What Is The Best Microdermabrasion Kit?

Most manufacturers claim their microderm abrasion system is the best. Some, at least say that it's the best for a specific condition like fine lines, acne scars and wrinkles, clogged pores or age spots.

Usually, home microderm kits fall in one of these 4 categories:

1. Complexion - These microdermabrasion products are the least effective of the bunch. They work on dull, blotchy skin and improve the overall complexion and appearance. They are nothing more than a good facial but have very little in common with microdermabrasion. Prices range between $20-$75; brands include L'Oreal Refinish, Olay Regenerist Peel, Clinique, Epidermx II, Dr. Brandt
2. Pores - The microabrasion kits in this category are slightly more effective because they peel better and your pores will be the first to benefit from it. These systems help with clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads and enlarged pores. Prices range between $45-$85; brands include Microdelivery Peel, Estee Lauder, Lancome Resurface C, Mary Kay.
3. Skin tone - These microdermabrasion systems are in a different league altogether. Their peeling effect is significantly better compared to the kits in the first 2 categories. They help with hyperpigmentation, irregular skin tone, age and sun spots. Prices range between $14-$75; brands include Neutrogena, Ponds, Microdermx, Micro Pearl Abrasion.
4. Skin surface (the heavy-weight league) - These are, by far, the best home microdermabrasion products. They really resurface the skin and are as close to the professional procedure as a commercial product can get. They help fade superficial scars (acne scars), fine line and wrinkles and bumps. Prices range between $40-$130; brands include Youthful Essence, Dermanew, Dermapower, Visage Naturel. Of all the products I've used so far, Youthful Essence is my favorite.

Most companies have an at-home microderm abrasion system designed for use on the face (and maybe the neck) but only a handful have a body microdermabrasion kit as well (Neutrogena and Dermanew). Be careful not to make the same mistake my friend Donna nearly did (she nearly bought the Dermanew Body system instead of the Facial Rejuvenation System).

The term of 'body microdermabrasion' can be misleading. It doesn't refer to a product you can use anywhere on your body, but from the neck down. Body micro dermabrasion formulas are more aggressive and can cause skin damage when used on the face whereas facial micro abrasion formulas are gentle and they probably won't have any effect on the arms, chest or back.

Me and my friends believe that the best microdermabrasion products are those that closely imitate the professional procedure -- and its results. Most microabrasion kits use the same type of crystals used in the office treatment but the way the cream is used varies significantly.

With some products you use your bare hands to apply the micro dermabrasion cream while with others you use a sponge or cloth. Dermanew and Youthful Essence have the most advanced resurfacing tools I've seen. However, some products that are basically a microdermabrasion scrub have surprised us in how well they work for what they are (particularly Philosophy's Microdelivery Peel, Lancome Resurface C, Microdermx, Micro Pearl Abrasion).

I am always eager to try new microdermabration products and I am impatient to see results, even though I should know better. It takes a few weeks of regular use to start seeing what the product can do. I (almost) always follow the instructions to the letter and never use it more often than I should. After a few weeks you either see no or mild improvement, or something slightly more dramatic (a faded scar, fewer lines or more even skin tone).