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.

What is microdermabrasion?

"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.

Is microdermabrasion good for your skin?

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.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Microdermabrasion Renewing Face Exfoliator

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.”

URL: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g32288980/microdermabrasion-at-home/