I bought these tools to deal with two very specific skin problems: random chin breakouts after the holidays, and that “my face feels kinda congested and dull” situation that no cleanser seems to fix. If you’re here for a real pmd beauty review, here’s mine.
I tested the PMD clean and the Personal Microderm Elite Pro tools they’ve honestly helped my complexion more than a lot of makeup skincare launches I’ve tried lately.
This post is not sponsored and I took many weeks to test these tools out. I’ve tested a lot of at-home skincare tools over the years, and most don’t stick in my routine since they aren’t worth it. But, spoiler alert, PMD Beauty it.
Quick PMD Beauty Take
- PMD Clean: the easiest “deep clean” tool I’ve used. It helped clear up my chin acne fast, and it doesn’t hurt. It’s also waterproof, so I use it in the shower. It’s rated 4.7/5 with 8,000+ reviews on PMD’s site.
- Personal Microderm Elite Pro: my at-home microdermabrasion tool for smoother skin and less gunk in pores. It’s not something I’d use daily, because you can overdo it. It’s rated 4.5/5 with 300 reviews on PMD’s site, and it includes multiple disc options plus face/body caps
Why I Even Bought These Tools
I was breaking out a lot on my chin after the holidays, and I knew I would since I do this every year. Yes, I was eating a lot of chocolate and drinking a lot of wine. Sue me, I like to have a nice time at Christmas! But, my skin was not amused. I tried being “good” with my skincare and it still wasn’t calming down.
I wanted something that felt like an actual treatment, not another bottle of serum that may or may not work. Facials in San Francisco are expensive so I can only afford to do them 3-4x a year.
Also, for context: my skin is normal but leans a little dry. My husband’s skin is very oily skin, and he gets stubborn forehead acne that loves to set up camp and never leave. So I tested on both of us, which made this review way more useful.
PMD Clean Review
This is the tool that surprised me the most because it’s so simple. I thought for sure this wasn’t needed, like I have hands and wash clothes that work to wash my skin just fine… right? Wrong!
PMD Clean is a silicone facial cleansing brush that’s waterproof, and uses SonicGlow technology.
What It Felt Like (And Why I Use It In The Shower)
It’s gentle. The silicone “brush” side feels like a soft, flexible scrub, not a scratchy gadget that’s going to sandblast your face. I can use it without feeling like I’m breaking my skin barrier. It doesn’t hurt, and it doesn’t leave me with that tight, squeaky feeling that leaves my skin dry.
I used it in the shower on two days in a row when my chin was breaking out and it cleared up my acne right away. Like… I noticed a difference fast enough that I actually kept reaching for it the next week instead of forgetting it in a drawer.
Now I use it once a week as my deep clean, especially around my period when my face likes to pick a fight.
PMD Clean: My Pros/Cons
Pros
- Cleared up my chin breakouts fast (my personal results)
- Easy to use, no learning curve
- Gentle on my skin, doesn’t hurt
- Waterproof, so it fits into real life
- The reviews and rating are strong on their site
Cons
- If you already wash your face thoroughly and never break out, you might not feel a huge difference
- This won’t replace acne medication if you have a serious skin concern (it helped me, but I’m not claiming it “cures” anything)
Personal Microderm Elite Pro Review
Ok, this one is a legit facial-style treatment at home, which is why you can’t be chaotic with it.
The Personal Microderm Elite Pro is PMD’s most advanced Personal Microderm device. It uses spinning discs + vacuum suction to help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It’s designed to improve skincare absorption, and it’s meant to be used about every 6–7 days.
Real Talk: You Have To Keep It Moving
This is my first time doing microderming at home and I love this tool. I now use it once a week.
But you do have to move it evenly across your face and not stop and focus too hard on one area since it can over do it. That’s not me being dramatic, that’s how suction + exfoliation works. If you pause, you’re basically asking for redness.
I started on myself (normal, slightly dry), then tested on my husband (very oily). I’ve only used it on him for 3 weeks so far, but his acne on his forehead that usually never goes away is noticeably reduced in redness.
I’m not going to promise perfect results because skin is annoying and everyone’s different, but I really think after another 3–4 weeks of using it regularly, we can reduce it a lot more.
