Wait, Can You *Really* Do Microdermabrasion at Home?

<h2 class=”body-h2″>What is microdermabrasion?</h2><p><strong>”Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that takes off the outer layers of dead skin,”</strong> says Dr. Rabach, “which helps smooth skin texture and fade <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a35325966/how-to-treat-hyperpigmentation-deep-skin/”>hyperpigmentation</a>, like <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/advice/a34553/get-rid-of-acne-scars/”>acne scars</a> and <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a33421857/melasma-treatment/”>melasma</a>.” 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. </p><p>Microdermabrasion at home, however, uses similar-ish methods (diamond-coated tips on vacuum-like suction devices, or micro-crystal scrubs), but <strong>is often much less intense because the tips or crystals aren’t as gritty or as strong</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.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Is microdermabrasion good for your skin?</h2><p><strong>Microdermabrasion is generally good—or, at least, “safe”—for your skin</strong> 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 <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g28724413/best-keratosis-pilaris-treatments/”>keratosis pilaris</a>), 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.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Does microdermabrasion work at home?</h2><p><strong>Microdermabrasion does work at home, but it won’t be as effective as an in-office treatment. </strong>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).</p><p>Another major caveat? <strong>You need to make sure you’re </strong><strong><em>incredibly</em></strong><strong> careful when trying microdermabrasion on yourself at home. </strong>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.” </p><p>Which 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.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Is exfoliating the same as microdermabrasion?</h2><p>No, exfoliating isn’t the same thing as microdermabrasion, but <strong>microdermabrasion is a </strong><strong><em>form</em></strong><strong> of exfoliation</strong>. 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. </p><p>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. <strong>Microdermabrasion is great for brightening and smoothing your skin, </strong>but it can be a bit intense for sensitive skin types, while a chemical exfoliant—like a 2 percent <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a30432343/salicylic-acid-for-skin/”><u>salicylic-acid</u></a>-based toner—might be less irritating while still doing a decent job at exfoliating. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How often should I do microdermabrasion at home?</h2><p><strong>You should do microdermabrasion at home once a week at most</strong>. 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 <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g41600274/best-over-the-counter-retinols/#:~:text=La%20Roche%2DPosay%20Effaclar%20Adapalene%20Gel%200.1%25%20Acne%20Treatment,-%2436%20at%20Amazon&text=It’s%20the%20strongest%20retinol%20you,and%20cystic%20acne%2C%20says%20Dr.”><u>retinol</u></a> regularly in your routine, make sure to pause them for a few days before doing microdermabrasion at home to avoid additional irritation.</p><hr><p>Now that you understand what microdermabrasion is, here are the best at-home microdermabrasion tools and products, based on your skincare needs and goals: </p>” />