Skin polishing: What is it and how can it improve your skin?

Curious about skin polishing and how it improves your skin? 

It’s the treatment that can make skin look smoother and more youthful, fade pigmentation and help with acne and scarring. So how does it work exactly and, more importantly, is it right for you?

To get the expert lowdown on the benefits of this trending treatment, we asked Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity Dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics, Mumbai for everything one needs to know.

What is microdermabrasion?

‘Micro means small or light and dermabrasion means mechanical or physical exfoliation, so this is a light, physical exfoliation,’ Dr Niketa explains. ‘A professional exfoliation will always be deeper than at home exfoliations but for us, microdermabrasion is considered light because we only remove the uppermost dead skin layers. A medium exfoliation removes more layers, so is closer to the junction between the dermis and epidermis; then you have deep exfoliation, which goes deep enough to cause some bleeding.’

By removing the top layer of skin, the body quickly replaces the lost skin cells with new, healthy ones. This non-invasive procedure stimulates blood flow, which can improve cell production, in turn improving skin’s elasticity and texture.

‘There are many types of skin polishing now; the traditional methods used to use fine crystal dust blasted on to the skin to scrub away the dead skin,’ Dr Niketa adds. ‘But we now have types during which rough “tips” glide over the skin to buff away dead skin, as well as treatments that exfoliate and push products into the skin, like hydradermabrasion.’

Skin polishing benefits

‘If performed correctly and not overdone, not only will you get smoother skin, but you can fade pigmentation, reduce congestion and stimulate collagen production,’ Dr Niketa tells us.

‘Most skin types can tolerate and benefit from skin polishing, but you do need to go to someone very experienced if you have sensitive or very problematic skin. For example, mild acne, mild acne scars and general congestion can really benefit, but if the acne is more severe, then skin polishing could be irritating.

‘It is good to go to someone who has a few treatment options and who can steer you towards the right one. Nearly all types of skin polishing device allow the dermatologist to change the intensity, so they can do a more gentle treatment for delicate or sensitive skins, and stronger treatments for those who can tolerate more or who need a stronger approach to reach their goals.’

The procedure is not recommended if you have skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, active sunburn, herpes, lupus, open sores, psoriasis, fragile capillaries or, as Dr Niketa mentions, very serious acne.

Is skin polishing safe?

‘Yes, it is when in experienced hands,’ Dr Niketa assures us. ‘With any advanced skin treatments there is a risk of some redness, dryness and irritation, all of which should be short-lived. The idea is to stimulate the skin so expect to see skin that’s more “active” immediately afterwards.’

The procedure doesn’t hurt, although you may find it a bit uncomfortable, and you may experience slight tenderness and/or redness straight after your treatment.

‘However, if microdermabrasion is overdone then you can damage the skin, causing more irritation, sensitivity and leading to inflammation, which can trigger pigmentation or broken veins. It is rare to get long-term damage, but this is why we always recommend experienced and reputable clinics.’

How much does skin polishing cost in Mumbai?

Prices will vary depending on the clinic you visit, but treatments can start from Rs 1500 for a single session, which is usually around the 30-minute mark. ‘It varies a lot depending on the machine used and where you are,’ Dr Niketa says.

‘Traditional skin polishing, with crystals, is around Rs 2500 per session, whereas more advanced treatments like a hydrafacial could be Rs 15000 per session.’

Thinking of booking a treatment ASAP? Us too.