Peals or microdermabrasion damages the skin, and over time the skin will get thinner and weaker, or develop scar tissue.
Ex-foliation is important and the key is to keep it gentle. Ground almonds are soft but abrasive enough to lift off the dead skin layer and they're full of a great deal of healthy oils.
Want to make your own almond scrub? All you have to do is throw a few nuts into a coffee grinder and process until you have a semi-course meal. Then add a little water and honey and massage the paste into clean skin, using a circular motion.