Newsflash: You Can DIY Microdermabrasion for Baby-Smooth Skin (2024)

Want a microdermabrasion treatment in the comfort of your own home? You’re in luck: The best at-home microdermabrasion kit can make that happen. These skin-care tools can address signs of sun damage, smooth skin, and clear breakouts via physical exfoliation—making them a powerful addition to your skin-care routine.

Our Top Picks

• Best At-Home Microdermabrasion Kit Overall: PMD Personal Microderm Classic, $159
• Best for Mature Skin: Microderm Glo Diamond Microdermabrasion Machine, $160
• Best for Face: Foreo Kiwi Derma, $159
• Best for Beginners: Trophy Skin MicrodermMD At-Home Microdermabrasion Kit, $96
• Best Dermatologist-Designed: Lancer Skincare Pro Polish Microdermabrasion Device, $200
• Best Dual Exfoliant: Goop GoopGlow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator, $42
• Best Hydradermabrasion: Michael Todd Beauty Sonic Refresher Wet/Dry Sonic Microdermabrasion and Pore Extraction System, $121

For the uninitiated, in-office microdermabrasion “is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure where a device is used to carefully exfoliate the outer layer of the skin,” says Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. “Through gentle exfoliation, the procedure stimulates cell turnover and collagen production.”

These at-home devices, meanwhile, exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells with a fine abrasive tip or crystals, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, who notes that this process can promote skin rejuvenation. As a result, you can use it to target concerns like fine lines, dark spots and discoloration, and even mild acne scars, depending on their depth. They can be especially helpful for “maintaining smooth, glowing skin between professional treatments,” says Dr. Garshick.

While you’ll find many at-home devices out there, exfoliating scrubs also promise a similar feel and result as microdermabrasion. These microdermabrasion products may be a gentler bet depending on your skin type. “While exfoliating scrubs can provide mild exfoliation and a similar feel to microdermabrasion on a less intense scale, they do not offer the same depth of exfoliation,” says Dr. Garshick. However, they won’t provide the same result as an actual at-home microdermabrasion machine, so again, temper your expectations accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do at-home microdermabrasion kits work?
• Are at-home microdermabrasion tools worth it?
• Who should try microdermabrasion?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

With that, scroll ahead for the best at-home microdermabrasion kit and products for every skin concern and type.

Best At-Home Microdermabrasion Kit Overall: PMD Personal Microderm Classic

Why it’s worth it: Cute? Yes. Timeless? Also yes. The PMD Personal Microderm Classic has been around for so long that it used to come with an instructional DVD. (Like most things in life, you can find a ton of how-to videos on their website now.) It buffs away dead skin with a patented spinning disc embedded with aluminum oxide crystals; its vacuum suction is calibrated to a Goldilocks degree, so it offers just enough suction to be effective but not pull the skin. (That said, our tester said that this motor was no joke—so proceed with caution.)

Editor’s tip: The device is pre-loaded with a very fine-grain white disc to practice with. Once you get the feel of it, you can swap in any of the three included discs, which have varying grains for different skin types.

Product highlights: 2 attachments (face and body), 3 discs (very sensitive, sensitive, and moderate), and an adapter

Best for Mature Skin: Microderm Glo Diamond Microdermabrasion Machine

Why it’s worth it: The Microderm Glo Diamond Microdermabrasion system is a go-to for Dr. Garshick, since the device “features a diamond tip for precise exfoliation and is designed to be gentle yet effective,” she says. The four-minute treatment is also effective for brightening skin and smoothing skin texture, and she points to its ergonomic design as a reason it’s so user-friendly. The diamond tip comes in two sizes (a standard size as well as a “fine” size), and its filters are removable so you can swap them out.

Editor’s tip: Want to take it on the road? The Microderm Glo Mini Blackhead Remover Pore Vacuum doesn't have all the bells and whistles (it lacks the LED displays and multiple modes) but it has easy, one-touch control, two suction levels, and a cordless design—not to mention a slimmer profile that makes it a breeze to pack.

Product highlights: charging base, USB charging cable, cleaning brush, 20 filter replacements, and travel pouch

Best for Face: Foreo Kiwi Derma

Why it’s worth it: Foreo’s got a lock on skin-care devices, like the Foreo Luna (a cleansing brush) and the Foreo Bear (a microcurrent device)—and the Foreo Kiwi Derma is no different. It utilizes three different approaches, manually buffing away dead skin with diamond tips, suctioning gunk out of pores, and massaging to help reduce puffiness. The various tips are meant for different areas: The smallest exfoliates the T-zone, the largest exfoliates the cheeks, and the medium covers everything in between.

