Microdermabrasion side effects: 9 risks and how to manage them

TL;DR

• Microdermabrasion side effects are usually mild and short-lived: redness, slight swelling, sensitivity, dryness and the occasional small breakout, mostly clearing within a few hours to a day.
• Less common risks include tiny bruise-like spots (petechiae), temporary changes in skin tone and, rarely, infection or cold-sore flare-ups if aftercare is skipped.
• People with darker skin tones can be slightly more prone to temporary pigment changes, so an experienced clinician and diligent SPF matter more, not less.
• You should wait if you have taken isotretinoin in the last 6 months, or have active cold sores, rosacea flare-ups or a tendency to keloid scarring.
• At CoLaz, microdermabrasion is delivered as a Diamond Peel by trained clinicians who plan your skin carefully and send you home with clear aftercare.

Microdermabrasion is one of the gentler exfoliation treatments in aesthetics, and most people walk out with fresher, brighter skin and no real downtime. It is not completely side-effect free, though. The most common reactions are redness, mild swelling, sensitivity and dryness, and they usually settle within a few hours to a day. Knowing what is normal, what is not, and how to care for your skin afterwards helps you get the glow without the irritation.

Below are the nine microdermabrasion side effects worth knowing, who should think twice about the treatment, and the aftercare that keeps risks low. If you are weighing up exfoliation options, our Diamond Peel page explains how CoLaz delivers microdermabrasion in clinic.

What are the side effects of microdermabrasion?

Most microdermabrasion side effects are mild, temporary and limited to the surface of the skin. Because the treatment only removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells (the stratum corneum), it does not break the skin or cause bleeding, so recovery is quick. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that skin may look pink, red and slightly swollen straight after, and that this tends to disappear within a day.

Clinical reviews back this up. A dermatology reference in StatPearls lists the recognised complications as tenderness, swelling, redness, petechiae (tiny spots caused by suction) and bruising, and stresses that side effects are minimal and that most patients experience no adverse events at all. An evidence-based review reached the same conclusion: reactions are typically mild and transient. The point is not that microdermabrasion is risky, it is that a few predictable reactions are part of the process and easy to manage.

How long does redness last after microdermabrasion?

Redness after microdermabrasion usually fades within a few hours to about a day. It happens because the treatment lifts away dead skin and boosts blood flow to the surface, so a flushed, slightly warm look straight afterwards is expected rather than a warning sign. The Cleveland Clinic describes the sensation as similar to mild sunburn or windburn for a day or two.

To settle redness faster, keep things simple for the first 24 hours:

• Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to support the skin barrier.
• Skip hot showers, saunas and vigorous exercise, which increase flushing.
• Stay out of direct sun and wear a hat if you are outside.

If redness is still intense after 48 hours, or you notice heat, spreading swelling or tenderness that is getting worse rather than better, contact your clinic. That pattern is uncommon and worth a quick check.

Can microdermabrasion cause skin discolouration?

Yes, though it is uncommon and almost always temporary. Because microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin, the fresh surface underneath is briefly more sensitive to UV light, and unprotected sun exposure in the days afterwards is the main trigger for uneven tone. StatPearls notes that the skin is more sensitive to photodamage for a few days after treatment.

People with medium to deep skin tones can be slightly more prone to short-lived pigment changes, whether darker patches (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or lighter areas. The AAD is clear that microdermabrasion is safe for all skin tones, and that when a qualified professional performs it, the risk of extra dark spots is minor. That is exactly why clinician skill and diligent sun protection matter more for deeper skin tones, not less. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is the single most effective way to keep your tone even while the skin recovers, in line with general NHS sun safety advice.

The nine microdermabrasion side effects to know

Here are the reactions most people ask about, and the simple steps that help each one settle. None of these should last long, and most need nothing more than gentle care and patience.

1. Redness. The most common reaction, caused by increased blood flow. Use a calming moisturiser and avoid heat for 24 hours.
2. Mild swelling. A brief sign the skin is responding to exfoliation. A cool compress and sleeping slightly propped up help it settle.
3. Sensitivity. With the top layer freshly buffed, skin can feel tender and react more to products. Use only gentle cleansers and pause strong actives for a week.
4. Dryness or flaking. Part of the skin renewal process. Moisturise twice a day, drink plenty of water and do not pick or peel.
5. Petechiae or minor bruising. Crystal and suction-based systems can occasionally leave tiny spots or light bruises, more likely on very sensitive skin. Cool packs help, and they fade on their own.
6. Temporary discolouration. Uncommon, usually linked to sun exposure or over-treatment. Follow aftercare and protect the area from UV.
7. Small breakouts. Exfoliation can bring congestion to the surface, so a few spots may appear. Keep skin clean, use non-comedogenic products and do not squeeze.
8. Risk of infection. Rare, but the surface is briefly more open, so hygiene matters. Wash your hands before touching your face and avoid pools and public spas for a few days.
9. Short-term itchiness. Mild itching can occur as skin repairs. A soothing aloe vera gel and a cool compress help; avoid scratching.

