This is an objective, non-biased article. We base our product choices on various factors, such as product reviews, ratings, and overall reputation of brands. It does, however, contain affiliate links for featured products.
Microdermabrasion appeared in the 90s as an alternative to its more aggressive counterpart, dermabrasion.
It essentially means removing the outermost layer of the facial skin with a rotating, suctioning device to rejuvenate it and get rid of surface-level blemishes, such as shallow scars, wrinkles, and blackheads.
Since it’s so effective, many are starting to look at DIY options. If you’re among the DIY beauty crowd, keep on reading as we delve into the top 6 home microdermabrasion kits!
Is Microdermabrasion Safe to Do at Home?
Yes, but not in the traditional microdermabrasion sense.
Traditional, intense microdermabrasion should be done by an experienced and certified professional. However, you can do a gentler version of this treatment at home.
The procedure works the same – a wand that disperses crystals or has a diamond-coated ring is used to scrape off the dead skin, creating the micro-abrasions. Some devices even suck up dead skin cells and other debris.
The difference is that at-home devices are gentler, and won’t go as deep as the professional ones would.
As long as you let your skin rest for 6-7 days between treatments, you’ll be perfectly safe doing the treatment yourself. If you feel any pain beyond a slight tingle, get in touch with a professional since that usually means you’re doing something wrong.
Best Micro Dermabrasion Kit for Home Use
Scroll to take a look at our top micro dermabrasion kits for at-home use!
1. The Neutrogena Microdermabrasion Starter Kit
This may be the best microdermabrasion kit available for DIY skincare since it includes everything you need.
The set contains the applicator, an attachment head, and a month’s worth of pre-dosed single-use puffs, which are inexpensive to restock.
However, some users say that the pads were out of stock when they tried to order them, so make sure to plan your restocks ahead.
The only issue reviewers encountered was that the instruction manual found in the box was somewhat confusing, so if you decide to go with this option, be prepared to do some online research before using the kit.
- PROS
• 4.6 Amazon rating
• Reviews say it’s very effective
- CONS
• The instructions are not so great
• The pads may not be available all the time
2. The Appolus Premium Diamond Microdermabrasion Device
The biggest advantage this wand has over the others is the fact that you get various attachments to treat various imperfections!
There are 2 diamond heads (a smaller and a larger one), 2 suction heads (oval and round), as well as a Blu-ray head for shrinking pores and repairing sun-damaged skin.
The main disadvantage is that that’s all you get besides the main device – you’ll have to find and buy other accessories on your own.
On top of that, reviewers write that the suction power of this device is weaker than they expected. But if your goal is to do gentle maintenance treatments and you don’t expect the professional-grade results you’d get at a salon, this device is a great option!
- PROS
• Inexpensive
• 5 attachments
- CONS
• Some users found the suction too weak
3. The Olay Brush Exfoliating Microdermabrasion Kit
This kit includes everything you’ll need to do microdermabrasion at home: a water-resistant cleansing brush, a microdermabrasion foam head, a thermal crystal polisher, and an exfoliating renewal cleanser (both 0.68 fl. oz.).
The device also has 3 different speed settings for daily cleansing and weekly exfoliation.
Users found this device effective, but less intense than they expected. Like we said, at-home microdermabrasion is significantly gentler than a salon treatment, so lower device speeds are to be expected.
It’s also good to keep in mind that, although the device is water-proof, the battery compartment is not – water can easily pour in if you use the device in the shower or during cleaning, so be careful.
- PROS
• Multifunctional
• Affordable
- CONS
• Too gentle for some users
• Not 100% water-resistant
4. The Kelley West Microderm360
The Kelley West at-home microdermabrasion device includes a fine surface tip intended for facial treatments, a coarser tip for the body, and a fine, stainless steel tip for sensitive areas of the body.
It also has 2 speed intensities and a 360-degree swivel neck to give you more control over the treatment.
The majority of reviews are positive, saying that the device really is as spa-grade as it claims to be and that it worked wonders for their skin.
It comes with a 1-year warranty, and there has been a lot of positive feedback regarding users’ experience with customer support. On the other hand, some users report that they had issues with delayed responses.
Other than that, there were some complaints regarding the device being too intense, leaving behind bruises and scratches – so be extra careful while getting used to the device.
- PROS
• Different tips to choose from
• 360-degree swivel neck
- CONS
• Too intense for some
• Mixed reviews on the warranty and customer support
5. The Microderm GLO Diamond Microdermabrasion Machine and Suction Tool
This device is the only at-home microdermabrasion system that has a patented diamond Safe3D™ suction technology. It also offers a lifetime warranty, 2 diamond exfoliation tips, and has a convenient built-in display.
You can get it in the mini version too!
However, there have been reports of users having a hard time with the battery life – it doesn’t last as long as the others and it takes a longer time to recharge.
- PROS
• Patented Safe3D™ suction technology
• Users say it’s very effective
- CONS
• Battery issues
• Some reports of receiving faulty devices (but with replacements)
6. The PMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro
The PMD at-home microdermabrasion device includes two suction attachments, as well as 4 types of crystal exfoliation tips. It’s been reported as an effective solution, even by some licensed cosmetologists.
However, there have been some reports of the device spontaneously dying after just a few uses – which shouldn’t be happening, especially at this price point.
- PROS
• Variety of attachments
• High-quality look and feel
- CONS
• On the expensive side
• Lowest Amazon reviews on this list
Why Microdermabrasion Beats Regular Scrubs
Microdermabrasion at any level (deeper salon treatments or gentler at-home ones) is still more effective than scrubs and exfoliators because it goes deeper into your skin.
This means that surface-level imperfections will be removed completely and are less likely to reappear.
The effects of microdermabrasion are also longer in the sense that the skin will feel and look more glowy for the full week between treatments, whereas, with scrubs, you usually get 1-2 days of that fresh-face look.
Final Word of Caution on Using a Micro Dermabrasion Kit at Home
Microdermabrasion is a form of mechanical exfoliation, which is great when done in moderation. Over-exfoliating your skin with any type of mechanical force can lead to a damaged skin barrier. As long as you use it from time to time, you should be fine.
