Microdermabrasion Vs Dermaplaning Which Exfoliating Treatment Is Right Ror You?
Our clients are often confused about the benefits of microdermabrasion vs dermaplaning… When should they use one vs the other? Microdermabrasion and dermaplaning are exfoliating treatments that appear to be very similar but are actually very different.
Different Procedures, Different Results
We agree the words do sound similar but that’s about all these facial procedures have in common. Both are designed to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin but the end results can be quite different depending on your skin condition and skin type.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is one of the top non-surgical facial treatments designed to rejuvenate and renew your skin by gently exfoliating away dead skin cells. The two most common types of microdermabrasion are diamond microdermabrasion and crystal microdermabrasion.
Diamond Microdermabrasion
Diamond microdermabrasion is the most common treatment. A diamond-tipped wand is used to scratch or sand away the top level of the skin. A vacuum system sucks away the dirt, debris and dead skin cells. This is a fantastic treatment for younger people who don’t have many wrinkles. A deep exfoliation like this is great before a big event like a birthday or a wedding because you get a real glow in your skin.
Crystal Microdermabrasion
Crystal microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the outer surface of the skin using friction. A hand-held device sends a high-speed flow of aluminum oxide crystals at the skin while a vacuum system sucks away the dirt, dead skin cells and used crystals from your skin. Crystal microdermabrasion is too strong for young or sensitive skin. But it produces great results for older or sun damaged skin that really need a push to get the same glowing, shiny result. Crystal microdermabrasion produces a deeper peel or exfoliation than diamond microdermabrasion. Crystal microdermabrasion is going to be too strong for sensitive or young skins but achieves much more effective results on older or sun damaged skins that really need a push to see that same glowing, shiny result. Crystal Microdermabrasion will produce a deeper peel or exfoliation result than a Diamond Microdermabrasion treatment, making it a great solution if you’ve tried microdermabrasion before but want to see more significant results.
Benefits Of Microdermabrasion
With microdermabrasion you end up with a
- Smoother texture
- Brighter complexion
- Increase of collagen production
- Softening of fine lines, wrinkles
- Reduction of acne scarring
Recommendations
Microdermabrasion has been around for quite some time and is safe and effective to do weekly depending on how aggressive a treatment your skin can handle. If an aggressive treatment is not an option, we recommend monthly microdermabrasion facials. A series of 5 sessions are recommended to see optimal results followed by a maintenance plan based on your needs. Your Skin Technician will do an analysis and discuss the options during a complimentary consultation. Keep in mind that Microdermabrasion is not for everyone. If you suffer from skin conditions that cause redness, or very sensitive skin, microdermabrasion may be too harsh for your skin type and may worsen existing redness, irritation and sensitivity. In this case, dermaplaning may be a better option. This would also be discussed with your Skin Technician during your consultation. Microdermabrasion creates abrasion, pressure, and suction during treatment. You’ll have slight erythema (redness), but a smooth, clean exfoliated canvas for optimal product absorption and make up application. Now you might be asking yourself, why would I want redness and abrasion?
Microdermabrasion can help correct
- Signs of aging
- Skin tone and texture
- Other skin issues like acne scarring
However, it is more aggressive in the way exfoliation occurs compared to Dermaplaning. Some prefer a more aggressive take on microdermabrasion rather than the gentle approach. Depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment or how many treatments you have previously had – the passes will range from 1-4(ish) The skin is held taught while the passes are performed in sections. For clients that have had many treatments, more passes are ok to do, so long as the skin does not become overly irritated and suction does not create a bruising type mark or a striping appearance. Also keep in mind, that microdermabrasion does not remove vellus hair from the face.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is an exfoliation procedure in which the Technician uses a dermaplaning blade to manually slough and scrape off any buildup of dead skin cells on the face. In addition to getting rid of dead skin cells, this procedure also removes any “peach fuzz”, also known as vellus hair which can trap dirt and oil, which causes breakouts and a dull complexion. Because we are removing the vellus hairs, dermaplaning also allows for better product penetration as compared to microdermabrasion.
Multiple Dermaplaning Treatments
With multiple treatments over time, dermaplaning can:
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines,
- Even the skin tone and
- Assist in reducing milia. Milia are small, bump-like cysts found under the skin. They are usually 1 to 2 millimeters (mm) in size. They form when skin flakes or keratin, a protein, become trapped under the skin. Milia most often appear on the face, commonly around the eyelids and cheeks, though they can occur anywhere.
- Reduce or eliminate closed and open comedones. Comedones are the skin-coloured, small bumps (papules) frequently found on the forehead and chin of those with acne. A single lesion is a comedo. Open comedones are blackheads; black because of surface pigment (melanin), rather than dirt. Closed comedones are whiteheads; the follicle is completely blocked.
- Reduce or eliminate minor acne breakouts associated with congested pores.
- You will also get an overall smoothing appearance instantly.
Using Dermaplaning Safely
Dermaplaning is safe for all skin types and especially for those clients who have:
- Rough, dry skin
- Superficial hyperpigmentation
- Mild acne scarring or
- Fine lines and wrinkles
You can expect to see an instant improvement in skin texture and tone with the long term effects being an increase in cell turnover. Dermaplaning removes approximately 21 days worth of dead skin cells, so it is recommended allowing the skin to complete its rejuvenation cycle before your next treatment, ideally once a month for optimal results.
Get A Free Skincare Consultation At Urban Body Laser
Both Microdermabrasion and dermaplaning will leave your skin looking and feeling refreshed, healthy and brand new! Each procedure is noninvasive, virtually painless, and requires little to no down time. At Urban Body Laser our team of skin care specialists will address your unique concerns and skin issues providing treatment plans specifically designed around your individual needs, lifestyle and desires. As you can see Microdermabrasion and Dermaplaning are similar and yet very different in how the treatment is performed. When you come in for your complimentary consultation your Technician will decide with you as to which treatment would be best suited for you.
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