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Feb 03, 2024

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Say peace out to that dry skin.

I don’t know about you, but exfoliation is a *very* important step in my skincare routine, especially once I’ve applied retinol over the course of a week and my skin starts to get a bit flakey. Here’s where microdermabrasion comes into play. The form of exfoliation can be done as an office procedure or at home, and it essentially buffs out the top layer of the skin using a diamond or crystal device. (But I'll get into the specifics later.)

If you’ve never experimented with different skincare treatments, microdermabrasion could be a good first one to try, says S. Manjula Jegasothy, MD, Miami Skin Institute founder and CEO and University of Miami Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology. Here's why.

“Microdermabrasion is basically a form of exfoliation where you're helping to get rid of that top layer of dead skin cells,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. In comparison to any other skin procedures, microdermabrasion doesn’t go as deep, just to the top layer of the skin, a.k.a., the epidermis, Dr. Jegasothy adds.

When done in-office, a diamond or aluminum hydroxide crystal device with mechanical agents is used to polish your face, but at home, a similar, less intense device is used. The machines remove the top layer of skin (think of a sanding sensation) by rubbing against the skin to buff away the dead skin layer. However, there’s a risk of doing it too aggressively and creating microtears in the skin, which can lead to redness, sensitivity, irritation, or even bruising or potential scarring.

If you'd rather ~ease~ into exfoliation, you can also forgo a device entirely and just use a microdermabrasion scrub, which is more of a physical exfoliant “comprised of different types of granules that are designed to physically get rid of that buildup of dead skin cells,” Dr. Garshick explains. Some scrubs will also contain a chemical exfoliant, like an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), that will also improve your skin’s texture and tone. (This list has both microdermabrasion forms—you’re welcome!)

Here's a preview of the best at-home microdermabrasion products:

Yes, but not as effective as it would be in the office. “It tends to be safer for at-home use, but it also may not necessarily deliver the same results that in-office treatments would provide,” Dr. Garshick continues, because it doesn’t go as deep as an in-office one.

The suction is also much stronger on in-office devices, Dr. Jegasothy says, meaning that you’ll get less exfoliation from the treatment as a whole when done at home.

Heads up: Microdermabrasion isn't great for every skin type. For instance, if you have acne-prone skin or large pores, it might actually do more harm than good because there’s a chance the crystals can get lodged in your pores and cause you to have breakouts. And if you have very sensitive skin, it’s probably not a good idea, either, but mildly sensitive skin types can tolerate it. Also, if you have skin conditions like active acne marks or rosacea flareups, it’s also best to hold off on the treatment, Dr. Garshick says.

Up ahead, learn about the best microdermabrasion products, recommended by dermatologists and reviewers.

Meet the experts: S. Manjula Jegasothy, MD, is the Miami Skin Institute founder and CEO and a University of Miami Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology. Marisa Garshick, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.

This microdermabrasion device comes at the recommendation of Dr. Garshick. It can help even out your skin tone, help with acne, and ease fine lines and wrinkles, with one speed setting and one vacuum suction setting.

Dermatologist Review: "It does combine both the disc technology, which is going to help to get rid of the dead skin cells with the vacuum suction, and that is going to get sort of that dual benefit. In general, it's pretty easy to use and they give sort of a nice outline of how to use it, so it is definitely user-friendly." —Marisa Garshick, MD

If you're looking for a good scrub, Dr. Brandt's is a solid choice. "That one is actually a combination of a physical and a chemical exfoliant," says Dr. Garshick. It helps even out your skin texture, minimizing bumps, and will give your skin a glow. Reviewers say their skin is genuinely so much softer after usage!

Rave Review: "I’ve been using this face cleanser for about two years. It works amazingly well. I’m 45 and tend to have some dryness now. This exfoliant does the job to make sure my skin is smooth and there’s no dead, flaky skin left behind. You don’t need to use it every single day. I use it maybe two or three times a week, at most. It has very fine grit. It does not dry out my skin at all."

This machine might look a bit ~intimidating~, but best believe, it's actually easy to use and it even comes with five different tips and wands. Customers say that it's really easy to use, plus, that the results are just like those from professional machines. Love it!

