It’s always a long shot to attempt to make the claim that a beauty product is miraculous, especially in this world of ever-changing fads and trends.
However, we do strongly believe that the Dr. Brandt microdermabrasion exfoliant is wondrous in at least one way.
In the following paragraphs, we’ll try to determine whether it’s miraculous in more than just one basic way, though. Let’s get started.
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What’s Microdermabrasion?
First of all, let’s straighten up this term (which is quote the tongue twister, especially on a good Friday evening).
Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating procedure which involves the use of small crystal particles in order to peel off dead skin cells and promote the growth of newer, healthier ones. It’s exfoliation – that’s it.
However, it’s these crystal particles that truly make this treatment what it is. It’s incredibly efficient and appraised by customers and experts alike.
Unfortunately, this also makes it fairly expensive and time-consuming. You can only reap the benefits at the doctor’s office and each appointment will take quite a lot of weight out of your pockets.
Well, let’s rectify: you could only real the benefits at a doctor’s office… until now.
The Premise of the Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant
This is where Dr. Brandt comes in, bringing to the table what is essentially a microdermabrasion session in a kit which you can use from the comfort of your home.
Don’t get the wrong idea, it’s still really expensive, but it’s actually cheaper than a visit to a doctor’s office.
The product has several key ingredients.
- Aluminum Oxide Crystals. They’re the undoubted stars of any microdermabrasion treatment and, most of all, the primary ‘actors’ in the process that rids you of dead skin cells.
- Lactic Acid. Acting as a chemical peel, the lactic acid contributes to the effective exfoliation of dead skins, leaving the new layer underneath soft and smooth.
- Botanical Blend of Jojoba, Aloe Vera, and Chamomile. Here to soothe and rejuvenate skin and keep it from getting irritated from the treatment.
Is This Product Worth It?
Now this is where the complicated debate really kicks in. Especially considering the expenses, is this really something worth investing it?
At the end of the day, both a normal scrub and a luxurious, crystal particle treatment aim to shed away dead skin cells and rejuvenate.
Do you really need this kind of exfoliation taken to the extreme next level?
This is why you should probably have a talk to your dermatologist about whether your various skin problems could go away through exfoliation. If that’s the case, by all means, go for it.
However, the peppered price doesn’t necessarily guarantee flawless results, as there are still plenty of reviews on the Internet that claim it doesn’t live up to the hype. It’s a gamble, really. And a gamble with so much money at stake is pretty unpleasant.
What Is Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant?
Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant is a facial exfoliating treatment designed to help smooth and polish the skin’s surface.
The product is associated with the idea of at-home microdermabrasion, although it’s important not to confuse a cosmetic exfoliating product with professional microdermabrasion performed in a dermatology or aesthetic setting.
The aim is much simpler: remove dead surface skin cells and leave the complexion feeling smoother and looking brighter.
I think of this type of product as an occasional “reset” for my skin rather than something I’d necessarily want to use every day.
What Does It Do?
The main attraction is its exfoliating action.
With regular, appropriate use, an exfoliant like this may help improve the appearance of:
Dull-looking skin
Rough texture
Uneven surface
Mild flakiness
Some superficial discoloration
Congested-looking skin
The immediate effect I would expect is smoother-feeling skin.
That silky texture after exfoliating is probably one of the reasons products like this have such a loyal following.
How Does Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant Work?
The concept behind microdermabrasion is physical exfoliation.
Instead of relying exclusively on an acid to dissolve dead skin cells, a physical exfoliating product uses tiny abrasive particles and massage to help loosen and remove surface buildup.
This can make the skin feel incredibly smooth.
However, there is a fine line between effective exfoliation and over-exfoliation.
You don’t need to scrub harder to get better results.
In fact, excessive pressure can leave skin irritated and uncomfortable.
My First Impression
The first thing I’d notice with this kind of exfoliant is the texture.
It has a distinctly exfoliating feel, which makes sense given what it’s designed to do.
I like knowing that I’m using something intended to physically polish the skin rather than expecting a creamy cleanser to somehow deliver the same result.
The key, though, is using a light touch.
When I exfoliate, I want to feel that the product is working without feeling like I’m sanding my face.
How I Would Use It
I’d keep the application straightforward.
Step 1: Cleanse
Start with clean skin.
I prefer to remove makeup, sunscreen and everyday dirt before exfoliating.
Step 2: Apply a Small Amount
There’s no need to cover your face in a thick layer.
A little product should be enough to work across the face.
Step 3: Massage Gently
This is the part where I think people can get carried away.
