LOOKING GOOD: Exfoliation once again - Melanie Morris on the latest skin treatment.
What it is: Also called resurfacing, microdermabrasion is a treatment whereby the skin is exfoliated, usually using aluminium oxide crystals that are powered onto the face by a fine wand. This gadget also sucks up debris as the dry, dead cells are - quite literally - blasted away. It takes about 30 minutes.
What it's good for: Microdermabrasion is great for lessening acne scarring, for diminishing finer lines or age spots and for getting rid of thick skin build-up around the mouth/chin area. The vacuum element of the treatment speeds cell turnover and improves blood flow to the skin, thus restoring vitality and glow to the complexion. It can be used on the body to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
What it feels like: Sandpaper.
Side effects: Reddening, but this calms down relatively quickly in most cases - within about 30 minutes.
Frequency: Skin on the face takes between 20-30 days to renew, depending on the individual and their age. For general aesthetic benefits, you should not repeat the procedure more than once a month.
Where to go: Colette Coyle in Silk, 6 Chatham Street, Dublin 2 (01-6351686 ) is brilliant. Also recommended is Therapie on Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (01-4721222). About €125 per treatment.
Things to remember: Don't use AHA products after microdermabrasion as they're too harsh. Nor should you apply overly scented creams as the skin is left very sensitive. Sun screen with a SPF 25/30 is essential, as is avoiding direct sunlight for 24 hours. Be cautious of microdermabrasion if you have fine or thin skin, and do not have the treatment on any exposed cuts or wounds.