At-home microdermabrasion

Professional microdermabrasion is performed with a machine that abrades the surface of the skin and vacuums away the loosened material. Consumer versions borrow the idea at a far lower intensity: handheld devices with a diamond-coated or bristle tip and gentle suction, or manual creams and pads containing fine crystals.

What they can realistically do is remove loose surface cells, which can leave skin feeling smoother and make makeup sit more evenly for a short while. Claims about scars, deep lines or pigmentation belong to clinical procedures, not to a handheld tool.

Over-use is the main risk. Most instructions suggest weekly rather than daily use, and it is easy to strip the barrier if you also use acids or a retinoid. Skip it entirely on active acne, rosacea, eczema, sunburn or broken skin, keep the suction moving to avoid bruise-like marks, clean and replace tips as directed, and wear sunscreen afterwards. If you are unsure, ask a dermatologist first.