Rave Review: "This machine is heavy and quite large. It sounds scary. But it works great. I love using it on my face and neck. It comes with a lot of heads to use on different areas of the face and body. It has great suction. I purchased a handheld device that cost about $40.00 less. It has about 50 percent of the power of this machine. So, in my mind it was a waste of money. Buy it."

This handy diamond microdermabrasion machine has nine (!) different diamond heads and can legit be used on multiple body parts, including the face, neck, belly, and chest. Not only will it remove dead skin, but it will also help with acne, scars, and blackheads, while fading fine lines.

Rave Review: "I’m an esthetician just starting out and wanted a good microderm machine that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. This is a great machine for the money! It’s nice and compact, has great quality diamond tips, comes with a bunch of filters, and has all the tubing and attachments you’ll need to give a great treatment."

When I say these microdermabrasion crystals are beloved on Amazon, I mean it—they have over 5,600 five-star reviews and an average of 4.6 stars. So, why are so many people fans? Well, I'll start with the fact that it cleans their faces, exfoliates really well, and is v affordable. I mean...I'm about to press add to cart, honestly.

Rave Review: "My face has never felt cleaner, it's my first time using this, and I am impressed, which I don’t say often. I definitely recommend."

What distinguishes this powerful little guy is that it literally has a display screen and an airbrush which can nourish your skin post-exfoliation. So, while it smooths out your skin and can improve the look of acne scars, like most at-home microdermabrasion products, it also has these additional functions that really help it go the extra mile for your skin.

Rave Review: "Ok so, I’ve tried a few things that haven’t worked, and this little gadget does the job...it has made my skin on my face so much smoother, and I had this deep sun wrinkle that is almost gone from using this. I absolutely love it and the suction power."

This kit from Trophy Skin—which comes in three cute colors—is a high-quality exfoliator, extracting debris from the pores and smoothing out fine lines. It's got eight suction levels, three treatment modes, a magnifying mirror, and three different tips for different uses.

Rave Review: "It's perfectly convenient to have at home! It provides practically instant results. My face feels smoother and I have an overall glow."

Coming at the recommendation of Dr. Garshick, this microdermabrasion device from Michael Todd Beauty is unique because it has a wet/dry micromist that can be used during the treatment to infuse your skin with a hydrating mist. It also has three speeds, so you can customize your treatment depending on your skin type and condition.

Dermatologist Review: "It has different diamond tips, so you can alter the treatment based on the skin type. It also has a mist that you can use that helps to just soothe the skin after the treatment itself. It also has a wireless charging stand, so sometimes that can be nice if you're having it in the house, and it's cord-free as well." —Marisa Garshick, MD

Not only is this microdermabrasion machine affordable, but it's effective too, with over 2,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Clearly, reviewers love it, saying the suction is ultra-powerful, and also helps get pores out in addition to exfoliating the skin. It's the perf replacement for spa treatments, they write.

Rave Review: "I saw results with twice monthly use, but more often is okay too. My best improvement is the deep horizontal lines between my eyebrows. It only takes a few minutes a week and over time, my deep lines have lessened greatly."

Yes, this microdermabrasion scrub is ~pretty in pink~, but it's so much more than that. With a blend of citrus oils and dead sea salt, it'll help exfoliate your skin while removing impurities and absorbing extra oil. Customers adore it because it gets the job done without drying or stripping the skin, it leaves your face feeling soft, and it can even give you a glow.

Rave Review: "I absolutely love this stuff! It’s hard to find a good scrub that doesn’t make my skin break out. I have combination skin, but if I don’t use a scrub a couple times each week, I end up with flaky skin and more acne. I only use this product twice per week because it is abrasive. It helps keep my skin balanced and clean. I also love the smell since there’s a very fair citrus scent."

This microdermabrasion device specializes in blackhead removal, so if you tend to get that type of acne, this one might be your best bet! With five different tips and five different suction levels, this one's great if you want options to customize your experience. And the proof is in the reviews: people say the suction is strong and that it's a solid product, considering how affordable it is.

