One of the most effective and popular professional skin care treatments for younger-looking skin is microdermabrasion. One popular home microdermabrasion system we’ve found that looks promising is NuBrilliance.
This procedure removes the top, old layer of skin revealing the fresh, new skin underneath. Treatments were previously available only at a spa or doctor’s office. But now there are home microdermabrasion systems that claim to deliver the same benefits, without the high price tag.
In this review, we’ll tell you what we found out that we liked about NuBrilliance. We’ll explain how it works and how it’s different than most other home systems. And we’ll show you how to get the best possible deal, if you decide to try it.
What We Like About NuBrilliance 
- Reportedly delivers noticeable results quickly
- The maker says that it is easy to use at home
- Costs about the same as one professional treatment
- Patented dual-technology similar to professional units
- Combines diamond tip abrasion with vacuum suction
- Customizable performance – 3 levels of exfoliation and 5 levels of suction
- Claimed to be effective almost anywhere smoother skin is desired, including hands and feet
- Excellent step-by-step DVD instructions
- No messy and irritating aluminum oxide crystals
- 30 day, unconditional, money back guarantee
At-Home Microdermabrasion Choices
First, let’s examine current at-home microdermabrasion choices.
Some skin care creams that contain abrasives call themselves microdermabrasion. They are not true microdermabrasion products. They can contain anything from ground pearls to pumice.
Other products are no more than a rotating brush, like an electric toothbrush for your face.
Next, there are genuine microdermabrasion machines that use aluminum oxide crystals for abrasion.
Lastly, there are diamond tip systems, like NuBrilliance.
What’s Wrong With Aluminum Oxide Crystal Machines?
Aluminum oxide crystals are the same stuff that’s used to make sandpaper gritty! Using crystals is messy, and they must be continually replaced. There will always be stray crystals that can get in your eyes or be inhaled.
The safety of aluminum oxide is uncertain. There are product warnings stating that it can irritate your eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
NuBrilliance Diamond Tip Exfoliation
NuBrilliance uses laser-cut diamond tips for exfoliation along with vacuum suction. And what does this mean for you?
With diamond tip exfoliation, there are no crystals to get in your eyes or breathe into your lungs. The laser cut diamond tips are structurally smoother and thus less irritating than aluminum oxide crystals.
The vacuum suction reportedly not only lifts and removes dead, exfoliated skin, it supposedly stimulates the production of collagen for smoother and younger-looking skin.
If diamond tips are so much better than aluminum oxide crystals, you might wonder why aren’t they used more often? As you can imagine, diamond tips are much more expensive than crystals. Yet NuBrilliance costs a reasonable $250.
Doctor Proven Results
NuBrilliance was proven to provide the following benefits in a study conducted by board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Matthew Schulman. Users saw dramatic improvements in:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Discoloration, dark spots and imperfections
- Skin tone, texture and elasticity
What You Get With Your NuBrilliance System
Along with the dual-action unit, you will receive:
- Instructional DVD with aesthetician Kelly West
- 3 diamond tips – precision, fine, and coarse (for hands and feet)
- 30 disposable hygienic filters
The Best Place to Buy
You can buy NuBrilliance only online. There are a few vendors that carry it, but our preferred vendor is DermStore.com. We’ve found this is the best place to buy for many reasons. They have a hassle-free 30 day money back guarantee. DermStore has an excellent customer service department, which you can access by email, live chat, or phone. They offer fast free shipping to all 50 states. They also ship internationally to almost anywhere in the world.
When you check out at the DermStore, you might see a note that says “usually ships in 1 to 2 weeks“. Please don’t be put off by that – it will take you that long to get it no matter where you order it from.
Lastly, unfortunately we have noticed on third party sites and forums, that some people have had less than satisfactory customer service experiences dealing directly with the official NuBrilliance website.
Dermstore offers auto refills of replacement tips and filters for $14.95 (free shipping), which is $5 less than if you bought directly from the manufacturer. Plus every 5th order is free!
