Microdermabrasion

How it works

A handpiece with a diamond-coated tip, or one that sprays fine crystals, is moved across the skin while suction removes the loosened dead cells. This removes part of the outermost layer, the stratum corneum, which can make skin feel smoother and help products absorb more evenly. The depth is controlled by pressure, suction, and the number of passes. Because the effect stays superficial, it does not treat deep scars or significant wrinkles, and any visible freshness tends to fade as the skin renews itself.

Who it may suit

• Mild surface roughness or dullness in otherwise healthy skin
• People who want a light exfoliation without a chemical peel
• Skin that tolerates mechanical scrubbing without flushing
• Maintenance between more intensive treatments, when the doctor agrees

The treatment day

1. Assessment. The skin is examined for active acne, rosacea, sunburn, or broken areas, and recent treatments and medications are reviewed.
2. Cleansing. The face is cleansed so the tip glides evenly and nothing is dragged into pores.
3. Abrasion passes. The handpiece is moved in controlled passes, with lighter pressure over thin or sensitive areas.
4. Soothing and protection. A calming moisturizer and sunscreen finish the session.

Aftercare

• Apply sunscreen every morning and reapply outdoors
• Use a gentle cleanser and plain moisturizer for a couple of days
• Skip scrubs, retinoids, and strong acids until redness has fully settled, unless the doctor advises otherwise
• Avoid picking at any dry or flaking patches

Things to know first

• Redness, tightness, and dryness are common for a few hours and occasionally longer
• Skin with active acne, eczema, rosacea, or cold sores can worsen with abrasion
• Over-aggressive settings may cause irritation, small abrasions, or post-inflammatory darkening, particularly in deeper skin tones
• Recent isotretinoin use or strong resurfacing treatments make the skin fragile and call for a delay
• It is not a treatment for deep scars, established melasma, or laxity

What to check before booking microdermabrasion in Gangnam

Ask who sets the pressure and who is responsible if the skin reacts. In some clinics the session is run by an aesthetician, in others by a nurse or doctor. Neither is automatically better, but the person should be able to tell you how they will adjust the settings for your skin tone and sensitivity, rather than applying one routine to everyone.

Ask about the tip. Diamond-tip handpieces are reusable and need to be cleaned or replaced between clients, while crystal systems use a consumable. A clinic that explains its hygiene routine plainly, and lets you see a new or freshly sterilized tip, shows it takes the service seriously.

Be wary of a pitch that places it as a solution to scars, pores, or pigment. It may make pores look somewhat less congested for a while, but a plan for those concerns should come from a doctor who has examined your skin. A good consultation will also tell you when a gentler option, such as a mild peel or a hydrating facial, is the wiser choice.