What’s In The Box (Why This One Feels “Pro”)
PMD includes different caps for face and body, plus a blackhead cap, and multiple discs ranging from very sensitive to very coarse. I use the sensitive setting to not over due anything on either of us.
That matters because you can customize your treatment instead of going full sandpaper on day one.
Microderm Elite Pro: My Pros/Cons
Pros
- My skin feels smoother immediately after, like makeup sits better (especially foundation)
- Helps with texture and the look of pores (my results so far)
- Good option if you want “clinic-ish” exfoliation at home without booking a facial
- Customizable with disc options for different intensity levels
- Includes face + body caps, so you can use it beyond your face
Cons
- You can overdo it if you use it too often or pause in one area
- Not waterproof (so no shower use)
- Higher price than most skincare tools, even if I think it’s worth it for the right person
How I Use Both Tools (My Actual Routine)
Here’s what’s been working for me without irritating my skin:
PMD Clean
- 1x a week for a deep clean, usually in the shower
- Extra focus around my chin and jawline when I’m breaking out
- Then I follow with my regular skincare
Personal Microderm Elite Pro
- 1x a week, on clean, dry skin
- I keep it moving and do one pass per area
- After, I baby my face. This is when I’ll do a hydrating sheet mask, then moisturizer.
Also: I’ve been testing microneedling and I’ve had trouble with getting rashes from that. Microderm has been more gentle for me personally, and it keeps me clear without that rashy aftermath.
Who I Think These Are Best For
PMD Clean is best for you if:
- You get breakouts (especially hormonal chin stuff)
- You want a simple tool that doesn’t feel intense
- You want something that works with a normal skincare routine
Personal Microderm Elite Pro is best for you if:
- Your main skin concern is texture, clogged pores, dullness, or fine lines
- You’re consistent and you’ll actually use a device weekly
- You have oily skin and want a deeper treatment option (this is where I’m seeing it help my husband)
Where To Shop + What They Cost
You can shop both tools on PMD’s website.
- PMD Clean is $99 on PMD’s site, and they advertise free US shipping.
- Personal Microderm Elite Pro is $299 on PMD’s site, with free US shipping, plus has a 20-year warranty.
Who This Isn’t Good For
I really like both of these tools, but they’re not universal wins. Here’s who I honestly wouldn’t recommend them to.
PMD Clean might not be worth it if:
- You already have very calm, low-maintenance skin and never deal with breakouts or congestion
- You hate using tools and know you won’t reach for anything beyond cleanser + moisturizer
- You’re expecting it to replace acne treatments or prescriptions. This is a cleansing tool, not a cure
Personal Microderm Elite Pro is not for you if:
- You want something you can mindlessly use every day. This requires intention and restraint
- You have very reactive, compromised skin or active irritation and don’t want to risk redness
- You’re not willing to read instructions or pay attention while using it. Pausing or overdoing it can absolutely backfire
- You’re looking for instant, permanent acne fixes. This is about gradual texture and clarity improvements, not overnight miracles
If your skincare style is ultra-minimal or you prefer seeing an esthetician instead of doing treatments at home, the Microderm Elite Pro especially might feel like too much. These tools work best for people who like having a routine and are willing to be consistent without going overboard.
Random Makeup Note (Because This Is Still My Beauty Brain Talking)
I’m a “makeup that still looks like skin” person since I have freckles and enjoy showing them off. I love a skin tint day and I also love a light to medium coverage foundation when I’m going out. When my skin is smoother, everything looks better, including how my concealer blends.
If you’re also into that mimetic, your-skin-but-better look, you know what I mean. A good skin mimetic concealer + a solid foundation brush can hide a lot, but I’d rather not have to work that hard every morning.
These PMD Beauty tools feel like they’re helping on the skincare side so my makeup looks more natural without me piling on product.
My Verdict
They’re both well worth the price. PMD Clean is the easiest to use consistently and it genuinely helped my breakouts fast.
But if your goal is a deeper weekly treatment, the Personal Microderm Elite Pro is the one that feels like an actual facial at home. You just can’t be sloppy with it.
And yes, I love both, which is annoying because I wanted to be a hater for at least one product. PMD Beauty is just too good.
Got your own PMD Beauty reviews to add? Drop them below in the comments so we can all see!
