Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment designed to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin. It can help smooth rough texture, refresh dull-looking skin, improve the appearance of congestion, and support a brighter, more polished complexion.
At Dermé Aesthetic Clinic in Camberwell, microdermabrasion is offered as part of a personalised skin treatment plan. Your skin is assessed before treatment so the approach can be tailored to your skin type, skin barrier, concerns and goals.
Microdermabrasion is often chosen by clients who want a refreshed glow with minimal downtime. It may also be combined with other Dermé treatments or professional skincare to support longer-term skin health and maintenance.
Microdermabrasion is a professional exfoliation treatment that removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin using a controlled device. The treatment helps smooth and refine the outer layer of the skin, encouraging a fresher and more even-looking complexion.
Because it works on the surface layers of the skin, microdermabrasion is generally considered a low-downtime option compared with stronger resurfacing treatments. It can be suitable for many people, but it still requires proper skin assessment, especially for sensitive, inflamed or recently treated skin.
Microdermabrasion may assist with a range of common skin concerns, including:
Microdermabrasion is not designed to treat deep scars, active severe acne, deep pigmentation or significant skin laxity. For those concerns, your practitioner may recommend other options such as chemical peels, LED light therapy, skin needling, laser treatment, Cosmelan®, Dermamelan® or a combination plan.
During microdermabrasion, the skin is gently resurfaced to remove the build-up of dead skin cells and surface debris. This helps reveal newer-looking skin beneath and may improve the way skincare products absorb into the skin after treatment.
The treatment is controlled and progressive. Rather than aggressively stripping the skin, the aim is to refresh the skin surface while protecting the skin barrier.
Your Dermé practitioner will adjust the treatment approach depending on your skin type, sensitivity, recent treatments and goals.
Your treatment begins with a skin consultation or assessment. This helps us decide whether microdermabrasion is suitable for your skin and whether it should be performed alone or as part of a combined skin plan.
Your consultation may include:
Dermé is a doctor-led clinic with a cosmetic doctor on site who can assess or advise if needed.
Microdermabrasion is most commonly performed on the face, but it may also be suitable for selected body areas depending on your concern and skin condition.
Common treatment areas may include:
Suitability for each area will be assessed during consultation.
Microdermabrasion may be suitable for clients who want a gentle resurfacing treatment to improve skin smoothness, glow and surface texture.
It may be appropriate for people with:
Microdermabrasion may not be suitable if you have active infection, open wounds, inflamed acne, sunburn, significant rosacea flare, recent strong peel or laser treatment, fragile skin, or recent use of certain active skincare or medications. Your practitioner will advise you during your assessment.
For acne-prone or congested skin, microdermabrasion may help remove surface build-up and improve the appearance of mild congestion. However, it is not suitable for all forms of acne.
If acne is inflamed, painful, cystic or widespread, a different treatment plan may be recommended. This may include LED light therapy, chemical peels, professional skincare, skin barrier support or referral for medical assessment where needed.
Microdermabrasion may help brighten the appearance of dull or uneven skin by exfoliating the surface layer. It may assist with very mild superficial pigmentation, but it is not a primary treatment for deeper pigmentation, melasma or stubborn dark patches.
If pigmentation is your main concern, Dermé may recommend other options such as Cosmelan®, Dermamelan®, Q-Switched laser pigmentation removal, chemical peels or professional pigment-control skincare, depending on your skin type and suitability.
Skincare is an important part of achieving and maintaining results from microdermabrasion. After exfoliation, the skin may be more receptive to appropriate hydrating, calming and barrier-supporting products.
At Dermé, we may recommend professional skincare products to support your skin before and after treatment. These may include gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, barrier-repair creams, pigment-support products, acne-support products or daily sunscreen depending on your skin needs.
Using the correct products is important. Harsh scrubs, unsuitable actives or over-exfoliation can irritate the skin and may lead to dryness, sensitivity or worsening redness. Your practitioner will guide you on which products to use and which to avoid around your treatment.
Microdermabrasion may be included as part of a broader skin plan where suitable. Depending on your skin goals, it may be combined or alternated with treatments such as:
The timing and order of treatments matters. Your Dermé practitioner will recommend a safe plan based on your skin condition and treatment history.
Your skin is cleansed and assessed before treatment. The microdermabrasion device is then passed over the treatment area in a controlled manner to exfoliate the skin surface. The sensation is usually described as a gentle scratching, polishing or suction-like feeling.