Editor’s tip: The tips are designed so you don’t ever have to swap out the filters, saving you money in the long run.

Product highlights: 6 intensities, 3 massage settings, 3 tips, USB charging cable, 2-year warranty, and 120-minute battery life

Best for Beginners: Trophy Skin MicrodermMD At-Home Microdermabrasion Kit

Why it’s worth it: Dr. Garshick points to the Trophy Skin MicrodermMD At-Home Microdermabrasion Kit as a user-friendly option, since it has an LCD screen to guide you through the treatment. “It’s a favorite for its comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation and the visible improvements in skin texture and tone,” she says. You can select your mode—auto mode will adjust the suction based on the area you’re treating—and your suction intensity, offering the most customization of any other kit on this list.

Editor’s tip: The kit comes with a pore infusion tip designed to mimic hydradermabrasion (a popular example is the HydraFacial treatment); apply a serum or cream to your face and use the attachment to help it absorb into your skin.

Product highlights: 6 tips, 3 treatment modes (manual, auto, and sensitive), 8 suction power levels, and 50 replacement filters

Best Dermatologist-Designed: Lancer Skincare Pro Polish Microdermabrasion Device

Why it’s worth it: Want office-worthy results? That’s the goal of the Lancer Skincare Pro Polish Microdermabrasion Device, designed after the machine in dermatologist Howard Lancer’s Beverly Hills office. It pairs a diamond tip with a powerful vacuum suction—however, unlike other designs, this device has a neck that swivels, making it easy to maneuver around your face and body. Since it has three different suction settings, try testing it on your hand first to find what seems most comfortable for you, and then adjust it accordingly once you use it on your face.

Editor’s tip: Not ready for a tool? You could also swap this for the Lancer Skincare The Method: Polish, a celeb-loved scrub with different grits for sensitive, oily, and congested skin types.

Product highlights: 3 settings, 2 suction tips, 200 replacement filters, charger, and travel pouch

Best Dual Exfoliant: Goop GoopGlow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator

Why it’s worth it: The tip of a microdermabrasion device is embedded with crystals, and Goop's GoopGlow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator effectively turns them into micro-exfoliants—quartz, garnet, aluminum, and silica—with a super-fine grit. They're paired with glycolic acid in this bouncy, lightweight formula, thereby mimicking actual microdermabrasion through physical and chemical exfoliation. (To get even more smoothing action out of it, let it sit on your skin for up to three minutes before rinsing; the acid acts like a mini-peel.)

Editor’s tip: This face exfoliator launched in 2019, and was so successful that fans clamored for a follow-up—which is why the brand launched the Goop GoopGlow Microderm Instant Glow Body Polish for below the neck, too.

Key ingredients: quartz, aluminum, and glycolic acid

Best Hydradermabrasion: Michael Todd Beauty Sonic Refresher

Why it’s worth it: The beauty of hydradermabrasion—which combines microdermabrasion with hydration—is that it supposedly delivers deeper, better absorption of actives since you no longer have dead skin cells blocking their path into the dermis. That’s the thinking behind the Michael Todd Beauty's Sonic Refresher Wet/Dry Sonic Microdermabrasion and Pore Extraction System. The diamond tip polishes skin, followed by suction-powered pore extraction (via a different head) to clear clogs. Finally, it can turn water or your go-to essence or toner into a micro-mist, which you can use during or after the exfoliation.

Editor’s tip: The trick to avoiding irritation is to keep the device constantly moving over your skin; if it stays on one spot for too long, it could potentially cause redness and discomfort.

Product highlights: 6 attachments, 40 replacement filters, charging cradle, and USB charging cable

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Pore Purifier

Why it’s worth it: Peter Thomas Roth’s Even Smoother Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Pore Purifier was formulated with clogged pores in mind, and it doesn’t hold back. Powered by 2% salicylic acid to deep dive into pores and break up clogs from the inside out, this formula's combination of enzymes and crystals handles surface dead skin cells. All of this goodness is suspended in a blend of bentonite and kaolin clay, which adds extra pore-clearing power.

