Microdermabrasion
A fine jet of abrasive crystals gently removes dead skin cells layer by layer and a vacuum action lifts away the debris, stimulating the blood flow, and encouraging collagen and elastin formation that results in firmer, revitalised and youthful looking skin. Wrinkles disappear, acne scarring is reduced, and dull and tired skin is completely banished – sometimes after just one treatment.
SENIOR | ||
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Microdermabrasion on the face and neck 25 min. | £39.00 | £42.00 |
Face and neck including a scalp and shoulder massage and a soothing massage mask 50 min. | £49.00 | £53.00 |
Body Stretch marks/ Décolletage/Back/Arms | £39.00 | £42.00 |
What is Microdermabrasion?
First developed in Italy in the 1980s, microdermabrasion delivers a stream of exfoliating crystals under vacuum pressure to rejuvenate skin. SkinBase microdermabrasion is an increasingly popular treatment thanks to the fantastic results it achieves for many common skin concerns. The procedure is simple, quick, non-invasive and painless, with no downtime, so a perfect choice for regular treatment.
Why do I need a SkinBase Microdermabrasion?
Our skin naturally sloughs away some dead cells, but microdermabrasion speeds up the process by using exfoliating crystals to remove them. Also, excess oils mean some cells can become trapped in the pores leading to blackheads & spots. Makeup and pollution particles also get ‘stuck’ to these dead skin cells, leading to oxidative stress, which ages the skin. Frequent exfoliation helps to prevent this build-up of old skin cells and other debris. Otherwise the skin can be left looking dull and lacklustre. Regular treatments stimulate collagen production, collagen is a really important substance that helps make the skin plump and firm. By helping to increase the skin’s collagen levels, Microdermabrasion helps to achieve a smoother and less wrinkled complexion.
How does it work?
During a SkinBase Microdermabrasion facial, a stream of tiny crystals gently exfoliate the skin. The crystals flow through a small hole in the hand piece and over the face, sloughing away old skin cells, unblocking pores and removing any dirt and grime from the skin surface. The SkinBase microdermabrasion machine works using vacuum pressure, the debris (along with the used crystals) are drawn away by the vacuum and collected in a sealed reservoir to be safely disposed of. The vacuum action also works to stimulate the microcirculation within the skin, which promotes collagen and elastin production.
How regularly can I have microdermabrasion?
Ideally, the amount of time between your microdermabrasion treatments should be 7-10 days. In fact, we recommend that you stick within this timeframe to achieve the best results during a course of treatments. 7-10 days allows your skin time to recover but is also close enough together if you are working to improve problematic skin. Skin concerns like pigmentation, acne, acne scarring, and uneven skin tone all need a consistent and regular treatment plan to achieve the best results.
How many microdermabrasion treatments do I need?
We are often asked ‘How many’ and it really depends on what you are hoping to achieve and your skin concerns. SkinBase always recommends a course of treatments for those new to microdermabrasion, however the length of course required will be determined at the consultation with your therapist.
Single Treatment
A single Microdermabrasion treatment will exfoliate and remove dead skin cells to reveal a clean and bright complexion. Skin will feel fresh and smooth, you’ll definitely see a difference and you’ll probably want more! You must remember that Microdermabrasion is a progressive treatment. This means you will see improvements with each treatment you have in a course. When you decide you love the treatment (we’re sure you will) then there are a few options to consider:
Mini-course of Facials
We definitely recommend that you plump for a course of facials. A mini course would be suitable if your skin is already in pretty good condition. Of course everyone’s skin is different so we recommend you have a proper consultation with a qualified SkinBase Therapist to determine the best treatment plan for you. If you opt for a mini course of 3-4 treatments, it will help to unblock pores and remove blemishes, blackheads and dry skin. Skin will look clearer and you should see improvements in the texture and tone of your skin.
Course of Facials
No matter how much you look after your skin, it will still be adversely affected by the environment and the ageing process. A course of Microdermabrasion facials can help to repair damage that has occurred over the years. If you have skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, or mild outbreaks of spots then a course of 6-8 is recommended initially. Other skin concerns may require more and you can have up to 20 treatments in a single course.
During a course of Microdermabrasion facials, your micro-circulation will receive a boost as will collagen and elastin production. Your skin will be firmer and more hydrated, meaning you look younger and fresher. 7-10 days is the recommended interval between treatments in a course. This will allow your therapist to work deeper on the skin with each treatment, but without damaging the skin.
