For as long as skincare advice has been around, exfoliation has always been a top recommendation. Regularly removing the grimy build-up of dead skin cells, oils and dirt can do wonders for your skin.
Microdermabrasion is a more intensive form of traditional exfoliation. While exfoliation can remove grime and make your skin feel smoother, microdermabrasion can go as far as removing light scars, fine wrinkles, sunspots and stretch marks.
Most salons offer microdermabrasion treatments. But you can also do it at home to save money and time. Here are the best microdermabrasion machines you can buy online in the UK for the use at home.
So, which is the best microdermabrasion machine?
1. Project E Beauty Diamond Microdermabrasion Machine
This machine uses diamond heads to remove dead skin cells and dirt from the surface of the skin. As new skin resurfaces, it takes away small blemishes, light scars, fine wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. It can also remove black and white heads.
The machine is easy to use and comes with instructions to help you get started. As you use it, you can increase or decrease the intensity to suit your comfort level.
Pros
- Easy to use with the ability to change suction intensity.
- Effective in making the skin look smoother and more vibrant.
Cons
- The skin can feel a bit sensitive after use. Make sure you apply high SPF sunscreen if you are going out.
2. HoMedics Radiance Microdermabrasion
This is a salon-grade microdermabrasion machine but it is also perfect for home use. It works through two actions. The first is exfoliation using the diamond tips. This loosens up any stuck dead cells and dirt on the skin.
The second is vacuuming using a suction mechanism. This sweeps up all the loosened dead cells and dirt, leaving your skin smooth and clear.
Pros
- 4-speed settings, allowing you to set the level you are most comfortable with.
- Quick results. You may see changes after just a single use.
Cons
- It may feel a bit uncomfortable for those with sensitive skin.
3. PMD Personal Microderm Microdermabrasion
This microdermabrasion machine comes in a compact design that fits easily in your hand. Like other machines, it works through exfoliation to loosen up dead skin cells and suction to vacuum them away.
The resulting skin is smoother, has fewer blemishes and looks brighter. Any moisturizers and nourishing creams you apply are able to penetrate deeper into the skin for maximum benefits.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Quick results especially when used regularly.
Cons
- Not ideal for extra sensitive skin.
4. Carer Professional Diamond Microdermabrasion Machine
Diamond tips are used to ‘unstick’ dead cells and dirt while a vacuum hose suctions them up. This reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles, black spots, scars and uneven pigmentation. It also boosts the production of collagen which makes the skin tighter and smoother.
This kit is easy to use with clear instructions and all the accessories you need to get started.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Shows results quickly.
- Can be used on different parts of the body including face, arms, legs, neck and shoulders.
Cons
- May be a bit uncomfortable (but not painful) for those with sensitive skin.
5. Beurer FC 100 Microdermabrasion
The Beurer FC 100 is an easy to use home microdermabrasion machine. You just need to plug it into a power outlet and use one of the three included attachments to exfoliate and massage your face. The machine removes dead skin cells, smooths away fine lines and increases blood flow for a brighter and more youthful skin.
It is safe for use on all skin types. Depending on your level of sensitivity, you can choose from three attachments and five speed levels.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Smoothens skin by removing dead skin cells and dirt.
- Massages away fine lines and improves blood flow.
- Ideal for all skin types.
Cons
- Not ideal for travel – it has no battery.
What to consider when buying a microdermabrasion machine
1. Exfoliation power
Exfoliation is the most important part of the microdermabrasion process. It removes dead skin cells, old oils and dirt stuck to your skin.
Most microdermabrasion machines use diamond crystals to exfoliate the skin. Make sure that the machine you are about to buy has quality diamond tips that can effectively exfoliate your skin. Low quality exfoliators will leave your skin feeling rough and looking dull.
2. Suction power
After exfoliation, the next step in microdermabrasion involves sweeping up the dead cells and dirt by vacuuming them. A suction mechanism is used to completely clear the skin.
For full skin clearing, it is essential that a microdermabrasion machine have adequate suction power. While home machines will typically have lower suction power compared to professional-grade ones, most are powerful enough to smoothen out your skin.
One way to tell the suction power of a microdermabrasion machine is to look at the label. The power should be indicated in inches/Hg. Most home machines range between 10-16 inches/Hg although some can go as high as 28 inches/Hg.
The best machines are those that come with variable suction power. This means that you can change how much suction power is applied. If you have sensitive skin, you can set lower suction. If your skin tends to be oily, you can set higher suction for a thorough exfoliation.
3. Extra accessories
Before buying a microdermabrasion machine, check what accessories it comes with. Some of the most common accessories to look for include replacement diamond tips, filters and power adaptors. There should also be a manual to guide you on how to use the machine.
4. Ease of use
Look for a microdermabrasion machine that is easy to handle and use. Luckily, most home machines are easy to use unlike salon-grade machines. Still, make sure that the kit comes with an instruction manual on safe use and maintenance the machine.
Additionally, check that the machine is not too heavy. This is something you are going to be moving around your skin for several minutes at a time. If it is too heavy, you are going to tire quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure, which is safe and minimally invasive. It can help to rejuvenate the skin by removing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acnes scars and sun damage.
There are a couple of different types of microdermabrasion:
- The first is a little like sanding down an old table to reveal the smooth grain underneath! It uses a special applicator with an abrasive side, that removes the outer layer of skin to reveal the fresh new skin cells underneath.
- Another type of microdermabrasion uses a spray of Aluminium Oxide or Sodium Bicarbonate, followed by the use of suction to remove the spray and the dead skin cells.
Microdermabrasion is considered safe, and it is a short procedure that won’t break the bank.
Q: Is microdermabrasion good for your skin?
Microdermabrasion is considered an minimally invasive procedure, which won’t do your skin any damage. It is painless, and you won’t need any recovery time, and unlike other procedures like chemical peels, your skin should look noticeably better after just one treatment.
It can help the skin’s natural rejuvenating process; the skin usually regenerates around once a month, so microdermabrasion is simply speeding up this process.
It can help the skin to absorb moisturisers and topical medications, because the outer layer of the skin, and any debris on the surface, is removed, and the cells will more readily absorb things put on the surface.
Q: Is microdermabrasion the same as exfoliation?
A: In a way, yes. They both accomplish the same goal of clearing dead cells and dirt from the skin. The main difference is that microdermabrasion is more aggressive than exfoliation. Thus it has more noticeable results.
Q: Is microdermabrasion the same as a chemical peel?
A: No, it is not. A chemical peel is an even more extensive form of exfoliation compared to microdermabrasion. It is like a ladder. Basic exfoliation will keep your skin soft and smooth.
Microdermabrasion will remove light blemishes and wrinkles. A chemical peel can remove major blemishes such as scars on your skin.
Most chemical peels need to be done in a clinic setting while a microdermabrasion can be easily done at home.
Q: How long till I see positive results?
A: It will depend on your skin and quality of microdermabrasion machine. But most people see changes after the first session. If you use the machine regularly, you should see major changes after a short while.
Q: How often should you use microdermabrasion machine?
Because microdermabrasion is a gentle procedure, and really only a speeded up version of the body’s natural skin rejuvenating process, it is safe to use a microdermabrasion as often as you like. You won’t need to do it every day, but the effects should last for at least a fortnight after you do it, so you won’t even need to do it every day!
Around every three to four weeks is considered the most effective time scale for using a microdermabrasion machine. As with all skin treatments, it is advised to do a patch test first, just to make sure that your skin doesn’t react to the treatment, but as this is a gentle procedure you shouldn’t experience any problems.