And when you buy NuBrilliance from DermStore.com you will also get:
- a one-year subscription to a fashion magazine (previous offers have included Shape, More, or In Style)
- your choice of gifts valued up to $60 (our current favorite is their LipFusion set of six plumping glosses)
- access to their “Bonus Boutique”, where you can save 50% and more on their hottest beauty products
- DermStore Beauty Center where you can get your skin care questions answered by a dermatologist
Free offers from DermStore can change at any time, but they always have something valuable to give that will make you glad you stopped by. 
Warning About the Free Skin Care Line!
If you have been on the manufacturer’s site or heard the infomercial, you’ll recall they offer a free three-piece skin care line. True, you don’t get that offer when you buy NuBrilliance from the Dermstore. But here’s why we don’t think you should care.
We are not impressed with the skin care line. The second ingredient in both the moisturizer and collagen generator is MINERAL OIL! 
(Maybe that is why they don’t list the ingredients on their site?) I would never put mineral oil on my face nor would I recommend you do either! So skip the free skin care, and take advantage of all the other cool stuff you get from Dermstore instead.
Buy NuBrilliance Microdermabrasion
Try RISK FREE for 30 Days
Hi Janet,
I’m sorry you are having these issues. I completely agree that it was unreasonable for you to have to pay the shipping. I’m glad you persisted and for the shipping paid for. This is one of the reasons why, if you’re read my review, I recommend people NOT buy from the NuBrilliance website – because their customer service is lacking.
Why not return your unit, then buy another one at Dermstore so you start over with a clean slate with a retailer with a good reputation?
I purchased Nu Brilliance from their website and was so excited when I received it (it took well over a week to receive). I plugged the unit in and it came on but was on the high setting and wouldn’t let me turn it off or adjust the settings. I left it plugged in hoping that it just needed a few minutes for it to adjust itself but it never did, then it stopped running and then would let me start it. I contacted someone at Customer Service and they asked that I return the item but that I would have to pay the shipping. I told them I didn’t think I should have to pay for the return shipping when it was a defected product. They check with their supervisor and said they would refund me for the shipping cost. I want to order another unit but I’m afraid to.
Hi Ini, Give it time. You can’t expect to see results after one use. Have you ever seen anyone after a chemical peel? They look like a mess. That’s what you DON’T want to do with microdermabraion. Results should accumulate over time. So give it the full month before you decide for sure.
First time , but I haven’t notice any change yet. Dont know if want to pay $239.00.
Hi Staci, Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Excellent info. Will purchase from Dermstore
Hi Tracy, As much as I love Groupon for deals on restaurants and other “fun stuff”, my answer to you is NO!!! If you read the small print you will see you can’t return beauty products! I would NEVER recommend anyone buy anything they can’t return! I hope this helps and I hope I’ve saved a few people from making this mistake.
So I noticed on groupon goods they are running a special on this item. in your opinion would it be safe to order it threw them?
Hi Nancy, For optimal results, it’s best to change the filter after each use, especially initially when you have more dead skin to remove. You might eventually be able to change every 2-3 uses after a few uses. It’s really best not to skimp on the filters. You can sign up for Dermstore’s auto ship program, where 5th shipment is free! This is the best deal on filters so you don’t have to feel you have to skimp on using them.
Hi Tracey, The instructions state that you can use each tip approximately 10 times. You should replace the filter after every use. Of course it depends on what area(s) you are treating. If you are only treating your face they last a lot longer than if you are using it on your feet, hands, and elbows, for example.
Not changing the filters, which get clogged with dead skin, will cause reduced suction. That is how you know for sure that you’ve gone too long without a change.
I’ve scoured the internet and found Dermstore has the best price on replacement tips and filters – even better than ordering directly from the manufacturer! Thanks for the info about BB&B.
