What Does Microdermabrasion Do to Your Face? Understanding Its Effects and Benefits

Key Takeaways

• Microdermabrasion helps to remove dead skin cells, promoting a brighter complexion.
• It effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and age spots.
• This treatment can minimize minor acne scars and other skin imperfections.
• Regular procedures can significantly improve overall skin texture and tone.
• Microdermabrasion is safe and suitable for various skin types.
• Understanding its benefits helps you make informed choices for skin care.

How Microdermabrasion Works on the Skin

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin treatment that improves complexion by exfoliating the outermost layer of the skin. It focuses on surface renewal rather than deep skin remodelling, making it a popular option for brightening, smoothing, and refreshing dull or uneven skin.

The Science Behind Microdermabrasion and Exfoliation

Microdermabrasion works through controlled mechanical exfoliation of the stratum corneum, the outer layer made up of dead skin cells. This is achieved using either a diamond tipped wand or a fine crystal system that gently abrades the skin surface.

By removing this buildup of dead cells, the treatment accelerates natural cell turnover. Fresh skin cells rise to the surface more quickly, resulting in improved texture, smoother skin, and a more even looking tone.

How It Supports Skin Renewal (Without True Collagen Stimulation)

Unlike treatments that target the deeper dermis, microdermabrasion does not directly stimulate collagen production. Its effects are limited to the surface layers, which is why results are subtle and temporary rather than structural.

However, the exfoliation process triggers measurable vascular changes immediately after treatment, including increased blood flow to the skin surface, which helps support nutrient delivery and enhances the absorption of topical skincare products.

What Happens to Your Face During a Microdermabrasion Treatment

A microdermabrasion treatment follows a structured, gentle process designed to exfoliate the skin safely while minimising discomfort. Each step is focused on removing surface buildup and refreshing the complexion without damaging deeper skin layers. The procedure is quick and typically completed within a single session.

Step-by-Step Process: From Cleansing to Suction

A microdermabrasion treatment follows a structured sequence that gently exfoliates the skin while maintaining comfort and safety.

Step 1: Cleansing

The skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove makeup, excess oil, and surface impurities, preparing it for even exfoliation.

Step 2: Skin Preparation
The practitioner assesses the skin and prepares it to ensure controlled and uniform treatment across all areas.

Step 3: Exfoliation
A diamond tip or fine crystal device gently exfoliates the outer layer of dead skin cells to smooth texture and improve clarity.

Step 4: Suction
Built-in vacuum suction removes exfoliated debris while stimulating circulation and refreshing the skin surface.

Step 5: Finishing Care
A calming moisturiser and sun protection are applied to support the skin barrier and maintain results.

This step-by-step approach ensures effective exfoliation while keeping the skin comfortable, refreshed, and ready to recover with minimal downtime.

What You’ll Feel During and Immediately After the Procedure

During the treatment, most people experience a mild scratching or vibrating sensation. Microdermabrasion treatment comfort is high, and the procedure is generally well tolerated without the need for numbing, making it suitable for individuals sensitive to more invasive skin treatments.

Immediately after the session, the skin may appear slightly pink or feel mildly sensitive. These effects usually fade within a few hours, allowing most individuals to return to daily activities right away with noticeably smoother and brighter skin.

Visible Effects of Microdermabrasion on Facial Skin

Microdermabrasion delivers immediate, visible improvements by refreshing the skin’s surface rather than altering deeper structures. The treatment enhances overall clarity and smoothness, making the complexion appear healthier and more refined. These effects are especially noticeable in skin that looks dull, rough, or uneven before treatment.

Smoother, Brighter, and More Even-Looking Skin

Microdermabrasion delivers visible surface improvements by refreshing the outermost layer of the skin.

After treatment, the skin commonly shows the following benefits:

• Noticeably smoother texture due to removal of dead skin cells.
• Improved softness as newer skin cells rise to the surface.
• Brighter, more radiant complexion once surface buildup is cleared.
• More even looking skin tone affected by sun exposure, pollution, or age related dullness.

