Microdermabrasion is a salon treatment whereby the therapist blasts the skin with aluminium oxide crystals, administered through a small hose-type device that simultaneously sucks up the resulting debris.

The crystals work away on the other layers of the face, removing old and dead cells, letting new layers shine through and, over a series of treatments, smoothing out fine lines, scars, irregular pigmentation and other dermal imperfections.

Latest to launch into the home market, RoC's Renewex is a serious contender for an alternative to such a salon treatment. Unique in its application, this cream is rubbed on to the face by the use of a vibrating handheld unit, which sends out thousands of pulses as it works the product into the skin. The cream itself incorporates the same aluminium oxide crystals that the professional treatment uses and the results have been really impressive.

If used three times a week over a period of 12 weeks, RoC's sample studies reveal a similar effect to salon treatments, with improvements in the skin's texture, luminosity and clarity.

Available in chemists and independents for the next couple of weeks at a reduced price of 39 (from 49), this is a spring treatment that's well worth investing in.