How Microdermabrasion Affects the Skin

Potential benefits are more than skin deep

Microdermabrasion causes a small amount of trauma to the skin, subsequently repairing and rejuvenating it.

As a result, you may notice physical changes to the skin, including less oily skin, a decrease in pores, improved smoothness, and thinner skin.

While microdermabrasion is considered an effective treatment for making bad skin good and good skin better, what exactly does it do to the skin? And, more importantly, does it do any harm?

Diamond microdermabrasion facial treatment
RobertoDavid / Getty Images

Skin Anatomy 101

The skin is the body's largest organ and a complicated one at that. It is divided into three distinct layers, each of which has specific purposes and function:

  • The epidermis is the outermost layer that consists mainly of dead skin cells but also serves as a protective barrier to everything from UV exposure to bacteria and virus.​​ While considered a single layer of the skin, the epidermis is made up of multiple layers .
  • The dermis is the middle layer that contains the structural parts of the skin, including collagen and elastin.
  • Subcutaneous tissue is the bottom layer that contains fat and larger blood vessels.

Effects on the Appearance of Skin

Microdermabrasion works by causing a small amount of trauma to the skin, allowing the skin to repair itself in a more organized fashion. This can create younger, healthier-looking skin. It is performed over a series of treatments, typically six procedures scheduled seven to 10 days apart.

Noticeable changes are usually visible after the first treatment. The skin will almost immediately appear smoother, healthier, and rejuvenated. As the treatments continue, the skin will most often become less oily, pores will become less pronounced, and thick areas of skin will look and feel thinner. Fine wrinkles can even appear smoother.

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This video has been medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD.

Effects on the Epidermis

Because the epidermis makes up the outermost layer of the skin, changes to this layer would be most apparent. Microscopic examination of the skin will show a number of processes occurring following microdermabrasion:

  • The epidermis will become thicker as new skin cells are being produced more rapidly. The cells themselves will be much larger, which leads to the appearance of fuller, more plump skin.
  • The cells in the lower layers of the epidermis will be knit together in a more consistent "basket weave" configuration rather than a haphazard fashion.
  • As the barrier function of the epidermis will be disrupted in the first 24 hours following the procedure, the skin can appear much drier than usual. However, the dryness will quickly resolve itself, usually after seven days, as the replenished cells are more capable of absorbing moisture.

Effects on the Dermis

While changes begin to appear in the epidermis first, the effects go well beyond the surface layer. In fact, it is actually the dermis that receives many of the longer terms benefits. Chemical changes can occur almost immediately, which causes the dermal layer to become thicker and healthier.

Research suggests a number of additional benefits:

  • Microdermabrasion increases the number of collagen fibers, which become thicker, more tightly packed, and more consistently organized.
  • The number of elastic fibers also increases, and they are oriented vertically instead of horizontally, giving the dermal layer more "spring."
  • The number and size of fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen) also increase.

Inflammation Following Microdermabrasion

There is typically some redness following a microdermabrasion procedure. It is an indication of an inflammatory process in which immune proteins are released into the system to begin the process of repairing damaged cells.

The redness is caused by the expansion of blood vessels in the dermis and epidermis, which allow immune cells closer access to the affected tissue. Part of this is due to the mechanical stretching of the skin by the negative pressure (suction) component of the procedure. Low-level inflammation is a natural response and one which is entirely expected in persons who have undergone the procedure.

A Word From Verywell

Microdermabrasion has its clear benefits but should only be performed by a trained and licensed aesthetician. There is typically no downtime or discomfort as a result of the procedure, but there are contraindications.

People with rosacea and broken capillaries should not have microdermabrasion and neither should anyone with a current bacterial or viral skin infection (including flat warts and herpes simplex). Other problematic skin or medical conditions may require specialist input before you undergo the procedure.

If in doubt, meet with a licensed dermatologist who can give you the best advice for your specific skin type or condition.

2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. El-Domyati M, Hosam W, Abdel-Azim E, Abdel-Wahab H, Mohamed E. Microdermabrasion: a clinical, histometric, and histopathologic studyJ Cosmet Dermatol. 2016;15(4):503–513. doi:10.1111/jocd.12252

  2. Fąk M, Rotsztejn H, Erkiert-Polguj A. The early effect of microdermabrasion on hydration and sebum levelSkin Res Technol. 2018;24(4):650–655. doi:10.1111/srt.12580

Additional Reading
  • National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: StatPearls. Microdermabrasion. Updated January 13, 2020.

By Heather L. Brannon, MD
Heather L. Brannon, MD, is a family practice physician in Mauldin, South Carolina. She has been in practice for over 20 years.