# No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Singapore.

Brand: [No7](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/no7)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/best/exfoliators)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for acne-prone skin; other exfoliants fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your combination skin due to alumina, but lacks targeted ingredients like salicylic acid to address your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- While generally safe for your combination skin, the formula could benefit from more humectant ingredients like glycerin to better hydrate drier areas.
- The product is safe for your combination skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh or prohibited ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Alumina, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Mineral Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Both sodium chloride and aluminum oxide microdermabrasion altered the epidermal barrier by significantly increasing transepidermal water loss and hydration at 24 hours in eight patients. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12030870/))
- Aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion resulted in mild subjective and clinical improvement, increased skin temperature, decreased sebum content, temporary increased roughness, decreased skin stiffness, increased skin compliance, and histological vascular changes in ten subjects with photodamaged skin compared to baseline measurements. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11737128/))
- Aluminum oxide microdermabrasion facial treatments in eleven volunteers resulted in clinical improvements in dyschromia, actinic changes, and fine rhytides, along with epidermal and dermal histological changes, compared to controls. ([The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19753741/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups. ([Military Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771104/))
- A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428946/))
- Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms. ([Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17137484/))
- Repeated application of concentrated water-in-oil emulsions over four weeks caused no skin irritation, positively affected skin properties, and delivered almost 50% of the applied fluorescein sodium, with isopropyl myristate showing superior penetration performance compared to liquid paraffin in healthy volunteers. ([International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31525444/))
- Topical application of an emollient emulsion containing 15.0% caprylic/capric triglyceride doubled the amount of urocanic acid isomers and increased skin hydration with reduced transepidermal water loss in healthy subjects, though it did not prevent ultraviolet-induced urocanic acid isomerization. ([Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/))

## Why other exfoliants fit acne-prone skin better

- A 30% supramolecular salicylic acid peel improved the global acne grading score and skin barrier indicators, decreased cutaneous microbiome richness and evenness along with Staphylococcus proportion, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and increased caveolin-1 expression in 28 patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris. ([Dermatology and Therapy, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36350527/))
- Treatment with 45% mandelic acid peel showed nearly equal overall efficacy as 30% salicylic acid peel in patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris, but with fewer adverse effects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/))
- A fixed combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol glycospheres, and papain glycospheres in aqueous gel applied once daily for 12 weeks achieved a 41% mean reduction in GAGS score and a 40.8% mean reduction in total lesions, with 15.3% of patients experiencing mild to moderate local side effects, in 94 evaluable patients with comedonal-papular, mild to moderate acne of the face. ([Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25876142/))

## What reviewers say

Users with dullness, fine lines, and acne scars frequently report significantly smoother, softer, and more radiant skin, often comparing the results to professional treatments. While highly effective for refining texture and minimizing pores, the physical exfoliation can be too abrasive for sensitive or active acne-prone skin if not used with caution.

- Liked: Soft and smooth skin (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective deep exfoliation (often mentioned)
- Liked: Radiant and glowing (often mentioned)
- Liked: Refines pores and texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused redness/irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: No visible improvement (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Too harsh/abrasive (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Worsened skin condition (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this exfoliant PM once a week to start, and gradually increase if your combination skin tolerates it well. Always apply SPF the next morning to protect your clear skin.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer step. This ensures the treatment targets blemishes effectively.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin without rubbing. Let it absorb for a minute before moving to the next step.
- Apply the exfoliant on clean, dry skin to help control breakouts safely. Since your skin is not sensitive, this dry application method ensures good product absorption.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Do not mix this exfoliant with other strong acids in the same routine.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does No7 Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator work for acne-prone skin?

No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator works moderately well for acne-prone skin, providing basic exfoliation through alumina without the targeted acids needed to fully clear blemishes. A product of this type needs acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid to address breakouts, alongside more hydrating ingredients like glycerin to balance drier areas.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant offers moderate exfoliation for your skin due to alumina, but it lacks targeted ingredients like salicylic acid to address acne and breakouts. An exfoliant for acne-prone skin needs ingredients like salicylic acid for blemishes and more glycerin to hydrate drier areas.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Alumina do for acne-prone skin?

Alumina helps acne-prone skin by reducing oil and smoothing out rough spots through gentle exfoliation. These treatments may temporarily alter the skin barrier, so products of this type need soothing and hydrating ingredients to keep the skin calm and comfortable.
Sources: [Dermatologic Surgery, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11737128/), [Dermatologic Surgery, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12030870/)

### What does Glycerin do for acne-prone skin?

Glycerin helps keep acne-prone skin hydrated and calm without clogging pores or feeling heavy. It supports the skin barrier so it stays soft and smooth while handling everyday treatments.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [International Journal of Toxicology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31840548/)

### Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant goes in a weekly routine for your acne-prone skin, starting at once a week and only increasing if you tolerate it well. To better fit this skin type, a product of this type needs targeted ingredients like salicylic acid to address breakouts and more hydrating ingredients to care for drier areas.

### Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?

It is best to use this exfoliant on a different day than your retinol to avoid irritation, as both products actively renew the skin. When using them in the same week, apply your retinol at night after cleansing and follow your usual moisturizing routine.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38102855/), [American Family Physician, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23062156/)

### How often should I use this exfoliant?

Start using this exfoliant once a week to see how your skin reacts. This type of skin needs exfoliants with ingredients like salicylic acid to help clear breakouts.

### Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant is unlikely to cause irritation or worsen acne-prone skin, but it lacks targeted ingredients like salicylic acid to properly clear breakouts. An acne-friendly exfoliant of this type needs blemish-fighting ingredients along with extra hydrating ingredients like glycerin to keep skin balanced.

### Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — S$89.14 at Amazon
- [Missha Skin Peeling Pad](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/missha/skin-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — S$38.65 at Amazon
- [Peach & Lily Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/peach-and-lily/super-reboot-resurfacing-mask/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — S$63.19 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.40 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/troiareuke/h-cocktail-purifying-ampoule-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — S$168.51 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — S$33.87 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Singapore has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Alumina, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum Mineral Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Petrolatum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Peg-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium Edta
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin