Does it really get your face as smooth as professional treatments? We asked a dermatologist.
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Here's the thing...I'm a chemical girlie. No, I don't mean harmful, bad-for-your-skin ingredients—I mean the *good* ones. Let's be real: Chemical exfoliants help me maintain super smooth and bright skin (s/o to my AHA cleanser and BHA toner). Yet, as much as I love these skincare ingredients, my favorite acids/actives/ingredients aren’t the only reason why my blackheads, dry patches, and uneven skin texture are basically nonexistent now. Enter: microdermabrasion—i.e., an exfoliation technique that buffs away dead skin cells.
While microdermabrasion is usually done in-office with a tool covered in micro-diamond crystals (and, tbh, is most effective and least irritating when done by a professional), at-home microdermabrasion is also possible through devices, face scrubs, and face masks. But there’s a lot to know first about doing microdermabrasion at home, including the big one: Is microdermabrasion even good for your skin? And how often should you use microdermabrasion at home? But don't worry, because I got dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, to answer all of our questions and help me compile this list of the best microdermabrasion tools and products to use at home.
"Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that takes off the outer layers of dead skin,” says Dr. Rabach, “which helps smooth skin texture and fade hyperpigmentation, like acne scars and melasma.” Microdermabrasion can be completed in-office with a doctor or esthetician and is usually performed with a handheld exfoliator that either sloughs off your skin with super-fine crystal particles or buffs it with a diamond-coated applicator head. The result? Smoother, brighter, and more even-looking skin.
Microdermabrasion at home, however, uses similar-ish methods (diamond-coated tips on vacuum-like suction devices or micro-crystal scrubs) but is often much less intense because the tips or crystals aren’t as gritty or as strong as you would get in a professional setting. And because it’s a bit less potent, it can take up to three months of once-a-week at-home sessions to effectively smooth out your skin texture or fade hyperpigmentation (compared to the six once-a-week sessions you’d need for in-office microdermabrasion). So, ultimately, it can take up to twice as long to see similar results at home.
Microdermabrasion is generally good—or, at least, “safe”—for your skin if done correctly (meaning you follow the directions for each tool or product, and you only do it once a week at most). However, if you have ultra-sensitive skin, active acne breakouts, or certain skin conditions (like eczema, rosacea, or keratosis pilaris), you should avoid doing microdermabrasion at home, says Dr. Rabach. The gritty products and strong exfoliation of microdermabrasion can trigger inflammatory flare-ups and irritation, which is why you should always work with a dermatologist first.
Now that you understand what microdermabrasion is, here are the best at-home microdermabrasion tools and products, based on your skincare needs and goals, below. Then keep reading for all the nitty-gritty details about how to, how often, and how to safely do microdermabrasion at home for the best possible results.
I’ve been using the large attachment on this PMD microdermabrasion device at home for about six months to help treat the textured stretch marks on my stomach. The diamond-coated tip inside exfoliates my skin to soften the bumpy feel of my scars, while the vacuum-like suction lifts dead skin cells to slightly smooth my skin over time. While the tool isn’t as effective as an in-office microdermabrasion treatment, it’s way cheaper and more accessible, so it’s been fairly easy to add to my skincare routine once a week.
Glowing Customer Review: “My forearms tend to get very dry and flaky. This worked wonders for those and my feet. My big toes seem to develop dry calluses that cannot be gotten rid of no matter what I do, and this really worked on those.”
Here's a fact: No matter how much you physically exfoliate your skin with a classic microdermabrasion tool, it's not gonna get rid of your blackheads. For that, you need a chemical exfoliant, like this powder water-activated scrub that uses salicylic acid to break down clogged pores (and help prevent new blackheads from forming), along with rice bran for physical exfoliation and then seals it all together with colloidal oatmeal to calm and soothe your skin after all that exfoliating action.