How often do the filters need to be replaced in order to keep the suction sufficient for optimum results? Thank you
Just wondering how often you have to replace the diamond tips and the replacement filters? Have yet to convince my husband to get this,… I’m working on it though! I will definately try the Dermstore.com site for ordering. By the way, Bed Bath and Beyond now carries the NuBrilliance Microdermabrasion system. Found it during my search for reviews.
Hi Kathleen, Removing dead and flaking skin is one of the things that microdermabrasion does best. Be sure to keep your skin well-moisturized, too. Winter can be very drying, between the cold outside and the lack of humidity in heated homes. I find I need two completely different sets of skin care products – one for the winter and one for the summer.
At 66 I’ve noticed my skin flaking in different areas of my face. Mostly the nose, laugh lines, eyebrow & forehead. Would the use of NuBrilliance get rid of this problem?
Thanks for your time.
Kathleen
Hi Susie, Try changing the replacement filter.
I’ve only had my Microbrasion unit for about a month now,, I love it, but it has lost it’s suction power. From what I read this is caused from not cleaning it? I clean the tips, what else is there to clean and how do I get the suction back? I can’t use it without suction.
Please get me information on how to get it working properly again as soon as you can as I miss not being able to use it twice a week.
Thank You,
Susie
Hi Nina, I think NuBrilliance is a very good product but with only one usage it is too soon to expect to see results. If you read my site you’ll see that I don’t think the TryNubrilliance site (the manufacturer’s site) is the best place to buy it, but that’s water under the bridge.
I just find their customer service lacking.
Why don’t you bookmark my site to come back to when you need filters and replacement tips? If you click on the right where is says “order now” and you’ll be taken directly to the NuBrilliance area at the Dermstore. I’ve scoured the internet and found that they have the best deal on these – even better than the manufacturer’s site!
Your welcome and I hope it helps your road rash. Keep on ridin’!
Hello,
I saw this product in TV and I was very interesting. I order this at https://www.trynubrilliance.com/CustomerService.dtm I don’t know if they are good place to order or not. I just try one time so I have not see any improve yet. What you think of this site?
Hi, Riding is SO much fun!! I totalled my bike. I miss riding. I have scars on both of my arms, chest, and both knees. My skin has toughened up. I will definitely give NuBrilliance a try!! Thanks for responding promptly so I can make my decision!!
Hi Cynthia, Sorry to hear about your motorcycle accident. (I was in one a long time ago, too…but riding is SO much fun!) Microdermabrasion works very well on reducing the appearance of scars. NuBrilliance should work well here and is safe to use on scars. Start slowly with the finest diamond tip (it comes with 3) and lowest suction (it has 5 settings). Then you can work your way up. You didn’t mention where your scars are but it can be used not just on the face but anywhere on the body. You can be slightly more aggressive on tougher body parts such as your knees than you can on your face, for example.
Hi,
I was in a motorcycle wreck six months ago. I have darks scars as a result from road rash. Will NuBrillance lighten up my skin? Is it safe to use?
A very interested consumer
Hi Amy,
. I hope this helps!
It is not recommended to use microdermabrasion on the under eye skin as it is too delicate, so it won’t help your dark circles. NuBrilliance has been very successful with reducing stretch marks. I have never found any info on if the skin care is cruelty-free. However, I don’t recommend the skin care products. They contain mineral oil which I would NEVER put on my face. They also contain fragrance which is unnecessary. This is another reason why I think Dermstore is the best place to get NuBrilliance – you get a lot of other worthwhile bonuses and benefits. You don’t get the free skincare, but “who cares?”
Hi,
I hope that you will be able to answer a few questions for me. First of all, I have really bad dark circles. Is it safe to use NuBrilliance under my eyes, and has it been shown to be effective in combatting dark circles? Can it also be used on stretch marks with any success? Lastly, do you know if the 3-Piece Skin Care Treatment System that can be purchased to use in conjunction with the machine is tested on animals?