Together, these effects give the face a refreshed, balanced, and revitalised appearance.

Appearance of Pores, Fine Lines, and Surface Congestion

Microdermabrasion improves how pores, fine lines, and congestion look by refining the skin’s surface rather than altering deeper structures.

After treatment, you may notice the following visible changes:

• Pores appear smaller as surface debris and excess oil are cleared away.
• Fine lines look softer due to smoother outer skin layers.
• Reduced surface congestion, leading to clearer looking skin.
• Improved overall texture, especially in mildly uneven or congested areas.

While pores and fine lines are not permanently altered, regular treatments help maintain a cleaner, smoother surface with fewer visible imperfections.

Secondary Benefits of Microdermabrasion for the Face

Beyond visible surface improvements, microdermabrasion provides several supportive benefits that enhance overall skin health. These effects work at a functional level, helping the skin perform better and respond more effectively to ongoing care.

In addition to exfoliation, the treatment supports the following secondary benefits:

Improved Circulation and Skin Vitality

Microdermabrasion may promote mild local circulation in treated areas, supporting the skin’s natural renewal and repair processes. This improved circulation can help revitalise tired-looking skin and encourage healthier cellular activity

With regular sessions, improved circulation can contribute to better skin tone, increased suppleness, and a naturally brighter complexion. This is one reason many people notice their skin looks more refreshed even beyond the immediate exfoliation effect.

Enhanced Absorption of Skincare Products

Microdermabrasion removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, allowing skincare products to absorb more effectively into the skin. With this surface barrier cleared, serums and moisturisers can penetrate more evenly, improving their performance and overall impact.

This enhanced absorption supports better circulation, improved skin vitality, and more noticeable results from your regular skincare routine. Over time, this helps maximise the benefits of both microdermabrasion and daily product use, contributing to healthier and more refreshed looking skin.

What Microdermabrasion Cannot Do for Your Face

While microdermabrasion is effective for refreshing the skin’s surface, it has clear limitations. Among the key microdermabrasion treatment drawbacks is that the procedure works only at a superficial level and does not penetrate deeper skin layers where concerns such as deep acne scars, pronounced pigmentation, or structural skin damage originate.

Limitations for Deep Wrinkles, Scars, and Pigmentation

Microdermabrasion is designed for surface level skin renewal, so its effects are limited when concerns originate deeper within the skin.

Its limitations become more apparent in the following situations:

• Deep wrinkles that form within the dermis rather than the outer skin layer.
• Deep acne scars and significant textural damage that require collagen remodelling.
• Severe pigmentation concerns such as deep melasma or long-standing discoloration.

For these concerns, treatments that penetrate deeper skin layers are usually required, with microdermabrasion serving only a supportive, not corrective, role.

When Combination or Advanced Treatments Are More Appropriate

For advanced skin concerns, combining treatments can help address both surface level and deeper structural issues more effectively. This approach allows treatments to complement each other rather than relying on a single procedure.

Below is an overview of how combination or advanced treatments are typically used:

• Microdermabrasion + chemical peel: Best for uneven tone, dullness, and mild pigmentation, delivering deeper exfoliation and improved overall skin clarity.
• Microdermabrasion + laser resurfacing: Suited to texture irregularities and scarring, combining surface smoothing with deeper skin renewal.
• Microdermabrasion + energy-based treatments: Ideal for early ageing and loss of firmness, supporting collagen stimulation while refreshing the skin’s surface.
• Combination protocols: Designed for multiple skin concerns, treating both surface layers and deeper skin structures in a coordinated approach.

Note: Combination treatments should always be planned and supervised by a qualified doctor or dermatologist to ensure safety, correct sequencing, and suitability for your skin condition.

Aftereffects and Recovery After Facial Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a low downtime treatment, but mild aftereffects are common as the skin adjusts to surface exfoliation. These effects are temporary and part of the normal recovery process. Proper aftercare during this phase helps calm the skin and maintain the results achieved.

