Back Bay · Boston · Beacon Street
Mechanical exfoliation for texture, tone, and mild resurfacing. No needles, no downtime. 262 Beacon Street, Suite 3.
Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation treatment that removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells using a diamond-tipped wand. It is the right choice for texture and tone — not for deep wrinkles or active breakouts. Here is exactly what it does, what to expect, and how it compares to HydraFacial.
Not sure if microdermabrasion is right for your skin? Your esthetician will assess at a complimentary consultation.
| Phase | What Happens | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Before | Arrive with clean skin. Avoid retinol and exfoliating acids for 48 hours prior. No active sunburn, open wounds, or skin infections. | — |
| During | Diamond-tipped wand exfoliates the skin surface. Suction removes dead cells. Mild scratching or vibration sensation — no pain. No numbing required. | 20–30 min |
| After | Skin may appear pink for up to 24 hours. Apply SPF immediately and avoid direct sun. No exercise, sauna, or active exfoliation for 24 hours. | 24 hr recovery |
Both treatments exfoliate and resurface, but they work differently and suit different skin types.
Microdermabrasion is purely mechanical — the diamond tip physically abrades the skin surface. It is focused on texture and tone, with no hydration step. It is not appropriate for sensitive or reactive skin.
HydraFacial combines exfoliation with extraction and hydration infusion in a three-step system. It is appropriate for a broader range of skin types — including sensitive skin — and produces immediate results with no downtime. HydraFacial also allows targeted boosters for acne, anti-aging, or brightening.
See our full facial treatments guide for a complete comparison including microneedling and chemical peels.
Microdermabrasion is effective for dull skin, mild sun damage, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and superficial acne scarring. It removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells using a diamond-tipped exfoliation tool, revealing smoother, brighter skin. It is not appropriate for deep wrinkles, active acne, rosacea, or darker skin tones without careful provider assessment.
Microdermabrasion results are visible for 2 to 4 weeks per session. For lasting improvement in texture and tone, a series of 4 to 6 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart is typically recommended. Monthly maintenance sessions sustain results after the initial series.
Microdermabrasion is not painful. Most clients describe a mild scratching or vibration sensation during the treatment. There is no numbing required. Post-treatment, the skin may feel slightly sensitive and look pink for 24 hours — similar to a mild sunburn. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.
Microdermabrasion in Boston typically ranges from $100 to $200 per session. At Forever Young Spa, single sessions and package pricing are available. Members receive 15% off all skincare treatments, which significantly reduces the per-session cost for clients doing a multi-session series.
Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation — it physically removes dead skin cells. HydraFacial combines exfoliation with extraction and hydration infusion in a three-step system. HydraFacial is appropriate for a broader range of skin types and concerns, while microdermabrasion is better suited for clients specifically focused on texture and mild resurfacing. Your esthetician can recommend the right option for your skin.
262 Beacon Street, Suite 3 · Boston, MA 02116 · (617) 982-6186