What Is a Microdermabrasion Facial? A Guide

If you are wondering what is a microdermabrasion facial, it is a non-invasive exfoliating treatment that uses a specialized device to gently buff away the outermost layer of dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath. Unlike an at-home scrub, a professional microdermabrasion facial uses either a diamond-tipped wand or a fine crystal spray combined with gentle suction to resurface the skin evenly and lift away debris in one controlled pass.

Key Takeaways

• A microdermabrasion facial is a gentle, non-invasive resurfacing treatment with little to no downtime.
• Typical U.S. pricing runs roughly $75 to $200 per session, varying by setting, provider, and add-ons.
• Results build gradually over a series of sessions rather than from a single visit.
• Dermaplaning and facials can absolutely be combined, and often are, for a more complete resurfacing.

What Is a Microdermabrasion Facial, Exactly?

So, what is a microdermabrasion facial doing to your skin? The treatment targets the stratum corneum, the layer of dead cells sitting on the surface. By mechanically exfoliating this layer, microdermabrasion encourages fresher cell turnover, softens the look of dull texture, and can help skincare products absorb more effectively afterward.

To answer what is a microdermabrasion facial in practical terms: a trained esthetician passes a handheld device across your cleansed skin. Diamond-tip systems use an abrasive wand paired with vacuum suction, while crystal systems spray fine aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate crystals and vacuum them back up along with loosened cells. Both approaches produce similar results; the device choice usually comes down to provider preference.

Who It Suits and Who Should Wait

Microdermabrasion is commonly chosen by people who want to address:

• Dull, rough, or uneven texture
• Mild sun damage and superficial dark spots
• Clogged pores and blackheads
• Fine, superficial lines

It is generally not recommended for active cystic acne, rosacea flares, eczema, active cold sores, or very sensitive, reactive skin. If you use retinoids or have recently had a chemical peel, tell your provider first. As always, this is general information, not medical advice; a licensed provider should assess your specific skin before treatment.

What to Expect: Before, During, and After a Microdermabrasion Facial

Knowing the flow of the appointment helps you feel comfortable and set realistic expectations. Understanding what is a microdermabrasion facial like in practice makes the visit far less intimidating.

Before

Skip retinoids, exfoliating acids, and waxing for a few days beforehand. Arrive with clean skin if you can, and be ready to discuss your goals and any sensitivities.

During

A typical session runs 30 to 60 minutes. After cleansing, the esthetician glides the device across your face in methodical passes. Most people describe the sensation as a mild sandpaper-and-tug feeling that is not painful. Many providers finish with a soothing serum, mask, or moisturizer plus SPF.

After

Downtime is minimal. Expect mild pinkness and a tight, freshly polished feeling for a few hours to about a day. Your skin may be temporarily more sensitive to sun, so daily sunscreen is essential. Avoid harsh actives for two to three days.

Results are cumulative. One session leaves skin looking brighter and feeling smoother, but the more noticeable improvements in texture and tone typically build over a series of four to six treatments spaced a couple of weeks apart, then maintained monthly.

What Is a Microdermabrasion Facial Going to Cost?

Pricing is one of the first things readers searching where to get microdermabrasion want to know. Across most U.S. markets, a microdermabrasion facial runs roughly $75 to $200 per session. Several factors move that number:

• Setting: A medical spa or physician-affiliated office typically charges more than a day spa because of medical-grade equipment and clinical oversight.
• Provider experience: More seasoned or advanced-certified estheticians often price higher.
• Session length and add-ons: A 60 minute facial with LED therapy, a peel, or a mask costs more than a basic 30-minute resurfacing.
• Local market: Suburban areas near larger metros often price slightly below downtown urban rates.

For context, other common services follow similar logic: a classic facial typically runs $60 to $120, an acne treatment facial $70 to $150, dermaplaning $75 to $150, and a non-surgical facelift facial $100 to $300 or more depending on the device used.

What Is a Dermaplaning Facial, and Can You Combine the Two?

Because these treatments come up together so often, it is worth answering what is a dermaplaning facial in the same breath. A dermaplaning facial uses a sterile surgical-grade blade held at an angle to gently shave away dead surface cells and fine vellus hair, the soft "peach fuzz." So what is a facial with dermaplaning? It is a standard facial (cleanse, exfoliate, extract, mask, moisturize) that incorporates that blade-based exfoliation step, leaving skin exceptionally smooth and makeup-ready.

Can you do dermaplaning and facial together? Yes. In fact, dermaplaning is most often performed as part of a facial rather than in isolation. Can you do a facial and dermaplaning together in a single appointment? Absolutely, and many spas design their menus around exactly that pairing. Dermaplaning removes surface cells and hair, and the facial that follows lets serums and masks penetrate more effectively.

Some clients also pair microdermabrasion with other steps. The key is that these are all forms of exfoliation, so a knowledgeable provider will layer them thoughtfully rather than over-treating the skin in one visit. If you are still deciding what is a microdermabrasion facial best combined with, ask your provider which pairing suits your skin type.

How to Choose a Qualified Provider in Murray

Murray sits in the middle of the Salt Lake Valley, drawing clients from Salt Lake City, Midvale, Taylorsville, Sandy, and Cottonwood Heights. It is also a regional healthcare hub, so local residents tend to be comfortable with clinical-adjacent beauty services that sit between a day-spa facial and a dermatologist's office. When you search for a facial microdermabrasion provider, look for:

• Licensed estheticians and clean, well-maintained treatment rooms
• A consultation that reviews your skin history and goals
• Transparent pricing and honest expectations about a treatment series
• A menu that lets you customize length, whether you want 60 minute facials near me or 90 minute facials near me

One strong local option is Lumiere Beauty & Spa in Murray, UT. Their menu spans advanced facials including a Microdermabrasion Facial and a Dermaplaning Facial, along with classic, acne, men's, and non-surgical facelift facials. Their approach pairs LED light therapy, collagen rejuvenation, and AI skin analysis to tailor treatments, which suits anyone researching an anti aging facial in Utah and wanting a plan matched to their skin rather than a one-size-fits-all service.

Next Steps

Now that you know what is a microdermabrasion facial and how it fits into a broader skincare plan, start by booking a consultation rather than a single one-off session. Ask the provider how many treatments they would recommend for your goals, what the maintenance schedule looks like, and whether combining it with dermaplaning or LED makes sense for your skin type. Protect your investment with daily SPF and a gentle routine between visits, and give the series time to work; the smoothest, most even results show up over weeks, not overnight. Above all, treat any resurfacing decision as a conversation with a licensed provider who has actually seen your skin.