Glowing Customer Review: "I have normal skin for the most part but have struggled with acne and lots of sebaceous filaments. It helps gently exfoliate any dead skin and loosens any sebaceous filaments/blackheads. It leaves my skin brightened and not irritated, which I love because previous chemical AND physical exfoliants left my skin barrier hurting. I'd recommend this to anyone honestly, regardless of skin type!!"
I am generally way too busy to consistently implement skincare devices into my routine, but I found a solution: This waterproof microdermabrasion tool. I just pop on the tip before my shower, then run it over my skin while my deep conditioner is marinating, switching between high and low-intensity levels depending on how sensitive my skin feels. The result? Super-soft skin, thanks to the combo of steam and exfoliation from the device.
Glowing Customer Review: “I have found the holy grail for my pores. I have a lot of sebum buildup in my chin and nose. I thought I would give this a try. I love it! I use it after I take a shower at night. It is disgusting and amazing how much gunk it gets out! My skin is showing so much improvement after a month.”
If you’re interested in trying microdermabrasion at home but don’t want to spend a ton of money, pick up this drugstore version from Conair to test it out for a little more than $30. It has two diamond-tip heads to exfoliate your skin, along with two suction attachments to help pick up dead skin cells. Plus, the tool has a rechargeable battery that hooks up via a classic phone USB charger, which is pretty excellent for a drugstore product.
Glowing Customer Review: “This tool is quick, easy, and painless to use. The microdermabrasion is like going to a salon but in the safety of my own bathroom! My skin was left feeling incredibly smooth without any irritation whatsoever. Highly recommend!”
Microdermabrasion at home is great for buffing away dry patches and bumpy texture, but the exfoliation can leave your skin feeling a bit tight, especially if you deal with dryness or sensitivity. Enter this super-cool device from Michael Todd Beauty that releases an ultra-fine mist of water or toner (you can fill it with whatever you want) to hydrate your skin while you’re treating it. Pop on one of the three diamond-coated treatment heads, then choose one of three intensity levels to slough off dead skin while the micro-mist helps give your skin a major glow.
Glowing Customer Review: “This is one of the best purchases I ever made. My skin is clearer, smoother, and more even. I use it once a week/every two weeks. You won’t regret this purchase.”
This handheld tool is legit genius for exfoliating your body because the diamond-coated exfoliation head is pretty massive, making it faster and easier to cover large areas. Plus, the handle is super easy to hold, which helps you navigate it into hard-to-reach spots, like your elbows or the back of your thighs. Once a week, gently buff this over dry patches and uneven skin texture, then slather on a rich body lotion to keep your skin hydrated and smooth.
Glowing Customer Review: “Oh my gosh, I can't say enough about this amazing tool. Not only did it absolutely help smooth out the cellulite on the backs of my legs and under my bum, but it also made my tattoos look like they had been freshly done. Love, love, love this amazing tool.”
While you won’t get in-office-level results from this microdermabrasion machine at home, you will get a pretty similar experience, thanks to the nine different diamond tips in varying sizes and intensities to exfoliate your skin. The tool also includes three suction attachments to help remove dead skin from the surface of your skin. And to make it even more ~official,~ it even comes with a spray tube that you can fill with water or toner to help hydrate and soothe your skin while you work.
Glowing Customer Review: “I buy all sorts of skincare tools, and this is one of my absolute favorites. I got better results from this machine than I did from the last professional microdermabrasion I had at a medspa. You are in control of the suction, making it as powerful or gentle as your skin can tolerate. It is so satisfying to see all the dead skin on the head when you’re done using it. It helps brighten my complexion and makes my skin feel renewed.”
The best thing about this at-home microdermabrasion device (which comes with a diamond-tipped exfoliating wand) is that you can control the suction—just turn it on and hit "sensitive mode" for a gentle introduction to microdermabrasion. It even has an LED screen with a visual and timer to follow along with that helps guide you through your treatment.
