Microdermabrasion is a skin care procedure that is particularly helpful for problems such as uneven skin pigmentation and rough skin texture. This is often advertised in the media as a "lunchtime peel." The procedure uses a device that sprays a fine stream of microcrystals against the skin, which exfoliates it or removes the outer dead skin layer. This increases the rate at which the skin cells are renewed and increases the thickness of the deeper layer of the skin.

A microdermabrasion session takes approximately 20-30 minutes for the face. Other common areas treated are the neck and arms. There is no downtime, as the treatment does not remove living skin. You may have some mild redness that can last a few hours or a day. Make-up can be applied immediately afterward.

Prior to starting the microdermabrasion treatments for the first time, a glycolic acid solution is used at home for 2 weeks. A necessary component of microdermabrasion is a good skin care regimen involving the glycolic acid solution and sunblock. Other treatments that are useful include topical Vitamin C and Renova. Consistent use of the skin care regimen adds greatly to the result.

Maximum improvement of the skin using any conservative skin treatment such as microdermabrasion may take a year or more, although an immediate improvement in skin texture can be noticed. Both men and women are common candidates for microdermabrasion.