The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between Microdermabrasion and Dermaplaning for Your Smoothest Skin Yet
When it comes to achieving radiant, smooth skin, professional exfoliation treatments have become the gold standard for skincare enthusiasts. Both microdermabrasion and dermaplaning exfoliate your skin by removing the upper layer of dead skin cells, and both are considered minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Understanding the key differences between these two popular treatments can help you make an informed decision about which option will best serve your skincare goals.
Understanding Microdermabrasion: The Mechanical Marvel
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive epidermal resurfacing procedure used to treat uneven skin tone/texture, photoaging, striae, melasma, and scars, including acne scars. There are two main forms of microdermabrasion: Crystal and Diamond-Tip. During a crystal microdermabrasion treatment, your practitioner will use a wand that “sprays” ultra-fine crystals over skin to exfoliate dead skin cells.
Diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped wand to remove (and vacuum up debris from) the top layer of your skin. This works a little more like an electric sander, but it’s much, much gentler. Microdermabrasion helps to thicken your collagen, which results in a younger looking complexion.
The benefits of microdermabrasion are impressive and wide-ranging. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can offer evened skin tone, bright complexion, reduced appearance of dark spots, and wrinkles, with cleaned-out pores and improved smoothness of the skin. This treatment is suitable for most skin types and is particularly effective for smoothing rough skin, reducing acne scars, and improving pigmentation. It also helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles while unclogging pores to prevent breakouts. Additionally, microdermabrasion enhances the absorption of skincare products.
Dermaplaning: The Gentle Giant
Dermaplaning is a facial treatment that gently-yet-effectively exfoliates skin, as well as removes vellus hair—a.k.a. the “peach fuzz” we all naturally have on our faces. This form of exfoliation requires an aesthetician to manually scrape built-up dead skin cells off your face with a sharp surgical blade.
What sets dermaplaning apart is its dual benefit system. As dead skin is scraped away, so is vellus hair or “peach fuzz.” This is beneficial because these tiny hairs harbor dirt and oil, which cause breakouts and a diminished complexion. After dermaplaning, you will see the results immediately; your skin will be left smooth, soft, and radiant.
Unlike microdermabrasion, this treatment is suitable for every skin type, including clients with sensitivities or redness. Dermaplaning is more in depth than microdermabrasion, removing most of the outer layer of skin (epidermis) as well as peach fuzz, with little to no redness following your treatment.
Comparing Results and Recovery
When it comes to immediate results, both treatments deliver, but in different ways. Your skin will feel softer and smoother after your first microdermabrasion treatment. However, the results of microdermabrasion build up over time. Most people need multiple treatments to achieve their desired cosmetic goals.
Dermaplaning, on the other hand, offers more immediate gratification. After dermaplaning, you will see the results immediately; your skin will be left smooth, soft, and radiant. Dermplaning is as easy as shaving, and is just as painless with no recovery time.
Recovery time differs between the two treatments as well. Your skin might be a little red, swollen or sensitive for up to 24 hours after microdermabrasion. In contrast, dermaplaning typically involves minimal downtime with little to no redness.
Who Should Choose Which Treatment?
The decision between these treatments often comes down to your skin type and specific concerns. The decision between microdermabrasion or dermaplaning depends on your skin type and concerns. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to redness, dermaplaning offers a gentler approach. This treatment is ideal for those looking to remove peach fuzz and get a smooth, radiant complexion. On the other hand, if you have rough skin, deep acne scars, or are seeking more intensive exfoliation, microdermabrasion may provide better results.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have sensitive skin, microdermabrasion isn’t for you. Although the procedure can be quite valuable, it’s hard on sensitive skin. If you have a skin condition that causes redness like rosacea, or simply sensitive skin that reddens easily, microdermabrasion is too aggressive for your skin type.
Professional Treatment Considerations
For residents in the Triangle area seeking professional exfoliation treatments, finding the right provider is crucial. Wake Skincare, located in Wake Forest, North Carolina, exemplifies the type of expertise you should seek when considering these treatments. Wake Skincare is dedicated to helping you achieve glowing skin. At Wake Skincare, we are committed to growth and excellence. Backed by one of the most esteemed medical directors in the Triangle, I focus on a wide range of skincare concerns, including skin of color, acne, hyperpigmentation, and anti-aging treatments.
The clinic’s comprehensive approach to skincare includes both microdermabrasion and dermaplaning services. For exfoliation, we provide a variety of gentle yet effective options, such as dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, enzyme peels, and professional-grade chemical peels, all aimed at giving you smooth, glowing skin. Their experienced team understands that from the moment of your initial consultation, our signature services and a wide array of intensive treatments are tailored to meet your unique needs. We’re dedicated to helping you fall in love with your skin.
If you’re specifically interested in microdermabrasion the triangle area, Wake Skincare offers professional treatments backed by medical expertise. Dr. Joseph Hummel is the owner and overseeing physician at Wake Skincare Medical Aesthetics. His primary objective is to deliver top-notch, personalized medical care to individuals dedicated to exceptional well-being. Dr. Hummel establishes a distinct patient-physician relationship, utilizing customized hormone and nutritional supplementation, combined with tailored lifestyle adjustments, to optimize his patients’ health.
Treatment Frequency and Maintenance
Understanding the recommended frequency for each treatment is essential for achieving optimal results. Most people get between one and four microdermabrasion treatments each month to achieve their desired results. Monthly treatments after that can help you maintain the results. Patients often require 4-6 weekly treatments to achieve the desired results for microdermabrasion.
Dermaplaning typically requires less frequent sessions, with most practitioners recommending treatments every 3-4 weeks to maintain optimal results. Results of dermaplaning aren’t long lasting. After three weeks to a month, the results will have faded and so clients will need to have continuous treatments to maintain results.
Making Your Decision
As you weigh the benefits of each procedure, remember that there is no right choice for everyone. The best option for you depends on your specific skin concerns and needs. The best way to figure out which treatment is right for you is to consult with a skincare professional. They can assess your skin and hear about your skin goals. Then, they can help you decide which treatment will give you the best results.
Both microdermabrasion and dermaplaning offer significant benefits for achieving smoother, more radiant skin. Whether you choose the mechanical precision of microdermabrasion or the gentle effectiveness of dermaplaning, working with experienced professionals ensures you’ll receive the personalized care needed to achieve your skincare goals. The key is finding a qualified provider who can assess your individual needs and recommend the treatment that will deliver the best results for your unique skin concerns.