Microdermabrasion: Treatment Advice & Aftercare
Updated: Oct 6
Exfoliation for Smoother, Brighter-Looking Skin
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment that gently removes dead skin cells from the outermost surface of the skin.
At Eco Skin Clinic, microdermabrasion can be used to help improve the appearance of:
dull or tired-looking skin
rough or uneven texture
mild congestion
enlarged-looking pores
superficial pigmentation and uneven skin tone
fine lines
generally lacklustre skin.
It can be enjoyed as a standalone treatment or incorporated into selected facials where appropriate.
Before Your Treatment
To help keep your skin calm before microdermabrasion:
Avoid strong exfoliating acids, scrubs and retinoids for a few days beforehand, particularly if your skin is sensitive.
Avoid waxing or other hair-removal treatments that have irritated the area.
Avoid deliberate tanning and don't attend with sunburn.
Don't pick or squeeze spots before your appointment.
Tell us about prescription or medicated skincare you're using.
Tell us if you're taking or have recently taken isotretinoin or another prescription acne treatment.
Let us know about allergies, skin conditions or unusual sensitivity.
Tell us about recent peels, laser, microneedling, injectables or other advanced skin treatments.
Let us know if your skin, health or medication has changed since your consultation.
You can arrive wearing makeup if necessary, although this will be removed before treatment.
Do not stop prescribed medication simply to have microdermabrasion unless advised by the healthcare professional who prescribed it.
Is Microdermabrasion Suitable for Everyone?
Microdermabrasion can be suitable for many skin types, but treatment may need to be adapted or postponed if you have:
active or significantly inflamed acne
an active cold sore
an active skin infection
open or broken skin
sunburn
significant skin irritation
an active flare of rosacea
active eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis in the treatment area
particularly fragile or compromised skin
a condition affecting normal skin healing
recently used isotretinoin or medication that has significantly affected your skin
recently had a peel, laser treatment, microneedling or another advanced procedure.
Sensitive skin isn't automatically unsuitable. Your practitioner will assess your skin and adjust the treatment or recommend an alternative where appropriate.
Active Acne & Rosacea
Microdermabrasion isn't generally performed aggressively over active inflammatory acne, as this can cause unnecessary irritation.
If you have occasional isolated blemishes, we may be able to work around them.
Similarly, if you have rosacea-prone skin, suitability depends on how your skin presents on the day. We would avoid treating during an active or significantly inflamed flare.
For some clients, one of our gentler calming treatments may be a better choice.
What Happens During Microdermabrasion?
A specialist handpiece is passed gently across the skin to exfoliate the outermost layer of dead skin cells.
You may feel a combination of:
gentle suction
light scratching or exfoliation
mild tingling
warmth.
The intensity can be adjusted according to your skin and the area being treated.
Microdermabrasion shouldn't feel painfully abrasive or excessively uncomfortable. Tell your practitioner if your skin feels uncomfortable during treatment.
What Should I Expect Afterwards?
Immediately afterwards your skin may look and feel:
smoother
softer
brighter
temporarily pink
slightly warm
mildly tight or dry
more sensitive than usual.
Most clients experience little to no downtime and can return to normal daily activities straight away.
More sensitive skin may remain pink for longer.
Aftercare
For the first few days following microdermabrasion, keep your skincare relatively gentle.
We recommend:
using a gentle cleanser
keeping the skin well moisturised
avoiding physical scrubs
avoiding exfoliating brushes or cleansing devices
avoiding strong AHAs and BHAs
avoiding retinoids until the skin feels settled
avoiding picking or squeezing the skin
avoiding waxing over freshly treated skin
avoiding excessive heat if your skin remains flushed or sensitive.
Gradually return to your normal active skincare once your skin feels comfortable and fully settled.
Sun Protection
Because microdermabrasion removes dead surface skin cells, your skin may temporarily be more sensitive to UV exposure.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 daily and avoid deliberate tanning and sunbeds.
Sun protection is particularly important if you're having treatment to improve the appearance of pigmentation or uneven skin tone.
Can I Wear Makeup Afterwards?
Where possible, I would recommend leaving your skin makeup-free for the remainder of the day, particularly if it is pink or sensitive.
If you need to wear makeup, wait until your skin has settled and use clean brushes, sponges and applicators.
Exercise, Swimming & Heat
Normal gentle activity is fine.
If your skin is still red or sensitive, avoid for the remainder of the day:
strenuous exercise and excessive sweating
saunas
steam rooms
very hot showers
swimming if the skin feels particularly irritated.
Once the skin has settled, you can return to your normal activities.
Can Microdermabrasion Cause Breakouts?
Occasionally, clients who are already prone to congestion may notice temporary small blemishes following exfoliation.
Keep your skincare simple and avoid repeatedly touching or picking the skin.
If you regularly experience significant irritation or breakouts following microdermabrasion, tell your practitioner so we can assess whether another facial or exfoliation treatment would suit your skin better.
Microdermabrasion for Pigmentation & Scarring
I think this is worth clarifying because these two are commonly overclaimed.
Microdermabrasion works primarily on the surface of the skin.
It may help improve the appearance of superficial uneven tone and mild textural irregularities, but it isn't designed to treat deep pigmentation or deeper acne scars.
For more significant concerns, we may recommend treatments such as:
skin peels
microneedling
laser
other appropriately selected skin treatments.
Your practitioner can advise which approach is most appropriate for your skin.
Microdermabrasion or Dermaplaning?
Both treatments exfoliate the outer surface of the skin, but they work differently.
Microdermabrasion uses a specialist handpiece to exfoliate the skin and can be particularly useful for roughness, dullness and mild congestion.
Dermaplaning uses a sterile blade to manually exfoliate the skin while also removing fine vellus facial hair or “peach fuzz”.
Neither is automatically better — we'll recommend the treatment that best suits your skin, concerns and preferences.
How Often Can I Have Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion can be performed as an occasional facial or as part of a treatment programme.
For general skin maintenance, treatments may be spaced approximately every 4–6 weeks, depending on your skin and the other treatments you're having.
A different interval may be recommended as part of a targeted course.
More exfoliation isn't necessarily better. Giving your skin adequate time to maintain a healthy barrier is important.
Combining Microdermabrasion With Other Treatments
Microdermabrasion can be incorporated into selected facials and treatment plans.
However, because it exfoliates the skin, we won't automatically combine it with every advanced treatment.
Peels, laser, microneedling and other resurfacing treatments may need to be appropriately spaced to avoid unnecessary irritation or over-treatment.
Your practitioner will advise you.
When Should I Contact Eco Skin Clinic?
Temporary pinkness, mild warmth, dryness and sensitivity can be normal following microdermabrasion.
Please contact us if you experience:
significant or increasing redness
persistent burning or discomfort
significant swelling
blistering
broken or weeping skin
a widespread rash
signs of infection
unexpected pigmentation changes
skin that isn't settling as expected
any other reaction that concerns you.
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