Glowing Customer Review: “Omg. I’m THRILLED with this purchase. I have never bought a skincare tool that was over $20, so I was really frightened that the reviews were all fake. THEY ARE NOT. Baby, I’m telling you this is magic. I got off a massive amount of dead skin, and my texture is now smooth again. BUY IT, you won’t regret it. It works great on sensitive skin.”
When I’m too lazy to pull out my microdermabrasion tools and gadgets, I reach for this scrub, which uses super-fine crystals to mimic the diamond exfoliation of microdermabrasion. But (!) it also contains chemical exfoliators—glycolic and lactic acid—which sink into your skin and dissolve dead skin cells to help brighten and smooth over time. FWIW, I’ve been using this microdermabrasion scrub since college because it’s so easy to just massage onto my skin in the shower (along with the body version), so trust me when I say this stuff is good.
Glowing Customer Review:“This is by far the best facial scrub I have ever used. Normally scrubs dry out my skin and fail to budge whiteheads. This one actually works, and it leaves my skin feeling amazing. I'm ordering more right now because I don't ever want to be without it.”
Microdermabrasion at home can help buff away dull patches and dead skin, helping to fade subtle acne scars and brighten dark spots over time. You’ll get the best results from an actual dermatologist, but I also love using this scrub, because it’s filled with glycolic acid and PHAs to chemically exfoliate dead skin and slowly fade hyperpigmentation. I just massage it over my face and neck once a week on a night when I don't use retinol (the combo can be way too irritating), rinse it off, and I’m left with soft-as-hell skin afterward.
Glowing Customer Review: “You can feel and notice the difference right after you use it. Your skin will feel like silk and more radiant. The smell is refreshing, and it has a little bit of a cooling effect when you leave it on your face. Acne scars fade out after a few times of use.”
Wanna combine two powerful exfoliating treatments (microdermabrasion and a chemical peel) at home? Try this rinse-off peel, which is loaded with glycolic and lactic acids to help smooth and brighten your skin, as well as soothing willow-bark extract and allantoin to cut down on potential irritation. Massage it onto clean skin, rinse after, then lock in hydration with a moisturizer to offset potential dryness.
Glowing Customer Review: “I've been using this product for over 10 years. The price is a little expensive but a little goes a long way. This is much cheaper than going to a dermatologist and having to get an actual microdermabrasion treatment or a chemical peel. Plus there is no uncomfortable recovery time, you just have bright smooth skin right after you rinse and pat dry.”
No, this lactic-acid serum can’t give you the same results as you’d get from an in-office microdermabrasion treatment—or, honestly, the same result as one of the stronger scrubs or tools on this list. But if you have sensitive skin, it’ll give you a gentle, surface-level exfoliation for smoother, brighter skin without nearly as much irritation, thanks to the formula’s soothing aloe vera and hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Glowing Customer Review: “Amazing—so gentle yet effective on my skin. My skin texture is so even and smooth. I have pretty sensitive skin, so any kind of acid usually irritates my skin, but this has been amazing! I have no irritation.”
You don’t always need all the bells and whistles of a powerful microdermabrasion machine to get skin-smoothing benefits. See: This wand from Revlon, which helps you manually buff your skin with a diamond-coated tip. Set a timer for three minutes (anything longer can irritate your skin) and gently move it along your clean, dry skin in small, circular motions. You can also use it on tough, dry patches all over your body, like on your heels or knees, thanks to its easy-to-hold handle.
Glowing Customer Review: “This is an amazing tool that will help to soften the outer layer of your skin, allowing your skincare products to absorb better. This saves you both time, money...and your skin will look years younger sooner.”
Microdermabrasion does work at home, but it won’t be as effective as an in-office treatment. Dermatologists have access to much more powerful devices (plus a lifetime of skilled training) that you just can't replicate over the counter. But at-home microdermabrasion tools and products can be a great gentler, less expensive option to slough off dead skin and help smooth your skin over time. You’ll just need more treatments and for a longer period of time to notice similar results (think: once a week, every week, for two to three months).
