What should you know about Obagi microdermabrasion polish?

A device moves across the skin while a tip provides mechanical exfoliation, with some systems also using suction. The [Microdermabrasion Device](/technology/microdermabrasion-device/) determines how the surface is treated. The polish may leave skin feeling smoother and looking brighter for a time, but it does not reshape deep scars, remove a mole, or treat the underlying cause of persistent acne or pigmentation.

The surface can feel warm, tight, pink, or more sensitive afterward. A clinician should avoid treating areas with active infection, open wounds, a strong flare of eczema, or significant sunburn. In some cases, a [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/) is considered instead, but the two treatments should not be combined casually.

Share your history of cold sores, keloid scarring, recent sun exposure, active breakouts, and use of retinoids or exfoliating acids. Follow instructions about pausing irritating products. After the polish, cleanse gently, apply a plain moisturiser, and use broad-spectrum sun protection. Avoid scrubbing, picking, waxing, and strong active ingredients until your clinician says the barrier has recovered.

If roughness or dark marks are your ongoing concern, ask whether a diagnosis and a longer-term routine would help more than repeated surface polishing. Treatment frequency should be based on recovery, sensitivity, and the goal being addressed.

Call the clinic if redness worsens, pain becomes significant, swelling develops, or you notice blisters, pus, hives, or a spreading rash. Seek urgent help for facial swelling with breathing difficulty or eye involvement. Persistent burning or pigment change should be assessed before another session.

Which device and tip will you use? Is my skin barrier healthy enough today? Which products should I pause? How long should I avoid heat, sun, waxing, or acids? Would a peel or medical treatment address my concern more directly?