Before & After | Blog | Med Spa | In The Media

What is Dermaplaning vs. Microdermabrasion?

When you’re looking to improve the look of your skin, exfoliation is a go-to solution. But with so many types of exfoliating skin care treatments available, you might be confused as to which type is right for you and your skin. In terms of results, like smoother softer skin, glowing complexion and reduction of fine lines, many exfoliation procedures are quite similar.

But some are a quicker process than others and require slightly different techniques and equipment. With that in mind, let’s look at two popular exfoliating cosmetic services: dermaplaning and microdermabrasion.

Dermaplaning

With dermaplaning, your aesthetician manually scrapes and sloughs off dead skin cells build up off of your face using a sharp surgical blade. In addition to removing dead skin cells, dermaplaning also eliminates any vellus hair (“peach fuzz”) you may have on your face. Vellus hair can trap oil and dirt, leading to not only a dull complexion but also breakouts.

Dermaplaning is also a helpful treatment to soften the appearance of scars and fine lines. Know that when you remove facial peach fuzz, it does not grow back thicker or darker.

Dermaplaning is suitable for almost every skin type and as simple, painless, and non-invasive as shaving. It requires no recovery period, and individuals with skin sensitivities or redness can get the procedure.

Microdermabrasion

Another non-surgical exfoliating treatment used to renew and rejuvenate your facial skin is microdermabrasion. Diamond Microderm is a type of microdermabrasion that removes the top layer of dull and dead epidermis cells gently using a vacuum suction wand encrusted with crushed diamonds.

After this procedure, you can expect a brighter complexion, smoother skin texture, softening of fine lines and wrinkles, reduction in acne scars, reduced pore size, less hyperpigmentation, and collagen production.

Crystal microdermabrasion applies aluminum oxide crystals to your skin via a vacuum machine to exfoliate dead and dull skin cells. Because this method relies on the machine’s accuracy, it is considered less effective and reliable. It takes several sessions of Crystal microdermabrasion to realize optimal results.

Unlike dermaplaning, microdermabrasion isn’t well suited for every individual. People with sensitive skin, rosacea or are prone to developing redness are not advised to undergo microdermabrasion.

Both dermaplanning and microdermabrasion skin care treatments offer the benefits of renewed skin that have a healthy glow and softer, fine lines. Each procedure is essentially painless, requires little to zero recovery time, and is noninvasive. When choosing between the two, be sure to take into account your specific skin type and discuss with your aesthetician which is better suited for you.

Set up an appointment at the Vein & Vascular Institute for one of these cosmetic services today.