Diamond Peel in Porto: Microdermabrasion

The diamond peel is a microdermabrasion: a mechanical exfoliation of the skin done with a tip coated in natural diamond, which wears away the most superficial, dead layer of the skin while a gentle suction draws it off. No acids, no pain, no downtime. At Mirra, in Porto city centre, near Trindade metro station, we do it with the depth set to your skin, and we recommend it in a series, because that is how the difference shows.

Why have your diamond peel in Porto at Mirra

The depth is set for you. The diamond tip comes in several grades and the suction is adjustable: thin, reactive skin gets a light pass, thick oily skin can take more. The aesthetician chooses at the analysis and watches the skin react as she works.

Because it is mechanical. Anyone who does not want, or cannot have, an acid peel has the alternative here: the same goal, lifting the tired layer of the skin, done with controlled friction instead of chemistry. No tingling, no neutraliser, no real flaking in the days after.

The rhythm. It fits a lunch break, and it is the facial most often booked in a series, weekly or fortnightly, because each session is light and the effect adds up.

The place and the people. The Baixa, Porto’s downtown, near Trindade metro station. Opening hours: Every day, 9am–10pm. The visit includes tea after your treatment and slippers. Arrive 10 minutes early, without make-up. A team of 7 therapists, named further down this page.

How the diamond peel is done

Preparing

Cleansing and a quick analysis: skin type, areas to focus on, areas to avoid. Protection of the sensitive zones around the eyes and lips. About five minutes.

Exfoliating

The diamond tip travels over the face in short overlapping strokes, zone by zone: forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, with attention to the areas of spots and pores. You feel a rough drag and a gentle suction, like a very fine file that pulls at the skin. It does not hurt. The skin turns pink as she goes.

Calming and protecting

Residue is cleaned off, then a soothing, hydrating serum, a cream and sunscreen. You leave with skin that is smooth to the touch, pink for an hour or two, and you can get on with your day.

Benefits

The American Academy of Dermatology lists microdermabrasion for a dull complexion, uneven skin tone or texture, age spots and the dark spots that appear as acne clears, and describes the result, after a series, as a complexion that can look smoother, brighter and more even in colour.¹ The same source says most people have between five and sixteen treatments and that sun protection is part of the plan.² That is what we tell you at the first session, and no more.

Afterwards

Sunscreen every day, without exception. That day, no make-up, sauna, steam room or hard exercise. Moisturise well; the skin is drier than usual for a day or two. No acids or retinol at home for two or three days.

A deep cleansing facial is the base before any series. For a chemical rather than mechanical exfoliation, the chemical peel. To hydrate deeply afterwards, the hydrafacial. All our facials in Porto are on one page.

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Microdermabrasion: Overview; Microdermabrasion: FAQs. aad.org/public/cosmetic/age-spots-marks/
2. American Academy of Dermatology. Microdermabrasion: Overview; Microdermabrasion: FAQs. aad.org/public/cosmetic/age-spots-marks/