-cell build-up contributes to a congested or uneven surface appearance.
Skin preparation
Microdermabrasion can sometimes be incorporated before another facial step where controlled exfoliation is appropriate.
Make-up preparation
The smoother surface produced by exfoliation can make microdermabrasion useful before an event when a low-downtime treatment is preferred.
Maintenance
Some clients include periodic exfoliation within a wider skin maintenance programme.
What microdermabrasion does not do
It is a surface treatment
Microdermabrasion primarily affects the outermost layers of the skin. It should not be expected to produce deep collagen remodelling or structural change.
- It does not remove deep acne scars
- It does not substantially tighten loose skin
- It does not replace laser resurfacing
- It does not remove established deep pigmentation
When another treatment may be better
If the principal concern is acne scarring, significant photodamage, deeper pigmentation or substantial textural change, treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling or laser may be more appropriate after assessment.
Mechanical exfoliation of the stratum corneum
The stratum corneum is the outermost part of the epidermis. Its surface is composed largely of flattened, keratinised cells that are naturally shed over time.
Microdermabrasion accelerates removal of some of this superficial material through controlled abrasion. The suction component helps remove loosened debris during treatment.
Because the treatment is superficial, the most noticeable immediate effects are generally improved smoothness and a brighter surface appearance rather than a major biological restructuring of the skin.
What happens during treatment?
Skin review
Your therapist assesses your skin and considers sensitivity, active inflammation and current skincare.
Cleanse
Make-up, SPF and surface products are removed before treatment.
Microdermabrasion
The handpiece is passed systematically across selected areas using an appropriate level of abrasion and suction.
Finish
The skin is finished with products selected for comfort, hydration and protection.
What should you expect afterwards?
Immediately
The skin commonly feels smoother and may look brighter immediately after treatment.
Mild redness
Some temporary pinkness, dryness or sensitivity can occur, particularly after a more thorough exfoliation.
Temporary effect
The polishing effect is not permanent because the skin continues its normal turnover cycle. Repeat treatment should be guided by your skin.
Microdermabrasion, peels or microneedling?
| Treatment | Main action | Often suited to | Relative intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microdermabrasion | Mechanical surface exfoliation | Dullness, rough surface texture, maintenance | Gentle |
| Superficial peel | Chemical exfoliation | Texture, congestion, selected pigmentation concerns | Gentle–moderate |
| Microneedling | Controlled micro-injury | Selected scars and broader textural concerns | Moderate |
| CO₂ laser | Fractional or ablative resurfacing | More significant textural and resurfacing objectives | Higher |
What can be combined with microdermabrasion?
LED Light Therapy
LED can be used after selected exfoliating treatments when a gentle, non-ablative light treatment is appropriate.
Facial treatment
Microdermabrasion may form the exfoliating stage of a broader facial where the rest of the treatment is selected according to your skin.
Skin Lab
If your concern is persistent rather than simply superficial dullness, a more structured assessment can help guide treatment choice.
When might microdermabrasion not be appropriate?
Although superficial, microdermabrasion still involves mechanical abrasion of the skin and is not suitable for every situation.
We may avoid or modify treatment if you have:
- Active inflamed acne
- Broken, irritated or infected skin
- Active eczema or dermatitis in the treatment area
- Rosacea that is currently inflamed or highly reactive
- Recent sunburn
- Recent aggressive resurfacing treatment
Tell us about your skincare
Please mention prescription skincare, retinoids, recent chemical peels, laser procedures and other treatments that may increase skin sensitivity.
Treatment intensity can be reduced or postponed when the skin barrier is compromised.
Looking after your skin afterwards
Keep skincare simple
Use gentle cleansing and moisturising products if the skin feels temporarily sensitive or dry.
Use SPF
Daily sunscreen is sensible following exfoliating treatments, particularly where the skin feels more exposed or sensitive.
Avoid over-exfoliation
Do not immediately layer additional scrubs, strong acids or other unnecessary exfoliating treatments onto freshly treated skin.
Microdermabrasion FAQs
Is microdermabrasion painful?
Most people find it comfortable. You may feel suction and a slightly abrasive sensation as the handpiece passes across the skin.
Is there downtime?
Usually very little. Mild pinkness, dryness or sensitivity may occur temporarily depending on the treatment intensity and individual skin.
Does microdermabrasion remove acne scars?
It may improve superficial roughness, but true acne scars extend deeper into the skin and generally require a different treatment strategy.
Does it remove pigmentation?
Microdermabrasion removes superficial dead-cell build-up and may make the complexion appear brighter, but it should not be relied upon to treat significant or deeper pigmentation.
Does microdermabrasion help wrinkles?
The skin may look smoother after exfoliation, but microdermabrasion does not produce the degree of structural collagen remodelling associated with deeper resurfacing procedures.
Can I have it before an event?
It can be a useful low-downtime polishing treatment before an event if you already know your skin tolerates exfoliation well. Allowing some time before an important occasion is sensible if it is your first treatment.
How often can I have microdermabrasion?
Frequency depends on skin condition, sensitivity and the other exfoliating products or procedures in your routine. More frequent exfoliation is not necessarily more beneficial.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Sometimes, but treatment intensity must be appropriate. Very reactive, inflamed or barrier-impaired skin may be better managed without mechanical exfoliation.
Explore other ways to refine skin texture
Sometimes a good facial simply needs good exfoliation
Microdermabrasion is useful when the objective is smoother, fresher-looking skin without moving immediately to a more intensive resurfacing treatment.
Microdermabrasion Facial · Santi London
33 Thurloe Street · South Kensington · London SW7 2LQ