Monthly Maintenance
After a course of microdermabrasion, you will want to maintain the results to keep your skin looking and feeling great. Skin renews itself approximately every 4 weeks and so we recommend a monthly maintenance treatment. Your skin will continue to benefit from regular microdermabrasions after a completed course and this ensures the old skin is exfoliated away to maintain a fresh, glowing complexion.
Body Treatments
Microdermabrasion is not just a facial. It can help any body area with congestion, blocked pores, fine lines or wrinkles, pigmentation, spots, acne, acne scarring or stretch marks.
This could be back treatments for acne, congestion and blackheads. The back of the arms to help with keratosis pilaris. It could be the décolletage area to help with fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.
Microdermabrasion can also be incorporated into a luxury pedicure on the feet to tackle hard skin build up or a luxury manicure to help with age spots and pigmentation on the hands.
Treating Skin Concerns
SkinBase microdermabrasion can help to improve a number of skin concerns. If you have pigmentation or you are suffering from acne or acne scarring then a course of microdermabrasion can help to achieve great results. Remember, microdermabrasion is a progressive treatment, so, if you are continuing to see improvements, persevere! You can have up to 20 treatments in a single course if required.
What can it treat?
Let’s take a look at some of the skin issues we can help with and how microdermabrasion can improve them. For more detailed information about a particular skin concern visit our website at skinbase.co.uk. You can also download our free guides, select “Beauty Tips” in the top menu on the site.
Ageing Skin, fine lines and wrinkles
As we age, elastin and collagen production starts to slow down. Not only will microdermabrasion exfoliate and remove old skin cells, the vacuum action of the microdermabrasion treatment works to stimulate blood flow, promoting the formation of new elastin and collagen. The combination of collagen stimulation and increased skin renewal will improve the condition of the skin’s surface, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
Dull and Tired Skin, Uneven Skin Tone, Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Many of us suffer with these common skin complaints, microdermabrasion helps by removing the dead cells from the top layer of the epidermis. Normally skin renews itself around every 28 days. Microdermabrasion speeds up this rate to reveal new, fresh skin and a radiant glow. Skincare products will absorb more easily and makeup will apply more evenly on the smooth, exfoliated skin.
Stretch Marks
Microdermabrasion can vastly improve the appearance of stretch marks. The microdermabrasion treatment promotes a ‘lifting and smoothing’ effect, blending the stretch marks with the surrounding skin to diminish the appearance of stretch marks and discolouration. Microdermabrasion stimulates collagen and elastin production to help contract the marks so they appear smaller and thinner. Over a course of treatment the level of the skin surrounding the stretch marks is also reduced to be closer to the stretch mark itself, this also makes them less visible. The number of treatments you need can vary considerably depending on the size and extent of the stretch marks, typically 6-10 treatments will be required but we can assess as we go. Treatment is usually most effective when the stretch marks are still pink/red in appearance. Although we have seen great results on older stretch marks.
👉 Promotes a ‘lifting and smoothing’ effect – Blending the stretch marks with the surrounding skin
👉 Stimulates the micro-circulation – Promotes increased blood flow to the area aiding tissue repair
👉 Stimulates collagen and elastin production – Stretch marks appear smaller and thinner.
👉 Speeds up skin renewal process
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation basically means you have patches of darker pigmentation on your skin. These can appear as uneven skin tone, dark spots or patches of darker skin. They appear mainly in the parts of your body that are exposed to the elements like your face, arms, hands, neck and décolletage. It can be caused by the sun, ageing, acne and hormone fluctuations.
A course of Microdermabrasion facials performed regularly every 7-10 days will allow the therapist to work down the epidermal layers to remove pigmentation. Pigmentation can be tricky to treat and your therapist will be able to recommend a course of action to get the best results.
Acne Microdermabrasion works by removing the top layers of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface making it particularly effective in treating acne. Eliminating dead skin cells unclogs pores and minimises sebum production reducing the chance of new spots developing. Increased cell turnover can cause a ‘healing crisis’ especially in congested skin, this is perfectly normal and is a good sign the treatment is working. Hang in there, it will get better!
Acne Scarring
As many will know, Acne can result in damage and scarring to the skin. The stimulation of collagen production during a microdermabrasion treatment helps to plump up these areas of scarring and uneven texture, and combined with the removal of built-up dead skin cells, this helps to restore a smooth texture to the skin. Removing dead skin also helps to speed up your skin’s cell renewal process – this is very important for reducing scarring because it means that the damaged cells are replaced more quickly.
