Microdermabrasion facial is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment that gently exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath. The treatment uses either a diamond-tipped wand that buffs away dead skin while vacuuming it away, or a crystal-based system that sprays fine crystals onto the skin and then suctions them back along with the exfoliated cells. Microdermabrasion works on the superficial layer of skin, the stratum corneum, making it a gentle treatment suitable for most skin types. It can address concerns such as dull or rough skin texture, fine lines, mild acne scarring, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, sun damage and blackheads. The treatment stimulates blood circulation and promotes collagen production, contributing to a healthier, more radiant complexion. Unlike deeper chemical peels or laser treatments, microdermabrasion requires no downtime and leaves skin looking immediately brighter and feeling smoother, making it a popular lunchtime treatment for quick skin refreshment.

Prices vary between clinics across the UK, and the cost of Microdermabrasion Facial typically ranges from around £57 to £230 depending on a number of factors. Main cost drivers include the treatment area, the number of sessions recommended, the device or product used and the practitioner’s experience, which all affect the overall price. If you’re comparing options, search for how much Microdermabrasion Facial costs, the price of Microdermabrasion Facial and the cost of Microdermabrasion Facial overall to get a sense of typical offers. You can find the exact, up-to-date price for this treatment in the catalogue

No, microdermabrasion does not remove facial hair and is not designed for hair removal. The treatment works by exfoliating the outer layer of dead skin cells and does not target hair follicles, which are located much deeper in the skin. Microdermabrasion may temporarily remove some very fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) on the surface during the exfoliation process, but this is incidental and not the purpose of the treatment. The hair will grow back normally as it would after any surface contact. If you are looking to remove facial hair, more appropriate treatments include dermaplaning (which specifically targets both dead skin and vellus hair), threading, waxing, laser hair removal or electrolysis, depending on your hair type and desired permanence. Some people combine microdermabrasion with other treatments for comprehensive skin improvement, but if hair removal is your primary concern, discuss more suitable options with your practitioner. It is worth noting that having facial hair does not prevent you from having microdermabrasion, and the treatment can be performed safely on areas with fine facial hair.

A microdermabrasion facial typically takes 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish, depending on the areas being treated and whether additional steps are included. A basic microdermabrasion treatment focusing just on the face usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes, which includes cleansing, the microdermabrasion process itself, and application of post-treatment products like serum and moisturiser with SPF. If the treatment extends to the neck and décolletage or includes additional services such as extractions, masks, facial massage or LED light therapy, it can take closer to 60 to 90 minutes. The actual microdermabrasion exfoliation process itself typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, with the remaining time devoted to preparing the skin beforehand and applying nourishing, protective products afterwards. Most clinics offer microdermabrasion as a standalone treatment or as part of a more comprehensive facial package. The relatively short treatment time makes microdermabrasion popular as a quick refresh that can easily fit into a busy schedule, often referred to as a lunchtime facial since you can return to normal activities immediately afterwards with no downtime required.

The ideal frequency for microdermabrasion facials depends on your skin concerns, skin type and treatment goals. For general skin maintenance and keeping skin looking fresh and radiant, most people benefit from treatments every 4 to 6 weeks, which aligns with the skin's natural renewal cycle. If you are addressing specific concerns like acne scarring, hyperpigmentation or significant sun damage, you might start with more frequent sessions, typically every 2 to 3 weeks for an initial course of 6 to 10 treatments, then transition to monthly or bi-monthly maintenance sessions. For sensitive skin or first-time users, starting with treatments every 6 to 8 weeks allows you to assess how your skin responds before increasing frequency. The skin needs time to regenerate between treatments, so having microdermabrasion too frequently can cause irritation, sensitivity or damage to the skin barrier. Most practitioners recommend an initial series of treatments for best results, followed by regular maintenance sessions. Factors that influence ideal frequency include your age, skin thickness, specific concerns being treated, how your skin responds to treatment and your overall skincare routine. Always follow your practitioner's personalised recommendations, as they will assess your individual skin condition and adjust the treatment schedule accordingly. Consistency is more important than frequency, so regular, appropriately spaced treatments will yield better results than sporadic sessions.