Rave Review: "I like this product, I think it works well. Just be careful not to leave in one spot for too long and you’ll be fine! Wash your face. Then use the machine. Then use your toner, serums and moisturizer after. Only use it once or twice per week."

With a solid 4.6 Amazon rating, this scrub puts up numbers—meaning, the people are here for it! It'll brighten and polish your skin, plus, it'll resurface the texture so it's brand-new. The people who use this product are dedicated and say it's unlike other exfoliators on the market, and tbh, that has me sold.

Rave Review: "I’ve been struggling to keep dead skin under control on my face after having a baby. I’ve tried so many different exfoliators and moisturizers. This is it. This works. My skin feels amazing! I still moisturizer after as well but it’s been a game changer. This is now a must-have for me."

This cute little device has many fans online, and for good reason. It's convenient, noticeably improves their skin's smoothness, and might even fade sun spots, people wrote. With four suction levels, three tips, and and a 50-pack of filters, I can assure you that this one is a winner.

Rave Review: "Once I learned how to turn it on and off, I was really impressed with how much it removes from the surface without making the skin sensitive at all. I also really like the four different levels of pressure that can be used for different areas of the face. The small tip is also great for around the nose and eyes."

People rave about this microdermabrasion scrub for how light it is, including its crystals, which are pretty small, but still get the job done. If you're just starting out with an exfoliator, this might be a good one, since it seems gentler and less abrasive than other scrubs, per reviewers. It might be good for those with sensitive or slightly acne-prone skin.

Rave Review: "I don't care for harsh scrubs, but I'm always looking for something that will really clean out my pores and make my face feel—and look—extra clean and healthy. Look no further—this is the product that will do those things! And in a short time, too. I use this a couple of times a week and just love what it does for my skin."

So, this one isn't *technically* a microdermabrasion product, but it is a great place to start if you're interested in exfoliation. It's a lactic acid, a.k.a., AHA serum that will exfoliate but not dry you out, since the formula also includes a hyaluronic acid, aloe, and green tea complex. Albeit pricey, reviewers say it's totes worth it for the many skin-clearing benefits, like fading acne, for one.

Rave Review: "If you want to get rid of textures and pores, this is the mask you need!! I have always suffered from large pores around my cheeks and texture all over my face. This stuff is magic! My skin is feels insanely smooth and pores have definitely minimized a lot! My skin is so glowy after each application."

For one week, Women’s Health editors, including our editorial assistant Addison Aloian and senior commerce editor Neha Tandon researched the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated at-home microdermabrasion products. Our team consulted dermatologists S. Manjula Jegasothy, MD and Marisa Garshick, MD, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best 15 items for a wide range of needs and preferences.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best at-home microdermabrasion tool.

First, clean your skin with a gentle cleanser, dry it completely—a wet face can affect the suction—and then follow the device's instructions, Dr. Garshick and Dr. Jegasothy say. Use the device with gentle upward strokes along your skin so you're lifting, and Dr. Jegasothy recommends starting at the jawline, then making your way up toward the forehead, being gentle around the eye area. She recommends doing about four passes throughout the face (and two around the eyes), since in offices they usually do about six. You can subsequently use the vacuum suction that will support circulation and also help to remove dead skin, Dr. Garshick says. The whole process shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.

Afterward, rinse your face with water and then you can do a cooling paper mask for anti-redness or soothing for five to 10 minutes, then wash and dry your face and apply your skincare routine, Dr. Jegasothy says.

Remember that since you're exfoliating, you'll want to follow up with a gentle moisturizer and a sunscreen during the day, because your skin will be more sensitive, Dr. Garshick adds.

You should do microdermabrasion at home a maximum of once per week, Dr. Garshick and Dr. Jegasothy say. "As dermatologists, it's something that we do stress to be extra cautious [about] when doing it," Dr. Garshick adds.

Depending on what your skin concern is, there might be in-office treatments that you might want to consider, too, so you might want to check with your dermatologist before investing in an at-home microdermabrasion product to ensure it's best for your skin type.

Addison Aloian (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. When she’s not writing about all things pop culture, health, beauty, and fashion, she loves hitting leg day at the gym, shopping at Trader Joe’s, and watching whichever hockey game is on TV. Her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.

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