Dermabrasion Or Microdermabrasion?

Both dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are ways to beautify the skin. They both involve taking away the outer layers of skin to reveal healthy, younger looking skin but they are very different in technique, down time and recovery time.

Dermabrasion removes more than just the outer layer of skin and it is most often than not performed in a dermatologist’s office. It is medical procedure that can treat fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, uneven skin tone, age spots, scars for surgery and even things like tattoos which are deeper than the first layer of skin.

It involves having your face numbed first and then a rotating instrument strips the layers of skin. Like with any surgical procedure, it involves risks like bleeding and infection and it can also cause more acne breakouts, changes in skin tone, enlarged pores, loss of freckles, redness, rash and swelling. It takes a few weeks before you can return to work, you have bandages in some instances, and creams to apply and after you have healed you have to wear a sunblock each day to protect your new skin.

Microdermabrasion on the other hand is a similar procedure but not something that has to be done by a dermatologist. Instead you can have the procedure at a spa. It only takes off the first layer of dead skin and will reveal your natural glow. It is safe for most people and there is little to no healing time. Silicon crystals are blown onto your face by air (think sand crystals) and these gently take dead skin cells away. The results may not be as noticeable as with dermabrasion, but the down time is nil and there aren’t a lot of side effects. The results are more temporary in nature, but you are back to work the next day being a more radiant version of yourself.

No matter how you slice it, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion take years off of your face. They allow the new and healthy skin to show through and they take care of fine lines and wrinkles too. Although you do have to take care of your skin, you should be doing so without either procedure, as moisturized skin is healthier skin.