After treatment, calming and hydrating products may be applied, followed by sunscreen during daytime appointments. The treatment is generally comfortable and does not usually require significant downtime.
After microdermabrasion, the skin may feel smoother and look fresher. Mild redness, warmth, tightness or dryness can occur, especially in sensitive skin. These effects are usually temporary.
Some clients notice an immediate glow, while texture and congestion may improve gradually with a series of treatments and consistent skincare.
After microdermabrasion, it is important to protect the skin and avoid unnecessary irritation.
Aftercare may include:
Your Dermé practitioner will provide aftercare instructions based on your skin and the treatment performed.
The number of treatments depends on your skin concern and goals. Some clients choose microdermabrasion as a one-off glow treatment, while others benefit from regular sessions as part of a skin maintenance plan.
For congestion, rough texture or ongoing dullness, a series of treatments may be recommended. Maintenance treatments can help support smoother, clearer and brighter-looking skin over time.
Microdermabrasion is generally well tolerated when performed on suitable skin, but side effects can occur. These may include temporary redness, dryness, tightness, mild sensitivity, flaking or breakouts as congestion clears.
Rarely, irritation, bruising, pigmentation changes or prolonged sensitivity may occur, particularly if the skin is already inflamed, compromised or recently treated. This is why consultation and aftercare are important.
Feature | Microdermabrasion | Skin Needling |
How it works | Exfoliates the outer layer of dead skin cells | Creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen |
Depth | Very superficial | Reaches deeper layers of the skin |
Downtime | Minimal to none | 1–3 days of redness (sometimes longer) |
Best for | Dull skin, mild congestion, rough texture, maintaining skin health | Acne scars, wrinkles, enlarged pores, skin laxity, stretch marks |
Results | Immediate glow and smoother skin | Gradual collagen remodeling over weeks to months |
Number of treatments | Regular maintenance every 4–6 weeks | Usually 3–6 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart |
Pain | Usually painless | Mild to moderate discomfort (numbing cream used) |
Choose Microdermabrasion if:
Choose Skin Needling if:
Which one is better?
For significant skin improvement, skin needling is generally more effective because it stimulates collagen production. Microdermabrasion is excellent for maintenance and instant skin brightening but does not provide the same collagen-remodeling benefits.
Many clinics combine them in a treatment plan: microdermabrasion for regular maintenance and skin needling for deeper rejuvenation.
At Dermé Aesthetic Clinic, microdermabrasion is approached as part of a considered skin health plan rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment.
Our approach includes:
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment that gently resurfaces the outer layer of the skin to help improve smoothness, brightness and texture.
Most clients find microdermabrasion comfortable. It may feel like a gentle scratching, polishing or suction sensation on the skin.
Downtime is usually minimal. Mild redness, tightness, dryness or sensitivity may occur temporarily, especially in sensitive skin.
Microdermabrasion may help with mild congestion and surface build-up, but it is not suitable for inflamed, cystic or severe acne. A consultation is recommended to choose the safest treatment plan.
At Derme we recommend a skin consultation and combination treatments with different skin treatments including advanced peelings, home base products and skin needling for management of acne.
It may help brighten dull or mildly uneven skin, but deeper pigmentation and melasma usually need other treatments such as depigmentation programs, laser, peels or pigment-focused skincare.
At Derme we recommend a skin consultation and combination treatments with different skin treatments including advanced peelings, Cosmelan, Dermamelan, home based products and skin needling for management of acne.
This depends on your skin type and goals. Some clients have it occasionally for glow and maintenance, while others may benefit from a planned series.
Many clients choose to do a microderm abrasion every 6-8 weeks as their main facial skin routine.
It is usually best to avoid makeup immediately after treatment if the skin is red or sensitive. This is only for a short period after the treatment. Your practitioner will advise based on your skin.
Avoid direct sun exposure, harsh exfoliants, retinol, strong active skincare, heat and scrubbing until your skin has settled and your practitioner advises restarting products.
It may be suitable for some sensitive skins, but not if the skin is inflamed, broken, sunburnt or experiencing a flare. Your skin should be assessed first.
Yes, LED light therapy may be recommended after microdermabrasion where suitable to support calming, recovery and overall skin health.
Yes. Hydrating, calming and barrier-supporting skincare, along with daily sunscreen, can help protect the skin and maintain results.
Microdermabrasion may not be suitable for active infection, open wounds, significant rosacea flare, inflamed acne, sunburn, fragile skin or very recent laser, peel or resurfacing treatments.
