Done properly, this treatment should take off only the very outer layer of the epidermis. This layer is called the stratum corneum. It is made up of dead skin cells. Since no little or no living tissue is removed during this type of skin exfoliation, it is not as irritating to the skin as deeper treatments like laser resurfacing or chemical peels.

The main skin issues microdermabrasion addresses are:

• Dull skin tone
• Age spots
• Uneven skin coloration
• Rough skin texture
• Fine lines

Some patients report that their pores appear smaller after microdermabrasion. This treatment doesn’t actually shrink pores, but it can help unclog them. This makes skin look clearer and more even.

Many patients do use this treatment for skin flaws such as mild acne. Microdermabrasion is only suitable for treating acne patients with an outbreak of white heads and black heads but not too many red and infected pustules. The procedure could make moderate-to-severe acne worse by increasing skin irritation and spreading the surface bacteria (p. acnes) that cause outbreaks.

No. Unlike many chemical peels, this skin exfoliation treatment is used successfully on patients of all skin tones. You do need to tell your cosmetic surgeon if you have a history of:

• Sensitive skin
• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Hypertrophic or keloid scarring

These issues may make you a poor candidate for this procedure since microdermabrasion can increase inflammation and lead to unwanted pigment changes.