Diamond microdermabrasion uses a handpiece with a fine diamond surface together with gentle suction to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin.

Unlike traditional crystal microdermabrasion, there are no loose abrasive crystals. The intensity can be adjusted according to the area being treated and your individual skin.

Treatment may help to improve the appearance and feel of:

• Dull or lacklustre skin 
• Rough or uneven surface texture 
• Mild congestion 
• Superficial dryness and flaking 
• Skin that simply needs refreshing 

The result is generally subtle rather than transformative — skin should feel smoother and look fresher without requiring significant downtime.

Consultation
Dr Jackie will assess your skin, current skincare and any particular concerns before deciding whether microdermabrasion is appropriate.

Treatment
The diamond-tipped handpiece is passed systematically over the skin, gently exfoliating the surface while suction removes loosened skin cells.

Treatment is generally comfortable and can be adjusted according to your skin and the area being treated.

Downtime
There is usually very little downtime. Your skin may look slightly pink or feel mildly sensitive afterwards, particularly if you have reactive skin.

Sun protection and gentle skincare are important following treatment.

Results
Your skin may feel noticeably smoother and softer immediately after treatment, with a fresher appearance.

Some people enjoy microdermabrasion as an occasional skin refresh, while others incorporate it into a longer-term skin-health programme.

Microdermabrasion can be a good starting point if you want gentle surface exfoliation with minimal recovery time.

However, it isn't the answer to every skin concern. If pigmentation, acne scarring, significant sun damage, fine lines or more substantial age-related changes are your main concern, another approach may be more appropriate. Depending on your skin, Dr Jackie may recommend medical-grade skincare, professional skin peels, microneedling, LED phototherapy or injectable skin treatments instead of — or at a different stage from — microdermabrasion.

You don't need to decide which treatment you need before your skin is assessed.

Both treatments exfoliate the skin, but they work differently.

Diamond microdermabrasion provides controlled physical exfoliation of the skin surface using a diamond-tipped handpiece.

Professional chemical peels use carefully selected acids or other exfoliating ingredients to produce a controlled chemical exfoliation. Different formulations allow treatment to be tailored to particular skin concerns.

Neither is inherently better. The appropriate choice depends on your skin, what you are trying to improve and how much recovery you are comfortable with.

Despite their similar names, these are quite different treatments.

Microdermabrasion works predominantly at the skin surface and is best thought of as an exfoliating and refreshing treatment.

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries within the skin to stimulate a wound-healing response and is used when more significant collagen remodelling is the treatment objective.

For simple surface smoothness and brightness, microdermabrasion may be sufficient. For concerns such as acne scarring or more significant textural change, microneedling may be more appropriate.

Diamond microdermabrasion doesn't need to be considered in isolation.

Depending on your skin, it can form part of a broader plan incorporating appropriate home skincare, professional skin treatments and LED phototherapy.

The aim isn't to combine as many treatments as possible, but to select treatments that have a useful role for your particular skin.

 • Doctor-led assessment

 • Appropriate treatment selection

 • Healthy skin first 

 • No unnecessary treatment

At ReNu, the starting point is your skin rather than a treatment menu.

Dr Jackie will consider your skin condition, concerns, current skincare and goals before recommending whether microdermabrasion — or another approach — is likely to be worthwhile.