Microdermabrasion is a skin treatment that removes the top layer of dead skin cells, leaving new skin cells to grow. It is also called "sanding off" your face. In the past, this treatment was done by a dermatologist using a device that looks like a vacuum cleaner. In recent years, the procedure has been done in medical spas and beauty salons with devices that use sandpaper-like materials. The newer microdermabrasion machines use tiny crystals called diamond tips which are rotated at high speed to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face.