Thanks so much for any and all answers that you can provide me with
Amy
Hi Lavern, I’m not familiar with your situation, so I think it would be best to run this by your doctor. If you do decide to try NuBrilliance, try a small patch on an area that is not very sensitive to see how it works for you.
I take blood thinning medicine and have to be careful because some things brings blood to the surface of my skin. Can i use this with the medicine i take. Thank You
Lavern
Hi Holly, What don’t I like about NuBrilliance? I don’t think their customer service is the greatest, which is why I recommend buying from DermStore.com instead. Unfortunately, sometimes it is on back order with DermStore. The machine has a tendency to lose suction if you aren’t diligent about cleaning it after each use and replacing the filters frequently enough. Are there any particular concerns you have? Let me know and I’ll try to answer.
Hi
I read what you liked about it, but I didn’t see anything listed for what you didn’t like about it.
Hi Monse, Treating acne and acne scars is one of the things that microdermabrasion excels at. It is also used by much older women for lines, wrinkles, and sun damage, so there should be no problem with is causing dryness, providing you aren’t using overly harsh skin care products at the same time. If you decide to try NuBrilliance, I’d recommend testing it on one small area first, just to be safe.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a beautiful New Year!
i have acne and scars left from that acne im only 23 is it recomended for me to use it..Ive tried many things but only made my skin dry.
Hi Michele, Excellent question! Microdermabrasion causes the same response that normal wound healing does, including stimulation of the creation of collagen, a protein that contributes to skin structure.
But I’m guessing you are looking for a more scientific answer. Here is a quote excerpted from MedpageToday.com about the results of a study on this by Dr. Darius Karimipour, University of Michigan: “Microdermabrasion resulted in the induction of collagen biosynthesis pathways, demonstrated by a 7.5-fold increase (P<0.05) in expression of HSP47.” That might be more than you wanted to know!
If it only works on surface how does it stimulate collagen product?
Hi Kristen,
My research has found that melasma is not really helped by microdermabrasion. Melasma is hyperpigmentation that takes place on a deep level, whereas microdermabrasion works on a surface level. I’m not sure if you are seeing a doctor about this, but if not you might want to visit RealSelf.com. This site has a discussion by several doctors answering the question “Can Microdermabrasion Remove Melasma?”. They offer what they think are the best treatments – they all agree that microdermabrasion is not the best treatment for this condition.
Thanks for stopping by my site, and I hope this helps.
I have severe melasma over most of my face. Knave tried everything, and I do mean everything, with
Minimal improvement. Will this product really lighten them?
Hi Michelle,
NuBrilliance works great on acne. You can expect your skin to be less oily and have less breakouts. It also can reduce acne scarring, make enlarged pores appear smaller, and remove blackheads as it deeply exfoliates your skin.
However, if you are taking any prescription medications for your acne, I would recommend you consult with your doctor before treating your skin with any microdermabrasion treatment.
I saw the info-mercial, and am interested in purchasing NuBrilliance. My question is, should I use if I have acne? I am 33 years old and have always had large pores and lately have been braking out again. Is this the right product for me?
Thanks!
HI Jo Ann,
I would not recommend microdermabrasion for rosacea. Skin with this condition is overly sensitive and reactive and this could irritate it further.
I have rosacea and sensitive skin. Can I use Nu Brilliance?
Sincerely.
Jo Ann
You’re very welcome!
Thankyou for your timely response, this has been so helpful.
very appreciated,
Thankyou so much, have a blessed rest of the week.
Sincerely Barbara
Hi Barbara,
I hope where ever you bought it from you will be happy with the level of service you receive.
Certainly, you can buy your refills from DermStore. CLICK HERE and you will be taken to the DermStore’s NuBrilliance page. DermStore also offers an auto-refill program that will save you money and shipping expenses.
Think I bought mine from the wrong place, can I still order filters etc…. from Derma store? I really appreciate