A method is described for brightening tattoos or pigmented images formed below the epidermis of an individual. A skin treating device having a treatment tip with a crystalline abrasive material permanently bonded thereto is moved across the skin surface covering the tattoo. The procedure results in the bonded crystalline abrasive material removing a portion of the surface of the epidermis of the skin area over said tattoos or pigmented images, resulting in a brightening of colored or black line tattoos and a sharpening of the lines in the image. Simultaneously applying a vacuum to the skin surface during the procedure and the application of skin serum during or after the procedure enhances the results.