What Are Skin Resurfacers?

These are treatments, such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels, that strip away the outer layers of skin and so improve its tone and texture.

Microdermabrasion mechanically sloughs away dull outer layers of skin. A device sprays tiny crystals (generally aluminium-oxide crystals) across the surface of the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead skin cells. This exposes the underlying layer of newer cells to give you a smooth, glowing complexion.

Chemical peels, on the other hand, make use of acids, such as salicylic acid (derived from willow-tree bark) and glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane), to dissolve the bonds that hold epidermal cells together. The outer layers of skin then fall away to reveal newer, brighter skin.