This clinic or salon procedure removes the outer layer of the corneum stratum, improving the appearance of fine lines, sun damage or raised scars and giving skin a brighter, more even tone and smoother texture.

Different methods include mechanical abrasion from jets of zinc oxide or aluminium oxide crystals, fine organic particles that are blasted onto the skin under pressure and vacuumed up with the loosened skin. Some treatments use a roughened surface, usually a wand.

Crystal dermabrasion works by blasting the skin with microscopic crystal, diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond head to lightly abrade the skin's surface, while organic microdermabrasion uses medical-grade baking soda or milled grains, which are more gentle than crystals and therefore suitable for sensitive skins. A handpiece is used to suck up the stripping agent and skin particles.

The treatment is painless and in fact may feel very similar to a salon exfoliation, while the time involved is similar to a complete facial. Skin may feel a little hot and appear a little pink after treatment but this settles rapidly. Some microdermabrasion treatments, the results of which last for a few weeks, are accompanied by result-enhancing oxygen therapy. A course of up to six treatments, around six weeks apart, is required to achieve improvement of specific problems such as age spots. Microdermabrasion can also be an effective treatment for blocked pores and blemishes.