When your skin feels rough, congested or simply a little neglected
Medical microdermabrasion is a controlled exfoliation treatment designed to remove accumulated surface cells and leave suitable skin feeling smoother, cleaner and more refined.
You may be applying good skincare but still feel as though products sit on top of your skin. Makeup can catch on dry patches. Blackheads and congestion may make the surface look uneven, while your complexion seems flat no matter how much moisturiser you use.
Sometimes your skin does not need an aggressive procedure. It needs careful exfoliation and a treatment plan that understands why the buildup is happening.
At Skin Perfection, we use the Derma Genesis system with medical-grade aluminium oxide crystals. The level of exfoliation and suction is adjusted according to your skin rather than following one standard setting for every client.
Medical microdermabrasion can be performed as a standalone treatment or included within a wider plan when appropriate.
Our award-winning clinic is located on Great Castle Street, moments from Oxford Circus and convenient for Marylebone, Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Soho and the West End.
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What is medical microdermabrasion?
Medical microdermabrasion is a non-surgical, mechanical exfoliation procedure.
During treatment, the handpiece directs a controlled flow of fine aluminium oxide crystals across the skin. These crystals loosen accumulated surface cells while the device’s vacuum removes the used crystals and exfoliated debris.
The treatment works primarily at the surface of the skin. It does not puncture the skin like microneedling or create the same chemical response as a peel.
It may help your complexion feel smoother and look fresher relatively quickly. However, deeper structural concerns, such as indented acne scars or pronounced wrinkles, require a different approach.
What can medical microdermabrasion help improve?
Treatment may be considered when your concerns include:
- Dull or tired-looking skin
- Rough or uneven surface texture
- Accumulated dead skin cells
- Mild blackheads and congestion
- Oily skin
- Dry or patchy-looking skin
- The visible appearance of enlarged pores
- Mild superficial pigmentation
- Uneven-looking tone
- Early fine lines
- Skin that needs preparation before another suitable treatment
Microdermabrasion can also help create a smoother surface for appropriate skincare and makeup.
It cannot remove every blackhead, scar, line or area of pigmentation. Persistent concerns usually require a course, targeted homecare or a different treatment.
Can microdermabrasion help acne and blocked pores?
Medical microdermabrasion may help suitable skin affected by mild blackheads, surface congestion and excess buildup.
By removing accumulated surface cells, it can leave the skin feeling cleaner and help reduce the rough texture associated with mild congestion.
It is not suitable for needling, scraping or aggressively exfoliating active, inflamed or infected acne.
If you have persistent breakouts, painful lesions or acne that is leaving scars, you may need a broader personalised acne treatment plan.
The underlying causes of acne must be addressed rather than relying on repeated exfoliation alone.
Can microdermabrasion remove acne scars?
Medical microdermabrasion may improve superficial roughness and mild discolouration left after breakouts.
It cannot remodel deep rolling, boxcar or ice-pick acne scars because those changes extend beneath the surface layer treated by microdermabrasion.
Indented acne scars may require a more corrective procedure such as Dermapen 4 microneedling, laser resurfacing or a combination plan.
The scar type should be assessed before treatment is recommended.
Can microdermabrasion help pigmentation?
Microdermabrasion may improve the appearance of some superficial unevenness by removing accumulated surface cells.
It cannot correct every form of pigmentation.
Sun spots, post-inflammatory pigmentation and melasma behave differently. Aggressive exfoliation can make some pigmentation worse by triggering inflammation.
Your pigmentation type, skin tone, recent sun exposure and previous reactions must be assessed before treatment.
Learn more about our approach to skin discolouration, sun damage and pigmentation.
How does the Derma Genesis treatment work?
The Derma Genesis system uses a controlled stream of aluminium oxide crystals together with vacuum suction.
Controlled crystal exfoliation
The crystals pass across the surface of the skin, loosening dead cells and surface buildup.
Adjustable vacuum
The vacuum removes the used crystals and exfoliated debris. It also helps keep the skin in consistent contact with the treatment handpiece.
Personalised intensity
Your practitioner adjusts the treatment according to:
- Your skin type
- Sensitivity
- The area being treated
- Your main concern
- Previous treatments
- The condition of your skin barrier
Delicate or reactive areas may need lighter treatment, while thicker areas of suitable congestion may tolerate a different setting.
The aim is controlled exfoliation, not making the skin as red as possible.
What happens during your appointment?
Your practitioner will begin by examining your skin and confirming that it remains suitable to treat.
You should mention any changes to your medication, skincare, health or recent cosmetic procedures.
The skin will be cleansed before the microdermabrasion handpiece is passed methodically across the selected treatment area.
You will feel light suction and a scratchy or grainy sensation. Most clients find the procedure manageable without anaesthetic.
