Microdermabrasion vs Dermaplaning: What's the Difference?

Skin treatments are a great way to improve your skin's health. Click here for a guide to microdermabrasion vs dermaplaning to find out the main differences.

Keyword(s): microdermabrasion vs dermaplaning

 

Do you wonder why some people always seem to have smooth, glowing skin? What's their secret? 

It may be good genes or it could be the professional skin treatment options they're choosing to have. Microdermabrasion and dermplaning are exfoliating techniques that can help rejuvenate the skin and provide a more refreshed look.

If you're not getting the results you desire by caring for your skin with over-the-counter skincare products, you may want to consider these professional treatments.

Here's a guide to microdermabrasion vs. dermaplaning and which treatment may be right for you.

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments to refresh and restore your complexion. Two options for microdermabrasion include:

Diamond Microdermabrasion

This is the most common form of microdermabrasion. A professional aesthetician uses a vacuum suction wand to gently eliminate the upper layers of dry, dull skin. 

The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the aesthetician's skill and ability to use the right amount of pressure to exfoliate facial skin properly.

Crystal Microdermabrasion

This type of microdermabrasion relies on a machine. An aesthetician uses a vacuum-like machine to shoot tiny crystals at the skin to exfoliate dead, dry skin. 

If done properly, crystal microdermabrasion can be effective. Although diamond microdermabrasion is considered the superior treatment, you can achieve similar results with either method.

Microdermabrasion Before and After

If you think your skin is looking drab or lackluster, you may want to give microdermabrasion a try. You can achieve some excellent results, including:

• Brighter complexion
• Smoother skin
• Collagen production
• Reduced acne scars
• Softer lines and wrinkles
• Reduced appearance of pores
• Reduced hyperpigmentation

Typically, a minimum of five sessions of microdermabrasion is recommended for best results. The treatments are not painful but require about a week of recovery for the skin to heal properly. 

Once your skin heals, you can begin using makeup and other skincare products, including sunscreen. You will look a little pink for up to eight weeks. Your normal healthy skin color will return as your skin fully heals.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is recommended for people with non-sensitive skin. Although the treatment can be quite helpful, it can be hard on sensitive skin.

If you have skin issues like eczema or rosacea or skin that reddens easily, microdermabrasion may be too aggressive for you. It could make some skin conditions worse, so be sure to talk to a skincare specialist about other options.

What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning has been around since the 1970s and was originally a treatment for acne vulgaris. This is a type of acne that's caused by a buildup of dead skin, facial oils, and bacteria.

Now, dermaplaning is a popular treatment for facial exfoliation for people with and without acne. An aesthetician scrapes away dead skin cells with a surgical blade. 

As the skin is removed, so are vellus hairs, also known as peach fuzz. This is helpful because these tiny hairs harbor oil and dirt, which lead to acne breakouts and a dull, uneven complexion.

Dermaplaning Before and After

If your skin is dull-looking or you have acne, dermaplaning can help gently exfoliate your skin. It offers a variety of benefits, including:

• Smoother skin
• A more radiant complexion
• Reduced scarring
• Softer lines and wrinkles
• Removal of vellus hair

When vellus hair is removed, it will not grow back thicker or darker. Many people experience great results after only one dermaplaning session. 

The procedure is quick and painless. It will not leave your skin red or irritated for an extended period of time.

People from all walks of life, including celebrities, love dermaplaning because there is little to no recovery time.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is for everyone and every skin type. Dermaplaning is an effective treatment for those with sensitive skin or those whose skin reddens easily.

It's highly effective for dry, acne-scarred, or aging skin. If you're looking for smooth, soft, revitalized skin, dermaplaning may be a good choice.

Microdermabrasion vs. Dermaplaning

Deciding whether to get microdermabrasion or dermaplaning can be a difficult choice, especially if you have normal skin that is well-suited to either. If you have a big event coming up and don't want your skin to look red, you may want to choose dermaplaning.

It's also the best choice for those with sensitive skin or those who have had a recent chemical peel or invasive facial treatment. If you're wanting a deeper exfoliation process, microdermabrasion may be the best option.

Clients frequently ask, "Is it okay to dermaplane after microdermabrasion?" The answer is no. You don't want to do any treatments until your skin has completely healed.

You can opt for a combined treatment of dermaplaning along with microdermabrasion. You would have dermaplaning first because it is less aggressive, followed by microdermabrasion.

Which Treatment Is Better?

As you weigh the options for skincare treatment, remember the best treatment is what's best suited to your individual needs. The right treatment depends on your skin concerns and skin issues.

Both microdermabrasion and dermaplaning have the potential to benefit your skin immensely. But, if you have sensitive skin or are pregnant or breastfeeding, microdermabrasion isn't the best choice.

If you have a serious acne breakout, dermaplaning will have to wait until your skin heals. For the ultimate exfoliation treatment, ask a skincare expert about combining these services.

If you aren't sure about the best skincare treatments for your needs, a skin care professional can evaluate your skin type and skincare needs. Clients love their skin after these exfoliation processes, and you will too.

Choose the Best Exfoliation Treatment for Your Skin

If you're weighing the options between microdermabrasion vs. dermaplaning, they both work beautifully and give you softer, more glowing skin. It's important to choose the right procedure for improving your skin health.

Chat with your dermatologist or a skincare expert if you have concerns about either procedure. Since 1986, Dermalogica has been creating custom skincare solutions that work for our valuable clients-not just for today, but for life.

Whether you're hoping for clearer skin or age prevention, we have targeted skin therapy treatments designed to help you achieve your skincare goals.

Be sure to take a look at our professional-grade skincare products.