10 Effective At

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Get the popular in-office treatment in the comfort of your own space.

Microdermabrasion is a popular skincare procedure that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells to yield smooth, bright, glowing skin, says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in NYC. And best of all, it involves no discomfort, downtime, or recovery. The downside? It can be a pricey procedure.

Here's a bit of good news, though: You don't have to pay a premium for the professionals to do it—there are a number of at-home microdermabrasion machines, kits, and products that compare to the in-office treatments the rich and famous treat themselves to. While there's nothing quite like the results you'll see from stronger in-office visits like Fraxel, Thermage, Velashape, and Clear and Brilliant, says Green, at-home devices have come a long way.

"Dermabrasion kits developed for at-home use often include an exfoliating scrub that contains some sort of abrasive material, much like in-office machines use crystals," says Stacy Chimento, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. "These home kits are, at their core, facial scrubs that remove dead skin paired with a device equipped for mild suction."

Though not quite as powerful as professional treatments, it's imperative that you exercise caution when using at-home microdermabrasion kits. Always follow directions for use carefully and use the devices sparingly (max once per week), says Shari Sperling, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey. "Microdermabrasion, if done incorrectly, can cause tears and abrasions to the skin. Additionally, the crystals can get into the eyes and cause cornea abrasion," says Green. And if you have extremely sensitive skin or a skin condition like rosacea, Green suggests leaving the work to a board-certified dermatologist.

If you think you're ready to give one of the machines or potent scrubs a try, dermatologists say these microdermabrasion products are the safest, most effective on the market today.

A winning drugstore pick that provides gentle exfoliation to help clear and shrink pores. "If you are acne-prone, this is one of the best tools you can get for at-home use," says Green.

This device is great for beginners, since it provides the user with clear and very detailed step-by-step instructions, says Green. It's worth noting that nearly every dermatologist we spoke to recommended this machine for its ability to leave skin glowing.

"The most important thing to look for with these kits is the vacuum aspect of the system to ensure that there are elements of both exfoliation and suction," says Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia. This ensures you'll adequately remove all those dead skin cells from the surface—your ticket to smoother, brighter skin. Though moderately priced, this one is very effective, she says.

If you're not comfortable wielding a machine, Diane Madfes, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, says some of the more potent scrubs can also provide benefits of microderm exfoliation. This one, which contains silica to cleanse pores and soften skin, is suitable for all skin types and can be used with a washcloth or a mechanical brush for added exfoliating power, she says.

This at-home tool, recommended by Ilyas, features three separate diamond tips, so you can alter your treatment based on your skin type. It also gently mists skin to rehydrate a parched complexion, leaving a nice, dewy glow in its wake.

To treat skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, or blemishes, try this easy-to-use tool, says Lesley Reynolds, cofounder of the Harley Street Skin Clinic. Though lightweight and compact, it delivers professional-grade performance that clears pores and leaves skin softer and smoother, she says.

This body exfoliator contains the same professional-grade crystals that many of the machines have on the tip of their wands for physical exfoliation, says Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Los Angeles. It also features lactic acid for a gentle chemical exfoliation, as well as jojoba oil to moisturize, chamomile to soothe, and aloe vera to quell inflammation.

A diamond-encrusted exfoliating tip combined with powerful vacuum suctioning and a 180-degree swivel head makes this tool a highly effective one, says Ilyas. Just take note—because the suction is so powerful, some reviewers find it too aggressive for their skin.

Though the priciest option, nearly ever dermatologist we spoke to touted this as a safe, reliable at-home microdermabrasion machine. "It's the closest thing to an in-office treatment," says Pierre. It comes with a diamond tip instead of the more standard aluminum oxide crystals and has variable suction that allows you to customize your treatment. It even features a sensitive mode for beginners.

Not quite as powerful as a machine, but still effective in removing the top layer of dead skin cells, says Jacob Steiger, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. This enables other skincare products to penetrate the skin 20 times deeper, maximizing their benefits, he explains. For best results, use it at night followed by toner, serums, and moisturizer.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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