Microdermabrasion at Home Is the Expert-Approved Secret for Baby-Smooth Skin
Save major dollars on this popular spa treatment with these at-home alternatives.
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Microdermabrasion treatments give your face the refreshing exfoliation it needs but, like so many other beauty treatments, they can be costly to keep up with. But your skin and wallet shouldn't pay the price for good skin — and that's where at-home products come in.
Microdermabrasion at home is a low-commitment and non-invasive treatment that provides instantly smooth and brighter skin that will only improve with regular use. Plus, they get the job done for much less money than a spa treatment which averages a whopping $167 per session. Since it has zero downtime, I even like to use it to prep my makeup for special occasions like weddings and birthdays. From fancy devices to exfoliating scrubs, try one of these microdermabrasion products for your smoothest skin yet.
Best Microdermabrasion-at-Home Products
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a form of physical exfoliation that manually removes dead skin cells, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D. There are two ways you can do microdermabrasion at home:
- It can be performed with an at-home handheld gadget that uses a tubular attachment with powder-fine crystals or a diamond-tipped wand that polishes the skin. Other machines spray fine aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate particles with a vacuum or suction. Both devices are great, especially when you want to concentrate on a particular area of your face.
- There are also cheaper and less intimidating microdermabrasion products like an intense scrub, exfoliating cleanser, or exfoliating cream for your face and body. If you opt for this method, you’ll want to use something made with tiny particles, advises King. Using a scrub with coarse or jagged particles like walnut shells can cause accidental microtears, weakening your skin’s protective barrier.
Is Microdermabrasion Good For the Skin?
Microdermabrasion at home is one of the best things you can do for your skin. It exfoliates, extracts blackheads, polishes, brightens, minimizes the look of pores, and smooths and softens the skin, says celebrity esthetician Taylor Worden.
It's a generally well-tolerated treatment, although those with dry skin, congested blackheads, fine lines, and premature aging will see incredible results. But, if you have cystic acne or super sensitive skin, experts say you should avoid microdermabrasion at home because it can cause inflammation and irritation. King notes that anyone with sensitive skin can use chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid to keep their skin on point.
Ready for glowing, baby-smooth skin? I researched and found the most impressive microdermabrasion tools, kits, and scrubs that will help level up your skincare game. Each scrub is made with effective ingredients to buff away your dead skin cells without irritation, while the microdermabrasion at home tools and kits are equipped with accessories that won't blast your face with harsh granules. King and Worden also share a few of their go-to microdermabrasion products, including items they use at home.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Esthetician-approved
- Available in 3 colors
Cons
- Need to empty the tips frequently
Key Specs
- Speed: 3
- Attachments: 8
Worden loves using her MicrodermMD machine and recommends it for beginners and experts alike.
She's impressed that it features three treatment levels and eight suction cups, including a body tip designed for exfoliating your arms and legs. Each detachable treatment head features diamond peeling tips that gently buff away dead skin that also helps reduce scarring and wrinkles. Worden adds that the manual timer is also handy for ensuring you don't spend too long working in one spot.
Amazon reviewers rave over this pro-grade device and say it's ideal for scrubbing away dry patches. One enthusiastic reviewer adds that this device is simple to maneuver and makes it easier to treat hard-to-reach spots on their face and body.
Pros
- Vibrates
- Includes batteries
Cons
- 1-month supply of puffs
Key Specs
- Speed: 2
- Attachments: 1
This at-home microdermabrasion system is affordable and effective, according to more than 17,000 reviewers on Amazon. If you're just starting out on the DIY side of the skincare spectrum, Neutrogena's kit is perfect for beginners.
Battery-operated with a full month's supply of puffs, you can use this system up to three times a week for noticeably smooth, impurity-free skin.
PMD Beauty Personal Microderm Classic
Pros
- Calibrated vacuum suction
- Works for the face and body
Cons
- One speed setting
Key Specs
- Speed: 1
- Attachments: 3
PMD's microdermabrasion at home system does it all. Featuring a patented Spinning Disc Technology and a perfectly calibrated vacuum suction, fine lines and wrinkles are nearly erased, enlarged pores are significantly reduced, and (bonus!) skin transitions into the ideal canvas for makeup application and skincare products.
Amazon reviewers say this device leaves their skin refreshed and smooth. One shopper even says their old acne scars are finally starting to disappear. Beginners also agree that the step-by-step instructions are clear to follow, and this tool is easy-to-use.
Michael Todd Beauty Total Refresher
Pros
- Doubles as a pore vacuum
- Wireless charging
- Micromist
Cons
- Takes a long time to charge
Key Specs
- Speed: 3
- Attachments: 6
Few beauty treatments are as luxurious as polishing your face with a diamond tip microdermabrasion tool, but Total Refresher takes skincare to the next level. It has special treatment heads that unclog pores with suction and infuse skin with ultra-fine mist for some necessary hydration.
Give this multitasking tool a try if you're looking to really pamper your skin with a spa-like facial for less than $100.
Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash
Pros
- 98% biodegradable formula
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Made with a microbiome nutrient serum
Cons
- Only one scent
Key Specs
- Clean formula: No
- Key ingredient: Sea minerals
King's favorite microdermabrasion at-home product is this budget-friendly moisturizing body wash from Dove. She especially loves that it lives up to the claim made in its namesake: gentle exfoliation.
“It’s free of harsh detergents and doesn’t strip the skin of moisture, and it can be used for both body and face,” she says. “The particles are fine, and the base contains moisturizing ingredients that support the skin barrier during exfoliation.”
Reviewers say their skin feels immediately softer after rinsing away the twice-weekly treatment in the shower.
Pros
- King-approved
- Combines exfoliants with moisturizers
Cons
- Not for dry skin
Key Specs
- Clean formula: No
- Key ingredient: Freshwater silt
Scrubs and devices are fantastic, but one under-the-radar product that should be on your bathroom countertop is this microdermabrasion cream from derm-loved Revision Skincare.
King calls it a gentle physical exfoliation option for smoother skin. Notably, it has a moisturizing base to help protect the skin barrier during exfoliation and moisturize the newly exfoliated skin. Plus, it's formulated with non-abrasive particles to buff away dead skin cells.
Pros
- Derm-approved
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
Cons
- Made with parfum
Key Specs
- Clean formula: Yes
- Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
King is a huge fan of this vegan-friendly cleanser because it uses gentle, biodegradable jojoba ester beads to eliminate dead skin cells, dirt, oil, pollutants, and sunscreen residue without disrupting the skin barrier. She also loves that the clean formula is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), one of the most gentle and skin-calming ingredients available.
Pros
- Smells like botanicals
- Award-winning
Cons
- Contains essential oils
Key Specs
- Clean formula: No
- Key ingredient: Dea Sea Salt
Consider Derma E's scrub an easy, tool-free alternative. Measuring up to salon-quality services, the unique blend of grape seed, jojoba, and sweet almond oils nourish and condition the skin while kaolin clay soaks up impurities deep in your pores. It can be applied to wet skin and massaged in an upward motion to maximize the exfoliation.
It also earned a near-perfect 4.7-star average rating from more than 2,200 reviews on Amazon. Reviewers say this treatment is safe for sensitive skin and stays on until they rinse it away with warm water.
Pros
- Physical and chemical exfoliant
- Created by a derm
- Works for face and body
Cons
- Sells out quickly
Key Specs
- Clean formula: No
- Key ingredient: Glycolic acid
When your body needs a good exfoliation, Amazon reviewers say this scrub is an excellent product for achieving buttery soft skin. This dermatologist-formulated scrub is like a chemical peel and microdermabrasion in one, and you only need to massage a small amount of the exfoliant to areas that need it, like elbows and shins.
Formulated with lactic and glycolic acids to slough away dead skin, along with evening primrose, black currant, and borage seed oils for a soothing effect, using the exfoliant once a week is sure to deliver maximum results.
philosophy The Microdelivery In-Home Vitamin C Peptide Peel
Pros
- Award-winning formula
- Warming sensation
Cons
- Expensive for the size
Key Specs
- Clean formula: No
- Key ingredient: Vitamin C
Specifically designed for sun-damaged and aging skin, Philosophy's upgrading the standard at-home exfoliant. The two-step peel is a microdermabrasion system that scrubs away dead cells in order to replenish your complexion, and it feeds the skin essential peptides and vitamin C for extra nourishment.
The weekly treatment is also formulated with acne-fighting salicylic acid and lactic acid to brighten, smooth, and firm your skin. Plus, the activator has a warming sensation that turns up the at-home spa vibes. You only need 3 minutes to complete the treatment, so keep this duo handy in case you score any last-minute party invites.
FAQ
Q: How often should I do microdermabrasion, and how long will the results last?
It varies from person to person, but Worden suggests committing to a weekly or biweekly schedule so you can see the change you want without worrying about irritating your skin.
On the other hand, King says if you use a gentle scrub, you should be able to use it once or twice a week. For the safest results, stick to whatever guidance is in the gadgets instruction manual or directions on the scrub's label.
Also, see how your skin reacts in the days after your initial microdermabrasion at home treatment. If your face is resilient and can handle a more vigorous exfoliation, try doing it twice a month and working your way up to weekly sessions, then twice a week.
Above all, both experts agree that you need to use a light and gentle touch to avoid over scrubbing your skin.
Q: So, what does it feel like to use microdermabrasion at home?
The best way to describe the feeling is like a cat licking your face, which is a pretty gnarly notion if you’re not a cat person like me. But don’t worry: You get used to the sensation relatively quickly, and most devices don’t typically wet your skin, so it doesn’t feel gross. I promise you’ll be fine and will love how your skin looks after.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.
Julia Horniacek is the former fashion and beauty editor for BestProducts.com. When she's not resisting the “add to cart” button on e-commerce sites or chocolate everything, she's a fitness fanatic you’ll find at the gym, sipping an array of seasonal decaffeinated beverages or documenting her life via Insta pics.
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