Use gentle circular movements and avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Pay particular attention to areas that tend to feel rough, but don’t keep working the same spot repeatedly.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Remove the exfoliant according to the product’s directions.
Step 5: Moisturize
After exfoliating, I like to apply a gentle moisturizer.
This is particularly important if my skin feels tight or dry afterward.
How Often Should You Use It?
This isn’t a product I’d automatically use every day.
The ideal frequency depends on your skin type and how well you tolerate physical exfoliation.
If you’re new to the product, I’d start conservatively and see how your skin reacts.
For many people, an occasional exfoliating treatment may be plenty.
If your skin becomes:
Tight
Red
Sore
Burning
Excessively dry
Flaky
that’s a sign to back off.
More exfoliation isn’t necessarily better skin.
Does It Make Skin Softer?
This is where I think physical exfoliants can be particularly satisfying.
Removing accumulated surface cells can make the skin feel noticeably smoother almost immediately.
If your main complaint is that your face feels rough or looks dull, you may appreciate the instant polished feeling.
However, that doesn’t mean the product has permanently transformed the underlying skin.
The effect of exfoliation needs to be maintained carefully and balanced with good moisturization and sun protection.
Can It Help Dull Skin?
Potentially, yes.
Dead surface cells can contribute to a dull-looking complexion.
By exfoliating the outermost layer of skin, the complexion can appear fresher and more luminous.
I’d consider this one of the more appealing reasons to use an exfoliating treatment.
That said, dull skin can have many causes, including dehydration, sun exposure and simply not getting enough sleep, so exfoliation isn’t a universal solution.
Can It Help With Fine Lines?
Exfoliation can temporarily make skin appear smoother, which may make fine lines less noticeable.
But I wouldn’t buy a microdermabrasion exfoliant expecting it to erase wrinkles.
For long-term anti-aging skincare, I’d focus on proven basics such as:
Daily sunscreen
Moisturization
A suitable retinoid if tolerated
Antioxidant skincare
Gentle cleansing
An exfoliant can be an addition to that routine rather than the entire anti-aging strategy.
Can It Help With Dark Spots?
Exfoliating the skin may help improve the appearance of some superficial uneven pigmentation over time.
But this is another situation where expectations matter.
If you’re trying to address stubborn hyperpigmentation, I’d be much more interested in a complete routine involving sunscreen and appropriate pigment-targeting ingredients than relying solely on physical exfoliation.
And I definitely wouldn’t scrub harder in an attempt to remove pigmentation.
Irritation can actually make some forms of pigmentation worse.
Is It Suitable for Sensitive Skin?
This is where I’d be cautious.
If you have sensitive, reactive or easily irritated skin, a physical exfoliant may not be your favorite type of skincare product.
That doesn’t automatically mean you can never use it, but I’d be particularly gentle and conservative.
I’d also avoid using it on skin that is already:
Sunburned
Irritated
Chapped
Broken
Inflamed
If your skin barrier is compromised, exfoliating isn’t likely to make things happier.
Is It Good for Dry Skin?
It can be tricky.
Dry skin can sometimes have a buildup of flaky surface cells, which makes exfoliation seem appealing.
But aggressively removing those cells can make dryness worse.
If I had very dry skin, I’d focus first on restoring moisture and keeping the skin barrier comfortable.
Then I’d consider whether occasional gentle exfoliation actually improves the texture.
What About Oily or Combination Skin?
People with oily or combination skin may enjoy the smooth, polished result.
However, oily skin can still become irritated from excessive exfoliation.
I wouldn’t assume that because my skin produces more oil, I can scrub it more aggressively.
That’s a recipe for irritation.
Can You Use It on Acne-Prone Skin?
I’d be cautious.
Physical exfoliation can sometimes be uncomfortable for active breakouts, especially inflamed acne.
Scrubbing over pimples isn’t going to make them disappear faster.
If you’re acne-prone, it may be better to discuss exfoliation with a dermatologist, particularly if you’re already using acne treatments such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or prescription medications.
Combining too many potentially irritating products can leave your skin barrier unhappy.
Can You Use It With Retinol?
This is an area where I’d be careful.
Retinoids can already increase irritation and sensitivity, particularly when you’re beginning treatment.
Adding a strong physical exfoliant on top may be too much for some people.
If you’re using retinol or another retinoid, I’d avoid automatically combining it with a microdermabrasion-style exfoliant on the same day.
A simpler routine is often better.
Can You Use It With AHAs or BHAs?
Again, caution is sensible.
AHAs and BHAs are chemical exfoliants, while microdermabrasion-style products are physical exfoliants.
