Over the last few months, my skin and I haven’t been on the same page. There have been pimples, red spots, and an overall uneven texture that won’t go away no matter what I do. The reason? No clue. All I know is I was in meed of some help. So, when I received an invitation to try microdermabrasion at Beautery Munich, I jumped at the chance. Miraculously, it completely changed my skin.
What is microdermabrasion?
“Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive procedure that uses aluminum oxide crystals to exfoliate the epidermis,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Maryam Safaee. “It works at both the epidermal and dermal leaves by increasing collagen formation and thickens the epidermis.”
In the United States, microdermabrasion is one of the most common nonsurgical procedures performed at medspas and dermatologist offices—and has been ever since it was first introduced in 1985 as a less aggressive alternative to chemical peels. “The primary clinical significance of microdermabrasion lies in cosmetic and aesthetic benefits,” notes a 2023 clinical overview of its benefits, methods, and effects. “It is a minimally invasive procedure that can offer evened skin tone, bright complexion, reduced appearance of dark spots, and wrinkles, with cleaned-out pores and improved smoothness of the skin.”
What are the benefits of microdermabrasion?
“After the treatment, the skin immediately looks smoother and fresher. Fine lines, small imperfections, and slightly enlarged pores are visibly reduced and the skin’s overall appearance is refined,” explains Beautery Munich’s Evi Weidel, who performed my treatment. She notes that the skin usually feels a lot softer afterwards and is particularly receptive to skincare products. “In the long term, regular use can stimulate collagen production and sustainably improve the skin’s appearance.”
According to the aforementioned review, the procedure can also be used to treat uneven skin tone and texture, photoaging, stretch marks, melasma, and scars, including acne scars: “Patients often report improved skin glow.”
The treatment is also considered safe for all skin types. “This procedure is great for those looking to improve pigmentary changes and photoaging features and to even out the skin texture,” agrees Safee. “Because the procedure involves minimal downtime and a low risk of complications, it is a popular choice for overall skin rejuvenation.”
But how long do the results last? “The immediate ‘fresh feeling’ usually lasts a few days to a week,” explains Weidel. For a longer-lasting effect, she says the treatment can be repeated at regular intervals every two to four weeks, depending on skin type. “With continuous care, the skin texture remains permanently refined.”
What’s the treatment like?
My treatment took about an hour, during which I was able to zone out and relax. First, my skin was thoroughly cleansed of makeup and other residue and then prepared with a gentle enzyme peel, which tingled slightly as it sat on my face for a few minutes loosening dead skin cells.