The present invention is a dermal-exfoliation system that uses positive pressure to deliver salt and/or bio-inert crystalline particle abrasives or saline solution to the stratum corneum, combined with a minimal amount of negative pressure to close the loop when in contact with the skin to evacuate spent particles and dislodged skin cells and debris. An applicator handpiece is optimized for the use of the combined pressure system discussed herein for the removal of epidermal layers.