Editor’s tip: Because it provides serious exfoliation, follow up with sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid, bentonite clay, and kaolin clay

Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Brandt Skincare Microdermabrasion Renewing Face Exfoliator

Why it’s worth it: A two-time Best of Beauty Award winner, Dr. Brandt Skincare's Microdermabrasion Renewing Face Exfoliator uses chemical and physical exfoliants—lactic acid and aluminum oxide crystals—to slough away dead skin. Even though that sounds intense, they’re buffered with a comforting blend of jojoba seed oil, aloe vera, and chamomile. And it couldn’t be easier to use: “Smooth a pea-size amount over your skin, focusing on the T-zone, then rinse the citrus-scented formula away for a baby-soft finish,” says deputy beauty director Liz Siegel.

Editor’s tip: Less is more for this product, even though it’s a rinse-off formula and not a device. Allure editors like using this once a week for baby-soft skin.

Key ingredients: lactic acid, aluminum oxide crystals, and aloe vera

Best for Sensitive Skin: Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub

Why it’s worth it: If you're dealing with ultra-sensitive skin but want to get in on the microdermabrasion action, the Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub takes a cue from the in-office procedure—but makes it extra gentle, with our tester noting that it actually moisturizes skin instead of leaving it feeling stripped. (That's because it cushions the ultra-fine salt from the Dead Sea with vitamin E, sweet almond oil, and grapeseed oil.) "It always delivers; my cheekbones look a little more glinty, my face texture is noticeably better, and I did not have to go through the grueling process of making an appointment online," our tester said.

Editor’s tip: It’s mild enough that you can use it a few times a week, especially if your skin is resilient or oily.

Key ingredients: sea salt, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, and vitamin E

Best for Large Pores: DermaFlash DermaPore+ Ultrasonic Pore Extractor

Why it’s worth it: While it's not a true microdermabrasion product, DermaFlash's DermaPore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor + Skincare Infuser still makes quick work of blackheads and clogged pores—just without the usual suction. Instead, it uses ultrasonic vibrations and ionic technology to dislodge debris from the pores, and its stainless-steel spatula helps (gently!) scrape off said debris. It also has a secondary mode to massage and push your go-to products into the skin. We love better absorption.

Editor’s tip: If you want more thorough exfoliation, the Dermaflash Luxe+ Dermaplaning Device is a favorite among editors. "The results were instant and obvious: my skin was glowy with no product on it whatsoever, and the contours of my face looked much more defined,” said our tester.

Product highlights: 2 modes, Prep Mist, and USB charging cable

Frequently Asked Questions

Do at-home microdermabrasion kits work?

At-home microdermabrasion products can be effective so long as you adjust your expectations accordingly. If you’ve gotten professional microdermabrasion—or even a riff on it, like HydraFacial—first know that you’re not going to get as noticeable results, and you don't have much power over the outcome. “I prefer an in-office device to offer a more controlled experience,” says Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles.

That said, they can still be beneficial for some people. “While they are generally less powerful than professional devices, they still provide effective exfoliation and can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and enhance the absorption of skin-care products,” says Dr. Garshick.

Are at-home microdermabrasion tools worth it?

That depends. Will you actually use it? If so, then yes, at-home microdermabrasion tools might just be worthwhile. “Consistent use can lead to noticeable improvements in the overall complexion,” says Dr. Garshick. Again, you might get the most bang for your buck if you use them as maintenance between treatments with a professional-grade microdermabrasion device.

Who should try microdermabrasion?

If you want smooth, radiant skin, fewer blemishes, and a more even skin tone and texture, at-home microdermabrasion might be a good option. It's not without its drawbacks, though. “At-home microdermabrasion has a higher risk of side effects including scarring, skin irritation, and damage,” says Dr. Amin, who recommends avoiding it entirely if you have sensitive skin, acne, eczema, or rosacea.

Instead of microdermabrasion, Dr. Amin recommends using a retinoid cream, which offers more gradual (but still incredibly effective) exfoliation. Or, consider a scrub or exfoliating product to smooth and soften skin in a milder manner.

And, of course, read the directions before you boot up your device. “Overuse or improper technique can lead to skin irritation, redness, or even damage,” says Dr. Garshick.

Meet the experts

• Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
• Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points, that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.

Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Apart from in-office dermatologist appointments, skin-care devices are the best way to upgrade your skin health. Let us recommend some more:

• The 9 Best LED Face Masks to Address Acne, Fine Lines, and More
• The Best Microcurrent Devices to Lift and Tighten Skin Instantly
• 13 Best Face Massagers to Upgrade Your At-Home Facials

Done reading? Now, watch supermodel Cindy Crawford go through her classic beauty routine:

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