Another new technique which has become used very widely in the last two years, is the micro-dermabrasion. This technique uses small particles, usually aluminum oxide or sodium chloride crystals, which are delivered to the skin under positive pressure, causing a superficial sanding of the face.

The effect produced by microdermabrasion is much more superficial than either laser or dermabrasion, but has the advantages of being essentially painless, and therefore not requiring any anesthesia.

Microdermabrasion gives the gratification of producing immediate improved smoothness of the skin with only minimal redness, and not requiring any prolonged recovery. However, as with some of the other techniques described, because the damage to the skin is so superficial, microdermabrasion does not destroy deep acne scars. Combined with the at home use of retinoic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid and Vitamin-C, repeated treatments can bring about a marked improvement in skin smoothness and color.