Using multiple exfoliating treatments together can increase the chance of:
Dryness
Redness
Irritation
Sensitivity
Peeling
I prefer the “one exfoliating treatment at a time” philosophy.
Your skin doesn’t get extra points for surviving a chemistry experiment!
Pros and Cons
Pros
Leaves skin feeling very smooth.
This is probably the biggest attraction.
Can improve the appearance of dullness.
Exfoliation can reveal fresher-looking skin underneath surface buildup.
Provides physical exfoliation.
Some people simply prefer the feel and immediate results of a scrub.
Can make skincare feel more effective.
Smoother skin can make moisturizers and other products feel nicer to apply.
A little can go a long way.
You don’t need a huge amount for each treatment.
Cons
It may be too abrasive for some skin types.
Overuse can cause irritation.
It’s not equivalent to professional microdermabrasion.
It isn’t a miracle treatment for wrinkles or pigmentation.
It may not be ideal if you’re already using several active ingredients.
Is Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant Worth It?
For someone who enjoys physical exfoliation and wants that immediately smooth, polished feeling, I can understand the appeal.
The main selling point isn’t that it will completely transform your complexion overnight.
It’s the feel.
That freshly exfoliated smoothness can make your skin look brighter and your skincare routine feel more luxurious.
I’d be less enthusiastic about it for someone with very sensitive or easily irritated skin, or someone already using multiple strong actives.
In that situation, adding another exfoliating step may be unnecessary.
How I’d Fit It Into a Skincare Routine
I’d keep the rest of my routine uncomplicated on exfoliation days.
Morning:
Gentle cleanser
Moisturizer
Broad-spectrum sunscreen
Evening exfoliation routine:
Gentle cleanser
Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant
Gentle moisturizer
I wouldn’t pile several exfoliating acids, retinoids and other potentially irritating treatments on top of it.
Simple is often better.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
This is one of the most important parts of any exfoliation routine.
If you’re removing surface dead skin cells, your skin may be more sensitive to environmental exposure.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen should be part of your daytime routine, particularly when you’re using exfoliating products.
And honestly, sunscreen is far more important for long-term skin health than any fancy exfoliating treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant?
It’s a facial exfoliating treatment designed to polish the surface of the skin and improve the appearance of texture and dullness.
2. Is it actual microdermabrasion?
No. A topical exfoliating product isn’t the same thing as professional microdermabrasion performed using specialized equipment.
It’s better thought of as a home exfoliation treatment inspired by the concept of microdermabrasion.
3. Can I use it every day?
I wouldn’t recommend automatically using it daily. It’s a physical exfoliant, and excessive exfoliation can cause irritation. Follow the current product directions and adjust based on how your skin responds.
4. Does it help acne?
It may help remove surface buildup, but it isn’t an acne treatment. If you have inflammatory acne, aggressive scrubbing can actually make irritation worse.
5. Can it remove wrinkles?
No exfoliating scrub can literally erase wrinkles. It may temporarily make the surface look smoother, but long-term wrinkle management requires a broader skincare approach.
6. Can it help blackheads?
Exfoliation can help remove surface buildup, but blackheads are more complicated than simply having “dirty” pores. If you’re dealing with persistent blackheads, ingredients such as salicylic acid may be more appropriate.
7. Is it good for sensitive skin?
I’d be cautious. Physical exfoliation isn’t suitable for everyone with sensitive skin, and you should stop if you experience burning, significant redness or discomfort.
8. Should I moisturize afterward?
Yes. Applying a gentle moisturizer after exfoliating is a sensible way to support the skin barrier.
9. Can I use it before makeup?
You can exfoliate as part of your skincare routine, but I wouldn’t necessarily use a potentially irritating exfoliant immediately before a big makeup event. If your skin reacts, you’ll have redness exactly when you don’t want it!
Final Verdict
Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant is an appealing option if you love the feel of physical exfoliation and want smoother, more polished-looking skin.
The biggest benefit is the immediate sensation of softness and refinement. It’s the sort of product that can make my complexion feel freshly “buffed” and give dull skin a temporary boost.
But I’d use it with restraint.
This isn’t a product I’d attack my face with several times a week, and I wouldn’t use it as a substitute for sunscreen, moisturizer or proven treatments for acne, pigmentation or signs of aging.
If your skin is comfortable with physical exfoliation, occasional use can be a nice addition to a skincare routine. If your complexion is sensitive, irritated or already overloaded with active ingredients, I’d take a gentler approach.
My overall takeaway: a luxurious exfoliating step for smoother-feeling skin, but one where a light touch is definitely better than overdoing it.
