At-home microdermabrasion device: who should skip it and how to use one
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- PMD Personal Microderm Classic. Best for: A first at-home microdermabrasion device. See options on Amazon
- PMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro. Best for: Face and body use with adjustable settings. See options on Amazon
What microdermabrasion does
The AAD describes microdermabrasion as a non-invasive treatment that gently exfoliates the skin. After a series of treatments, the complexion can look smoother, brighter and more even in color. Dermatologists use it for a dull complexion, uneven tone or texture, age spots, dark spots left after acne, and melasma. It can also help other skin care products penetrate more easily.
The AAD notes the treatment a dermatologist performs differs from the one you do at home with a kit: the professional treatment goes a bit deeper. Some device makers say their tools match professional results; treat that as a marketing claim.
Two PMD devices compared
| Detail | PMD Personal Microderm Classic | PMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Spinning disc plus vacuum suction | Spinning discs plus vacuum suction |
| Settings | Not listed on the product page | Tri-speed settings, adjustable suction |
| Extras | Not listed on the product page | Face and body caps, blackhead cap, cordless |
| Maker's suggested use | Weekly treatments | Not listed on the product page |
Details are from PMD's product pages. Both use rotating discs to remove dead skin cells and suction that PMD says helps unclog pores. Diamond-tip machines are another at-home style sold online; follow their manuals closely.
Who should see a dermatologist first
The AAD says to see a dermatologist before getting microdermabrasion at a spa or using an at-home kit if you:
- Have a changing spot. A mole or other spot that is growing, bleeding or changing in any way could be skin cancer.
- Took isotretinoin. If you have taken this prescription acne medicine within the past 6 months, you have a higher risk of complications, including scarring, and may need to wait.
- Scar easily.
If your skin tends to develop dark spots after acne clears or after an injury, the AAD says you may have a greater risk of more dark spots. Ask a dermatologist before using a home device in that case. For breakouts, see our acne spot treatment guide.
How to use a home device
- Start on clean, dry skin, and follow your device's manual for cap choice, suction level and stroke direction. See our facial cleanser guide.
- Start gentle. If your device has adjustable suction or speed, as the Elite Pro does, begin at the lowest setting and see how your skin looks the next day.
- Space sessions. The AAD says the skin usually recovers quickly and most people can safely have another treatment a week later, though some need several weeks. PMD suggests weekly use for its Classic.
- Moisturize afterward. The AAD says you may need to apply a moisturizer after treatment; see our facial moisturizer guide.
- Choose gentle products after. The AAD says microdermabrasion helps products penetrate the skin more easily, so a plain moisturizer is a safer follow-up than strong acids; see our exfoliating toner pads guide for how acids differ.
Side effects and sun protection
After microdermabrasion, the AAD says treated skin may be pink or red and slightly swollen, which tends to disappear within a day. In some cases skin can bruise, burn, sting, or become extremely sensitive to sunlight. Those effects go away without treatment.
Sun protection matters: the AAD says protecting your skin from the sun helps ensure the best results and reduces the risk of side effects, and that results tend to be temporary unless you protect your skin. See our mineral sunscreen guide.
Realistic results
Most patients need a series of treatments. In a dermatologist's office, the AAD says, patients usually receive between 5 and 16 treatments, weekly, every two weeks or monthly, and then report smoother skin and a more radiant complexion. Results tend to be temporary, and follow-up treatments are usually needed.
For dark spots specifically, other products may be a better first step; see our niacinamide serum guide. See a dermatologist if your skin stays red, blisters or darkens after using a device.
What to look for when you buy
PMD Personal Microderm Classic
Best for: A first at-home microdermabrasion device
PMD describes vacuum suction with a spinning disc, used in weekly treatments.
Watch out: See a dermatologist first if you took isotretinoin in the past 6 months.
See options on AmazonPMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro
Best for: Face and body use with adjustable settings
PMD lists tri-speed settings, adjustable suction, face and body caps and a blackhead cap.
Watch out: Start on the lowest setting; protect skin from the sun after.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Is at-home microdermabrasion as good as a dermatologist's?
- The AAD says a dermatologist's treatment goes a bit deeper than an at-home kit.
- How often can I use a microdermabrasion device?
- The AAD says most people can safely have another treatment a week later; some need several weeks.
- Who should not do microdermabrasion at home?
- See a dermatologist first if you have a changing mole, scar easily, or took isotretinoin in the past 6 months.
- Is redness normal after microdermabrasion?
- The AAD says pink or red, slightly swollen skin tends to disappear within a day.
- Do I need sunscreen after microdermabrasion?
- Yes. The AAD says sun protection helps results and reduces side effects.
Sources
- Microdermabrasion: FAQs (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Microdermabrasion: Overview (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Personal Microderm Classic (pmdbeauty.com), PMD Beauty
- Personal Microderm Elite Pro (pmdbeauty.com), PMD Beauty