Temporary Redness, Sensitivity, and Typical Aftercare

Immediately after treatment, the skin may appear slightly pink and feel mildly sensitive, similar to a light sun exposure. This reaction usually fades within 1-2 days as the skin barrier settles and hydration is restored.

To support recovery and minimise irritation, the following aftercare steps are recommended:

• Use gentle, hydrating skincare products without active or harsh ingredients.
• Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect freshly exfoliated skin.
• Avoid exfoliants, retinoids, or abrasive tools for a few days.

How to Maintain Results Between Treatments

Maintaining your results between microdermabrasion treatments relies on consistent skincare habits and protective lifestyle choices. These steps help preserve smoothness, clarity, and overall skin health over time.

To support long term results, follow these practices:

• Keep the skin well hydrated with a suitable daily moisturiser to strengthen the skin barrier.
• Apply broad spectrum sunscreen consistently to protect freshly exfoliated skin.
• Limit direct sun exposure to prevent dullness and pigmentation changes.
• Use calming and protective skincare products to maintain balance.
• Schedule regular maintenance sessions as recommended by your provider.
• Follow a gentle home care routine to sustain smooth and even skin.

Who Should Consider Facial Microdermabrasion

Facial microdermabrasion is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that suits many individuals seeking surface level skin refreshment. It is particularly helpful for improving overall skin clarity, smoothness, and brightness without downtime. 

Suitable Skin Types and Everyday Skin Concerns

Microdermabrasion is well suited for most skin types and is commonly chosen to address everyday skin concerns. It works best for individuals dealing with surface irregularities rather than deeper skin damage.

This treatment is especially beneficial for people experiencing:

• Dull or tired looking skin, as exfoliation helps restore brightness.
• Uneven skin texture, by removing dead skin cells and smoothing the surface.
• Mild acne scars or marks, where gentle resurfacing can refine appearance.

For these concerns, microdermabrasion can deliver visible improvement with minimal disruption to daily life.

Who Should Avoid or Delay Microdermabrasion

Although generally safe, microdermabrasion is not appropriate for everyone at all times. There are specific conditions not suited for microdermabrasion, as certain skin concerns may increase the risk of irritation or limit the effectiveness of the treatment.

You may need to avoid or postpone treatment if you have:

• Active acne or inflamed breakouts, which can worsen with exfoliation.
• Rosacea or highly sensitive skin, where irritation may be triggered.
• Underlying skin conditions or infections, requiring medical evaluation.

In these cases, consulting a qualified dermatologist is essential. Professional guidance ensures your skin is treated safely and that alternative options are considered when microdermabrasion is not suitable.

Before You Go…

Microdermabrasion is one of the most accessible and effective treatments for maintaining healthy, refreshed skin. By gently exfoliating the surface and improving skin clarity, it helps restore brightness, smooth texture, and support overall skin vitality with little to no downtime. 

When performed correctly and paired with the right aftercare, microdermabrasion can be a valuable part of a long term skin maintenance routine.

If you are considering microdermabrasion, it is important to choose a clinic that follows medical grade standards, offers personalised skin assessments, and prioritises safety over quick results. Professional guidance ensures the treatment is used appropriately and, when needed, combined with more advanced options for optimal outcomes.

About the Institute of Medical Physics

The Institute of Medical Physics is a leading centre dedicated to evidence based aesthetic and dermatological care. The institute combines advanced medical technology with scientific precision to deliver treatments that are both safe and effective across a wide range of skin types.

From facial microdermabrasion and tailored skin rejuvenation to radiofrequency microneedling and fractional laser treatments, every protocol is guided by medical integrity and individual skin assessment. Under the expertise of Dr. Emanuel Paleco and his specialised team, the Institute of Medical Physics focuses on long term skin health, natural looking results, and patient confidence.

Book a consultation with Dr. Emanuel Paleco and his expert team at the Institute of Medical Physics to explore the most suitable treatment plan for your skin.