After exfoliation, the remaining crystals will be carefully removed. A suitable hydrating or calming product may then be applied, followed by sun protection where appropriate.
The complete appointment normally takes approximately 30 minutes.
Does medical microdermabrasion hurt?
The treatment can feel scratchy, particularly across more sensitive or bony areas.
You may also notice the pulling sensation created by the vacuum.
It should not feel severely painful. Tell your practitioner immediately if the sensation becomes uncomfortable so the settings and technique can be adjusted.
Anaesthetic is not normally required.
Is there any downtime?
Most clients can return to work and ordinary activities after treatment.
However, minimal downtime does not mean that every person’s skin will look completely unchanged.
You may experience:
- Mild redness
- Tightness
- Temporary sensitivity
- Dryness
- Light flaking
- Mild tenderness
- Temporary aggravation of sensitivity
- Small areas of bruising, particularly when stronger suction has been used
These responses are usually temporary.
If you have an important event, arrange your first treatment in advance so you know how your skin responds.
How many treatments will you need?
A single appointment may leave your skin feeling smoother and looking fresher.
More persistent concerns, such as recurring congestion, rough texture or uneven tone, generally benefit from a course.
A programme of approximately three to six treatments may be recommended, followed by maintenance where appropriate.
Six sessions should not be presented as a compulsory minimum for every new client. The number and frequency will depend on your skin, concern and response.
Good homecare remains important because dead cells, oil and congestion can gradually build up again.
Medical microdermabrasion, DermaFrac or HydrO2 Facial?
These treatments can all improve dullness and texture, but they are not identical.
Medical microdermabrasion
This focuses on controlled crystal exfoliation and vacuum removal of surface buildup. It is a straightforward option when roughness, dullness or mild congestion is the main concern.
DermaFrac
DermaFrac combines crystal-free exfoliation, shallow micro-channeling, simultaneous serum infusion and LED.
It may be more appropriate when hydration and targeted serum infusion are also priorities.
HydrO2 Facial
The 3D HydrO2 Facial is a multi-stage treatment that can include cleansing, hydro-peeling, extraction, hydration and other technologies.
It may suit someone looking for a broader facial experience rather than crystal exfoliation alone.
You do not need to decide which one to book before your consultation. We will assess what your skin actually needs.
Medical microdermabrasion preparation and aftercare
Before treatment
You may be advised to:
- Pause retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs
- Avoid waxing or irritating hair-removal methods
- Avoid tanning and deliberate sun exposure
- Postpone treatment if your skin is sunburnt or inflamed
- Tell us about prescription creams and medication
- Report recent peels, laser treatments or injectables
- Avoid picking or squeezing the skin
- Follow any personalised preparation instructions
Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking to the professional who prescribed it.
After treatment
Follow the instructions provided by your practitioner.
You will generally need to:
- Avoid unnecessary touching or rubbing
- Use gentle, approved skincare
- Pause retinoids, acids, scrubs and strong active ingredients
- Avoid heat, saunas, steam rooms and strenuous exercise temporarily
- Avoid waxing or further exfoliation
- Protect the skin from direct sunlight
- Use suitable broad-spectrum sun protection
- Avoid picking at any dry or flaking areas
Although makeup may sometimes be applied after treatment, allowing the skin to settle is preferable. Use clean tools and follow your practitioner’s advice.
Why choose Skin Perfection for medical microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion may be less intensive than laser resurfacing or microneedling, but it can still irritate the skin when the settings or technique are unsuitable.
At Skin Perfection, you receive:
- An individual consultation and skin assessment
- Treatment using the Derma Genesis professional system
- Adjustable crystal flow and vacuum settings
- A clean disposable treatment tip
- A protocol selected for your skin and concern
- Honest advice about what surface exfoliation can achieve
- Appropriate preparation and aftercare guidance
- Access to more corrective treatments when necessary
- Care from an experienced, award-winning team
If your concern sits deeper than microdermabrasion can reach, we will explain the alternatives rather than selling you an unsuitable course.
Medical microdermabrasion near Oxford Circus
Your medical microdermabrasion treatment takes place at Skin Perfection on Great Castle Street, moments from Oxford Circus.
Our Central London clinic is easily accessible from Marylebone, Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Soho and across the West End.
Appointments begin with an assessment so that your skin barrier, sensitivity, congestion and treatment history can be considered.
Give dull, congested skin a clean starting point
Sometimes the answer is not another layer of serum or a more complicated routine.
When dead cells and surface buildup are making your skin feel rough or look flat, controlled professional exfoliation may provide the reset it needs.
During your consultation, we will examine your skin and explain whether medical microdermabrasion, DermaFrac, HydrO2 or another approach is most likely to help.
