Microdermabrasion VS. Dermaplaning

Both microdermabrasion and dermaplaning procedures are excellent physical exfoliators. Meaning they both are physically removing the top layer of dead skin cells that tend to make our skin look a little dull and lack luster, not to mention slows down or prevents all together the absorption of your skin care products used at home. There is a substantial difference between the two procedures. Some people will always have their preference and prefer one over the other as a client and as an esthetician. Let’s talk about the two different methodologies so you can have a better understanding.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion treatments are performed with a machine either using aluminum oxide crystals (which are nearly as hard as diamonds) or a hand piece called a diamond tip. The diamond tip Microdermabrasion almost feels like an emery board but there is no mess with the treatment. The hand piece is used in a particular pattern on the skin to ensure complete coverage while sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells. The vacuum part of the machine will then remove the dirt and dead skin cells as they are being buffed off. Crystal Microdermabrasion uses the crystals mentioned early with the same type of vacuum attachment. The hand piece has two small tubes attached to it. One tube is delivering the crystals to the skin while the other tube is attached to the vacuum. The friction with the crystals against the skin is having the same effect, sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells while the vacuum is helping to remove the used crystals along with the dirt and dead skin cells. The crystals tend to be a little messier, but not that big of a deal. The sensation you feel with microdermabrasion has been described as feeling like sandpaper. Your skin will be pink or even a little red after the procedure and for the next couple of hours you could feel some residual heat in your skin from the abrasiveness of the treatment.

Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is performed with a sterile blade that is used to scrape away the top layer of dead skin cells. This procedure can be done on dry skin or with a layer of oil to help with the friction. Oil is typically preferred for clients with dryer skin and/or in the dryer months. The blade is held at a 40-degree angle and moved in a particular pattern around the face to ensure complete coverage. With dermaplaning, your esthetician has more control over how aggressive -or not, they want to be and can be more detailed and precise in certain areas like around the eyes or going over sensitive spots. This procedure has the added bonus of removing the vellus hair (peach fuzz) which acts as a barrier and slows down the penetration of your skin care products you are using at home. The treatment is very relaxing and feels like a credit card scraping against your skin. If done dry your skin could feel slightly irritated but it doesn’t last long. If done with oil there’s no irritation at all.

How Long Do the Results Last

With any type of physical exfoliation you can expect the results to last 3-4 weeks. Every 30 days our skin replaces itself. Now, that’s an average and depends on your overall health. Sometimes that can happen a little slower or a little faster, but when our skin replaces itself it could use a little help to remove the old stuff so the new, healthy cells can shine on the surface. This is why its recommended to see your esthetician monthly for a healthy glowing complexion.