Dermabrasion composition and process

A composition of matter for abrading the epidermis of a human body to expose the underlying dermis, consisting of: (a) an abrasive; (b) a dessicant; and (c) a thickening agent (d) in the absence of an emollient in an aqueous medium. A method of removing the epidermis of a human body to expose the underlying dermis, comprising the steps of: (a) applying to the epidermis a composition of matter comprising an abrasive, a dessicant, and a thickening agent; (b) evaporating the dessicant from the skin, leaving the abrasive on the dessicated epidermis; (c) applying mechanical force to the dessicated epidermis, thereby removing the epidermis; and d) rinsing the remaining dermis.