Another major caveat? You need to make sure you're incredibly careful when trying microdermabrasion on yourself at home. Read the directions/recommendations for your specific device, but as a rule of thumb, only use the tool once a week at most. “Using an at-home microdermabrasion device too often can possibly take off too many outer layers of skin, leaving your skin burned and raw," says Dr. Rabach, adding "all of which can actually potentially damage your skin barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, and possibly even hyperpigmentation and scarring.”
This is why, again, we tend to recommend getting microdermabrasion done by a professional, rather than attempting to DIY it at home, especially if you have sensitive skin.
No, exfoliating isn’t the same thing as microdermabrasion, but microdermabrasion is a form of exfoliation. Microdermabrasion is a physical exfoliation that uses micro-fine crystals (whether on the tip of a device or suspended in a face scrub) to scrub off the top, dead layers of your skin. Other physical exfoliation, like sugar or salt-based scrubs, often use slightly bigger granules, which can be a bit more gentle. Chemical exfoliation, however, involves acids that penetrate the top layer of your skin to buff away dead skin and debris from underneath.
None of these forms of exfoliation is “better” than the other; it all just depends on what you’re looking for and what your skin can handle. Microdermabrasion is great for brightening and smoothing your skin, but it can be a bit intense for sensitive skin types, while a chemical exfoliant—like a 2 percent salicylic-acid-based toner—might be less irritating while still doing a decent job at exfoliating.
You should do microdermabrasion at home once a week at most. Why? Because over-exfoliating your skin can actually damage your skin barrier, potentially leading to inflamed, raw, itchy, and dry skin. If you use acids or retinol regularly in your routine, make sure to pause them for a few days before doing microdermabrasion at home to avoid additional irritation.
There are two types of microdermabrasion at home: Microdermabrasion machines (or wands, tools, and devices), and microdermabrasion scrubs. Neither is “better” than the other in general; it just comes down to what you’re looking for. Scrubs are great for acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and texture because they usually combine fine crystals with AHAs and BHAs to both physically and chemically exfoliate.
Meanwhile, microdermabrasion devices have the added benefit of suction, which can help lift off some of the dead skin on the surface of your skin. That’s what makes these great for dry patches and blackheads and whiteheads. But they also usually come with diamond-coated tips (sometimes in varying sizes and grit levels, depending on your skin’s sensitivity) that give your skin a more even, less abrasive polish than a scrub.
Try opting for a microdermabrasion tool that offers a bit more. Like, if you have dry skin, choose a tool with a misting function or an included spray bottle to help hydrate your skin during and after your treatment. Or, if you want a treatment that’s pro-level (or as close as you can get), opt for a device that comes with a range of diamond-coated tips with varying intensities to get a more customized at-home finish.
And when it comes to microdermabrasion at-home scrubs, opt for one that features a mix of chemical exfoliants—glycolic, lactic, mandelic, and salicylic acids, for example. They actually dissolve dead skin cells, instead of just sloughing them away, which helps prevent clogged pores and dullness. And if you have sensitive skin, choose a scrub with one or two gentle chemical exfoliants, like PHAs, which are “weaker” and are less likely to cause irritation. You can also look for scrubs with soothing ingredients, like aloe vera and allantoin, to help calm some inflammation.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan and has four years of experience writing about skincare, like retinol body lotions and stretch-mark creams. She compiled this list after researching microdermabrasion at home, testing tons of tools for herself, and reading reviews.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with nearly five years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from butt acne to how to get rid of cellulite. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to microdermabrasion at home, thanks to years of testing devices on her acne-prone skin and comparing them to in-office procedures.
Chloe Metzger is the former deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nearly 10 years of experience writing about hair, makeup, nails, and skincare, with stories like skincare routine order and retinols for sensitive skin. She's tested dozens of at-home microdermabrasion tools over her career that helped her write this story.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
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