Red marks caused by picking
Also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, this redness is the result of your skin protecting itself from trauma. Your skin needs to prevent infection when it gets picked, so it initiates an immune system response, increasing blood flow to the area and flooding your skin with white cells to fight any bad bacteria. Given time, the redness in the area will fade, but you may be left with permanent scarring thanks to the damage caused. You can speed up the healing process and reduce the possibility of noticeable scarring with Microdermabrasion. This is especially effective for redness that is widespread and hard to get rid of – such as the redness caused by acne.
Maintaining Results for skin concerns
Results achieved for skin problems such as pigmentation and acne/acne scarring can be maintained by protecting the skin from UV rays and maintaining a healthy diet & lifestyle alongside your monthly microdermabrasion treatments. Microdermabrasion also helps the absorption of skincare products into the skin, so your at-home skincare routine is more effective. Use a good high protection spf at all times and throughout the year to prevent further skin damage. Remember, investing in your skin is a lifelong commitment, there are no quick fixes that last. Start looking after your skin properly now and reap the rewards in the future.
Benefits of treatment
There are lots of different benefits associated with SkinBase microdermabrasion and they may be different depending on your particular skin concerns. Let us take a look at some of the benefits:
Non-Invasive
Microdermabrasion is chemical-free and non-invasive, no nasties, no needles, and yet achieves amazing results revealing younger, healthier-looking skin from the very first treatment.
No downtime
Unlike some treatments, microdermabrasion doesn’t leave you feeling self-conscious about leaving the house after treatment. There might be some mild redness after your microdermabrasion but this should disappear quickly, meaning you can get straight back to your day.
Enhances healing
If you suffer with spots and active breakouts, Microdermabrasion will help reduce the redness and inflammation by stimulating the circulation and encouraging collagen replenishment.
Prevent further breakouts
Microdermabrasion’s deep cleansing action helps to remove excess oil, which can otherwise settle in the pores and cause blockages and blackheads, leading to spots. The removal of dead skin cells is also vital for the prevention of spots, because the exfoliation helps to bring pre-existing pore blockages to the surface, and clears them away.
Skincare products absorb easily
Exfoliating away all the old skin allows much better absorption of products after a microdermabrasion treatment. We recommend using SkinBase products like the homecare cream as this has been specially formulated for use after microdermabrasion.
Makeup applies more evenly
The newly exfoliated skin means that when you come to apply your makeup (we advise waiting 12 hours), it will glide on smoothly and evenly. This makes it the perfect treatment for a big event where you want your skin to look flawless.
Who is it for?
It’s suitable for all skin types
Whether your skin is oily, sensitive, ageing, blemish-prone, dull, lacklustre, rough, or unevenly pigmented, you can benefit from Microdermabrasion. It can help with acne scarring, keratosis pilaris, fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks. You can even have Microdermabrasion if you have sensitive skin!
Different stages of life
Microdermabrasion’s versatility means that it can be there for you, no matter what your age or situation. For younger people, congested skin on the face and back can be a source of great embarrassment and discomfort. It’s really hard to be a teenager with spots, but Microdermabrasion can help to reduce the redness and inflammation. It will also help to remove the causes of spots and reduce the appearance of scarring.
Late 20’s / Early 30’s
For those reaching their late 20’s and early 30’s, collagen production is beginning to slow down. Microdermabrasion can help to promote new collagen and rejuvenate the skin, perfect for helping to combat the dull, tired complexion that a busy career or new family can bring, and it’s also perfect for helping to reduce the first signs of ageing, those dreaded fine lines!
40s and beyond
Once you reach your 40s, microdermabrasion will help to increase cell turnover, revealing younger, fresher skin. Regular microdermabrasions and a healthy lifestyle will ensure you continue to keep skin in great condition. If you have neglected your skin over the years, microdermabrasion can help to repair the damage caused and get your skin back on track.
Microdermabrasion procedure – What’s involved in the treatment?
Sometimes, simply not knowing what’s involved in a procedure can put us off wanting to try something new. It’s actually a really simple, relaxing treatment, with four main steps to it, so here we go:
Step 1: Prepare
Before your first treatment your therapist will complete a consultation, asking some questions to check microdermabrasion is suitable. They will discuss your skin concerns and put together a treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results. Once they have all this information, your SkinBase therapist will start by preparing your skin for treatment, A thorough cleanse is performed to remove all makeup and surface impurities and get the skin in the right condition for treatment.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Now that your skin is perfectly clean, your therapist is ready to begin exfoliating the skin. Using a special hand piece, your therapist will work methodically over each facial area, making short, steady strokes across the skin. They will go back over to target any problem areas. The hand piece distributes thousands of tiny crystals which gently lift away dead skin, and deeply embedded oil and grime. The hand piece automatically sucks away all of the crystals, dead skin and grime. This isn’t painful and shouldn’t feel uncomfortable at all. In fact, some people find the hum of the machine relaxing enough to take a nap during treatment!
