Micro Dermabrasion

Beauty Magazine

We road test the treatments the celebs can't live without.

Celeb fans

Cameron Diaz, Kate Moss, Posh - for celebs, it's as must-have as the latest Louis Vitton bag.

Why do they love it?

Because it gives visible, lasting results with zero recovery time. It works wonders on acne scars, pigmentation and fine lines - plus it's great for the squeamish as there are no needles or knives involved.

The science bit…

Micro Dermabrasion is basically an ultra-advanced facial scrub. Tiny crystals are blasted at your face and then the dead-skin cells are hoovered up through a tube. Not only does this exfoliate skin, it also stimulates collagen production which leaves you looking radiant.

So what happens?

After removing your make-up, the therapist takes a scarily close look at your skin. Once problem areas have been identified, you put on googles and lie on the couch. My therapist worked fast, moving the hand-piece over my face in sweeping movements for about a minute. Apparently, she can sometimes see a patient's blackheads popping out during the process: icky, but very effective! To finish, she smoothed aloe vera gel over my face.

Does it hurt?

Most people feel little or no discomfort, but I have very sensitive skin and found it quite uncomfortable - a bit like sandpapering! Afterwards, my face felt and looked badly surburned, but this faded within minutes.

Does it work?

A moment's discomfort is a tiny price to pay for very impressive results. My fine lines looked finer and porer less obvious. After just one session, m skin looked younger and I had a healthy glow that even my colleagues noticed!

What's the damage?

One session starts from about £100, but the number of treatments depends on individual requirements.

---