Tweak of the week: Give your complexion a summer glow with an instant beauty fix

If you could snap your fingers for one instant beauty fix, what would it be? Longer lashes? Fuller lips? Cara Delevingne’s eyebrows?

Although I wouldn’t turn down any of the above, I’ve always yearned for smooth, flawless skin. No foundation, no concealer, just pore-free perfection – that’s not too much to ask, right?

On a mission to avoid an Aladdin-style search for a magic lamp, I visited senior beauty therapist Justine Hughes, who recommended a course of microdermabrasion facials to achieve my make-up-free goals. Here’s everything you need to know.

How does it work?

Microdermabrasion is essentially a super-charged form of exfoliation, but it’s much more powerful and effective than any scrub you might have used at home.

In the salon, a hand-held device uses fine crystals to gently remove dead cells from the surface of the skin, which are then suctioned away. As well as removing impurities, which otherwise build up and leave skin looking dull, the process also stimulates collagen production and boosts blood flow to give you a healthy glow, and promote cell turnover.

What’s more, the treatment can also improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

What does the treatment involve?

After your make-up is removed and the skin cleansed (Justine uses Dermalogica products, which are extra luxurious), the microdermabrasion wand gets to work. Although the full face receives attention, your therapist may spend more time treating specific areas, including any acne scaring, current breakouts or highly congested zones.

Does it hurt?

Absolutely not. Although the process isn’t as gentle as, for example, a facial massage, it is non-invasive and therefore largely-pain free. You might feel a little scratch here and there, but the tranquil music and candle light of the treatment room will keep you feeling relaxed.

The results?

After just one 60-minute session (an express 30-minute option is also available) my skin felt smoother, looked healthier, and old acne scarring had improved. I still needed a little foundation, but the coverage glided on more smoothly for a flawless finish.

I went back for two more sessions before the second lockdown closed salons, and I’ll definitely book again for a pre-summer boost.