Step 3: Moisturise
Microdermabrasion is a very deep form of exfoliation, so it’s extra important to moisturise afterwards. Your skin may feel drier than normal after treatment so it’s vital to keep well moisturised and hydrated. This is all part of the process. Your therapist will give you all the advice you need to make sure skin is glowing after treatment. If you have booked a luxury Microdermabrasion treatment, your therapist may also include a mask or massage. We definitely recommend this for extra pampering. Microdermabrasion is a very effective treatment on its own, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be an indulgent treat too!
Step 4: SPF
Lastly, your therapist will apply SPF to protect your freshly abraded skin from harmful UV rays. You should use a cream with spf as part of your aftercare and try to avoid direct sunlight for at least 48 hours after your treatments.
Microdermabrasion aftercare
It’s important to follow the aftercare advice provided to avoid adverse reactions after treatment. During microdermabrasion, the outermost layer of skin is removed and therefore skin is more susceptible to the elements. It is important you avoid anti-ageing creams or anything with active ingredients. If you are unsure consult with your therapist. We recommend using SkinBase aftercare products as they are specially formulated to complement the MD treatment. These can be supplied by your therapist or direct from our online store at skinbase.co.uk
The Aftercare
For 12 hours after treatment:
Avoid heavy makeup
For 24 hours: after treatment:
No swimming, facial waxing or fake tan application
For 48 Hours after treatment:
No sauna, sun beds or sun exposure.
No botox, collagen injections or dermal fillers.
For 72 Hours after treatment:
Do not use any anti-ageing creams, AHA’s, glycolics, retinol or exfoliating products.
At all times during a course:
apply SPF 15 (at least) and avoid UV exposure. Regular moisturiser applications are vital to replenish the skin and prevent it becoming dry and peeling.
Some of these may seem harmless enough and you might think, does it really matter? Well, yes, it really does! Use SPF 15+ (at least) throughout a course to protect skin and regularly apply moisturiser to replenish moisture. SkinBase homecare cream with spf 30 is perfect and designed specifically for use after microdermabrasion to soothe and nourish the skin. You can buy the SkinBase homecare cream direct from your therapist or from our online shop If your skin does feel hot or dry and itchy at any time – splash with cold water and apply a recommended moisturiser regularly.
FAQ’s
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions answered for you. If there is anything you would like to know about Microdermabrasion treatments, then please get in touch. What we don’t know about this treatment isn’t worth knowing!
Does Microdermabrasion hurt?
One of the concerns we hear most often about microdermabrasion is that it might hurt. We’re not entirely sure where this misconception comes from but we would like to clear it up. It doesn’t and shouldn’t hurt.
How does it feel?
It feels a bit like a little hoover, sucking the skin whilst jetting tiny crystals onto the surface. The feeling of the crystal is hard to explain but shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or painful at any time.
What about after treatment?
Some mild erythema (redness) is quite normal immediately after treatment. For most people, this disappears very quickly. Stick to the aftercare advice, drink plenty of water and moisturise regularly with a suitable product – and you can’t go wrong!
What happens if I don’t have regular treatments?
We want you to achieve the best possible outcome for your time and money. If you wait longer than the recommended 7-10 days, nothing bad is going to happen but you aren’t going to get the best results if you have particular skin concerns that you want to improve.
What are the crystals used in SkinBase Microdermabrasion?
At SkinBase we call them crystals but we hear quite a variety of names used. Some of the names we have heard include; powder, dust, and sand. The technical name for them is Aluminium Oxide. These aluminium oxide crystals are high purity (99.6%) white aluminium oxide. It is a chemical compound of oxygen and aluminium. This is an inert compound and therefore highly unlikely to cause a reaction, even on very sensitive skin. Aluminium oxide is also used in toothpaste, dental cement and as a dispersing food additive (so we eat it every day!).
Who should avoid Microdermabrasion?
Although Microdermabrasion can help with many skin concerns, there are a few that microdermabrasion isn’t suitable for. Anyone with rosacea or extensive broken capillaries, for example, should avoid intense exfoliation like Microdermabrasion, and opt for alternative treatments instead.