A microdermabrasion facial begins with thorough cleansing to remove makeup, oil and surface debris from your skin. Once your skin is clean and dry, the practitioner uses a microdermabrasion device, either diamond-tipped or crystal-based, which is moved systematically across your face in gentle, overlapping passes. The diamond-tipped handpiece or crystal spray exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells while a vacuum suction simultaneously removes the debris. You will feel a scratching or vibrating sensation as the device moves across your skin, along with mild suction, which most people find tolerable rather than painful. The practitioner typically makes multiple passes over each area, adjusting the intensity based on your skin's sensitivity and the concerns being addressed. The entire exfoliation process usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. After the microdermabrasion is complete, the practitioner will apply soothing, hydrating serums, moisturiser and broad-spectrum SPF to protect and nourish your freshly exfoliated skin. Some treatments may include additional steps like gentle extractions, calming masks or LED light therapy. Immediately after treatment, your skin may appear slightly pink and feel tight or sensitive, similar to mild windburn, but this typically subsides within a few hours. There is no downtime, and you can resume normal activities immediately, though sun protection is crucial for several days following treatment.

Microdermabrasion facial is good for addressing a variety of superficial skin concerns and improving overall skin texture and radiance. The treatment is particularly effective for dull, rough or uneven skin texture, giving an immediate brightness and smoothness; fine lines and superficial wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth; mild acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; enlarged or clogged pores and blackheads; uneven skin tone and mild discolouration; sun damage and age spots; improving product absorption, as freshly exfoliated skin allows serums and moisturisers to penetrate more effectively; and stimulating cell turnover and collagen production for healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Microdermabrasion is also useful as a maintenance treatment for keeping skin looking fresh and preventing buildup of dead cells. However, it has limitations: it is not effective for deep wrinkles, significant scarring, active acne (though it can help with mild acne and acne marks), severe pigmentation, or loose, sagging skin, where other treatments would be more appropriate. The treatment works on the surface layers of skin, so results are generally subtle and cumulative rather than dramatic. It is suitable for most skin types and tones, though people with very sensitive skin, rosacea, active infections or certain skin conditions should consult with a practitioner first. Microdermabrasion is often combined with other treatments like chemical peels, facials or LED therapy for more comprehensive results.

Before microdermabrasion facial, people typically have concerns such as dull, lacklustre skin with uneven texture; rough or bumpy skin surface; fine lines and superficial wrinkles; mild acne scarring or post-breakout marks; enlarged pores and blackheads; uneven skin tone with mild discolouration or sun damage; or simply skin that looks tired and aged. The complexion often appears drab and may not reflect light well, and skincare products may not absorb effectively due to buildup of dead cells. After a single microdermabrasion treatment, most people notice immediately smoother, softer skin texture; brighter, more radiant complexion with improved light reflection; skin that feels refreshed and looks healthier; and makeup that applies more smoothly. With a series of treatments over several weeks or months, more significant improvements become visible: fine lines appear softer and less noticeable; mild acne scarring and discolouration gradually fade; pores appear smaller and less congested; overall skin tone becomes more even and uniform; and the complexion looks more youthful, fresh and glowing. Results are generally subtle and natural-looking rather than dramatic, with the skin appearing like a healthier, more polished version of itself. The degree of improvement depends on starting skin condition, the number of treatments completed, consistency of sessions and accompanying skincare routine. Immediately after treatment, skin may appear slightly pink or red for a few hours, so final results are best assessed once any temporary redness subsides. Your practitioner should provide realistic before and after photos from their own work showing typical results after both single sessions and treatment courses to help you understand what improvements to expect. Microdermabrasion is best viewed as part of an ongoing skincare maintenance routine rather than a one-time transformative treatment, with cumulative benefits building over time.