Microdermabrasion is a tried and trusted exfoliating treatment that has been around for decades. Thanks to the fantastic results you can achieve for a number of skin concerns (more about that here), microdermabrasion has benefited from enduring popularity. Microdermabrasion refers to the use of tiny exfoliating crystals to unsettle and remove the dead, upper layer of skin and reveal the fresh, new skin layer beneath. Dermaplaning, a relatively new treatment, uses a bladed tool to remove the surface layer of dead cells and vellus ‘peach fuzz’ hair from the skin.
Microdermabrasion vs. Dermaplaning
Although on the surface they might appear to work in a similar way by removing dead skin cells, microdermabrasion and dermaplaning have distinct differences and boast their own advantages and disadvantages. Here we share with you the pros and cons of microdermabrasion vs. dermaplaning so you can make an informed decision about your treatment choices.
Microdermabrasion – The Pros
Microdermabrasion is very effective for targeting skin complaints. A course of treatments is progressive and carried out every 7-1o days removing dead skin cells and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.
Here are a few of the benefits:
- The crystals knock loose, old dead skin cells from the skin surface
- The vacuum action boosts blood flow to the area and removes all the dead skin
- Combined action of crystals and vacuum unclogs pores and clears congestion
- Suitable for use every 7-10 days
- Stimulates new collagen and elastin production
- Work around spots thanks to the targeted microcrystals and handset.
- Stimulates body’s natural repair process
- Progressive treatment, see improvements with each treatment
- Aids absorption of skincare products
- Makeup glides on the smooth surface
Microdermabrasion – The Cons
Despite being super effective and efficient as a treatment, microdermabrasion is not suitable for pregnant clients because of this. Removing the very outer layer of skin cells increases susceptibility to UV and a risk of pigmentation. It is also unsuitable for those with rosacea and extensive broken capillaries as the vacuum action can exacerbate these issues.
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Dermaplaning – The Pros
Unlike MD, dermaplaning removes the vellus hair, often known as ‘peach fuzz’. This is a particular benefit of dermaplaning and great for those who dislike the appearance of this hair on the face. It can also help improve the absorption of skincare products into the skin. You can use Dermaplaning on skin with thread veins whereas MD would not be suitable due to the vacuum action of the treatment. Dermaplaning can also be carried out on pregnant clients, although hormonal changes mean pregnant clients should take particular precautions to avoid UV and wear a high spf following treatment to prevent pigmentation issues.
Here are a few of the benefits:
- Removes peach fuzz
- Hair does not grow back thicker or darker
- Suitable for pregnant clients
- Suitable for clients with rosacea and broken capillaries
- Helps absorption of products
Dermaplaning – The Cons
Although used to remove dead skin, the treatment itself does not unclog the pores. Some therapists overcome this by following a dermaplaning treatment with an enzyme peel. This will dissolve dirt and sebum in the pores.
Dermaplaning can cause breakouts for someone with oily skin. The vellus hair is removed so oil produced in the sebaceous gland cannot travel up the hair to lubricate the skin. Therefore, it can get trapped underneath and cause a spot. You can avoid this by using the correct skincare for an oily skin. Vellus hair will grow back so unfortunately it’s not a permanent solution to this issue.
So, What’s the Solution microdermabrasion vs. dermaplaning?
The optimum solution for you will ultimately depend on the condition of your skin any skin concerns and imperfections that you are trying to address. While dermaplaning is recommended just once a month, microdermabrasion is a great option for those looking to solve more problems than a few facial hairs and dead skin cells and can be carried out every 7-10 days during a course of treatments for issues such as acne, acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, stretchmarks, congested skin, blackheads & uneven skin tone. Find out more about what microdermabrasion treatments can treat here.