One extra caution worth flagging: if crystal microdermabrasion is used, eye irritation can happen if loose crystals reach the eyes, which is one reason many clinics (including CoLaz) favour diamond-tip systems that do not use loose crystals.

Who should avoid microdermabrasion?

Some people should delay microdermabrasion or choose a different treatment, mainly to avoid scarring, infection or a skin flare-up. A good clinic screens for these at consultation rather than at the treatment couch.

You should wait or seek tailored advice if any of the following apply:

• Recent isotretinoin use. If you have taken isotretinoin for acne in the past 6 months, the AAD advises you may need to wait because of a higher risk of complications, including scarring.
• Active skin infections. StatPearls lists active cold sores (herpes simplex), warts and impetigo as reasons not to treat the area, since abrasion can spread them.
• A tendency to keloid or raised scarring, or active rosacea and prominent broken veins, which can be aggravated.
• An allergy to the abrasive crystals (for example an aluminium allergy) if a crystal system is used.
• Very recent sunburn, waxing or another resurfacing treatment, where the skin is already compromised.

Pregnancy is not an absolute barrier for surface exfoliation, but it is always worth mentioning so your clinician can adjust the plan. If you are ever unsure whether a treatment suits your skin or medical history, the general NHS guidance is to raise it at consultation before booking.

How can you reduce the risk of side effects?

Most side effects become less likely with a little preparation and consistent aftercare. The steps are simple, and they make the difference between a quick recovery and an irritated week.

Before your treatment:

• Avoid tanning, sunbeds and sunburn in the run-up.
• Skip strong exfoliants, retinoids and acids for a few days beforehand.
• Tell your clinician about any medication, skin conditions or recent treatments.

After your treatment:

• Moisturise regularly and use a broad-spectrum SPF every morning, even in winter.
• Keep to gentle, non-irritating products and pause actives for about a week.
• Avoid heat, heavy make-up, swimming and further exfoliation for the first 48 hours to a week.

Choosing the right person to treat you is just as important as the aftercare. The NHS advises checking that whoever performs a cosmetic procedure has the right training, skills and insurance, and the Care Quality Commission publishes quality ratings for registered clinics. The government has also confirmed a crackdown on unsafe cosmetic procedures, so verifying credentials is entirely normal. Registers such as the JCCP and Save Face let you check a practitioner before you book. Our guide on how to choose a clinic walks through the checks in more detail.

Is microdermabrasion safe?

Microdermabrasion is considered a safe, low-risk treatment for most people when it is performed by a trained professional. Reviews and dermatology bodies consistently describe the side effects as minor and short-lived, and the AAD notes that in professional hands the treatment has an excellent safety record.

The main way people run into trouble is having it done poorly, too aggressively or too often, or skipping sun protection afterwards. A sensible interval between sessions (commonly every 2 to 4 weeks) gives skin time to recover, and a proper consultation catches the contraindications above before they become a problem. Microdermabrasion helps improve dull tone and rough texture, but it is not a treatment for deep scarring or medical skin conditions, so realistic expectations are part of a safe plan.

What to expect from microdermabrasion at CoLaz

At CoLaz, microdermabrasion is delivered as a Diamond Peel, a diamond-tip system that gently buffs and lifts away dead surface cells without loose crystals. Treatment starts with a cleanse, and afterwards you are given clear aftercare guidance so you know exactly what to use and what to avoid. Prices start from £45 for an Express session, and your clinician will confirm the right plan for your skin at consultation.

If microdermabrasion is not the best fit, there are gentler or more targeted options. Dermaplaning is a blade-based exfoliation that also removes peach fuzz, while a Hydrafacial combines cleansing, exfoliation and hydration in one session and suits sensitive skin well. If your main concern is brightness rather than a specific texture problem, our dull skin page maps the treatments that help.

Microdermabrasion is a safe, effective way to refresh tired-looking skin, and most side effects are mild and temporary. Choose a trained clinician, follow your aftercare and protect your skin from the sun, and you can enjoy the results with very little fuss. To talk through whether it suits your skin, book a free consultation with your nearest CoLaz clinic.