Skin lightening procedures treat damaged tissues and reduce the concentration of melanin in the skin. The procedures that can be performed to lighten the skin include dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels. Microdermabrasion removes skin cells that are dead and dull looking while dermabrasion removes several layer of skin to reveal newer looking skin. Laser skin resurfacing removes skin irregularities such as blemishes and age spots. Chemical peels make the treated skin exfoliate and peel off to reveal fresh skin.