Microdermabrasion Vs. Dermaplaning

Microdermabrasion or Dermaplaning? With such a huge variety of exfoliating treatments available, it’s good to know the basic differences between microdermabrasion and dermaplaning. This may help you decide what to look for when choosing an aesthetician.

Both of these exfoliating treatments are non-invasive and require no down time, but there are differences between the two and you may not be a candidate for both. There are even different kinds of microdermabrasion…

– Diamond microdermabrasion is the most common. A vacuum suction wand that is passed over the skin is encrusted with crushed diamonds. This gently removes the superficial layers of dead, dull cells while the light vacuum suction promotes new collagen formation. The result is a brighter, smoother texture with no downtime.
– Crystal microdermabrasion. This uses aluminum oxide crystals passing through a vacuum tube to exfoliate the surface of the skin. Some would call it “sandblasting”.
– Other forms of microdermabrasion include vibradermabrasion that uses vibration instead of vacuum suction, and hydrating microdermabrasion treatments that infuse skin with vitamins and serums and exfoliate at the same time.

Even with all of these options, microdermabrasion is not for everyone. People with rosacea, broken capillaries, sensitive skin, or skin prone to redness can benefit more from dermaplaning. (While people with active acne are generally better off with neither; it’s usually best to go with a chemical peel)

Dermaplaning is another exfoliating treatment that uses an ultra sharp surgical blade to gently scrape away dead surface skin and fine hair (or peach fuzz) on the face. This treatment is commonly paired with a chemical peel or photo facial to enhance results even more. With no vacuum suction involved, people with sensitivities will have no redness, irritation or down time. Dermaplaning will not result in any facial hair growing in darker, thicker or faster, and it leaves your skin as smooth as silk!

Either one of these treatments will leave your skin feeling smooth and looking bright, but it’s important to make sure they are performed by a licensed aesthetician with experience and knowledge of the skin. When either is performed incorrectly, it can not only result in redness and irritation, but permanent hyperpigmentation and sometimes scarring. Choose your aesthetician wisely!