Microdermabrasion and microneedling are two popular treatments that enhance skin texture, tone, and overall condition. Although both methods aim to rejuvenate the skin, they use distinct approaches to achieve their effects.
Microdermabrasion exfoliates the skin’s surface, providing an immediate, radiant glow. In contrast, microneedling works below the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen production for longer-lasting results.
Choosing the right treatment depends on your skin type, specific concerns, and desired outcomes. This blog will help you understand the differences between these two rejuvenation techniques to determine which one best aligns with your skincare goals.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a deep exfoliation treatment that removes dead skin cells from the face, revealing fresh, new skin beneath. This treatment targets the skin’s outer layer, helping to reduce mild acne scars, sun damage, and uneven skin tone.
Using a handheld device with tiny crystals or a diamond tip, microdermabrasion gently exfoliates the skin. Suction is applied to remove dead skin cells and promote blood flow, unclogging pores, reducing blackheads, and evening out skin tone.
How does microdermabrasion work?
Microdermabrasion is a process of gently exfoliating the skin’s surface. A specialized machine with a rough tip—either a diamond tip or tiny crystals—removes the top layer of skin. Some machines also use a vacuum to clear away the debris, leaving skin smoother, brighter, and more even-toned after treatment.
At-home microdermabrasion devices are less powerful than those used by dermatologists or skincare professionals. Since only a thin layer of skin can be removed at a time, multiple treatments are often needed. Follow-up sessions are recommended to maintain optimal results as your skin changes over time.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion gently removes the outer layer of skin, revealing a fresh, vibrant complexion and promoting skin renewal for a healthy glow.
This treatment can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars, while also boosting collagen production and enhancing the effectiveness of your skincare products. For those with a busy lifestyle, microdermabrasion is convenient, typically requiring no downtime. Whether you’re looking to improve skin texture and tone or address specific concerns, microdermabrasion is a valuable addition to any skincare routine.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses tiny needles to prick the skin, stimulating collagen production. This treatment rejuvenates the skin, improving its texture and tone while reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and dark spots.
Performed with a handheld device featuring microscopic needles, microneedling encourages the skin to produce more collagen and elastin. After treatment, a serum or solution is typically applied to nourish the skin and support healing, helping restore moisture and enhance the skin’s overall texture and tone.
How does microneedling work?
Microneedling stimulates the skin’s natural healing process by promoting collagen and elastin production, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while adding thickness to the skin. Fine needles, typically between 0.5 and 3 millimeters, create tiny punctures in the skin.
A common microneedling tool is the dermaroller—a small wheel lined with rows of fine needles. When rolled over the skin, it creates up to 250 tiny holes per square centimeter. Alternatively, healthcare providers may use a microneedling machine, similar to a tattoo machine, where needles move back and forth across the skin.
Since microneedling can cause discomfort, a numbing cream is often applied before the procedure to ensure a more comfortable experience.
Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling is a popular cosmetic procedure that revitalizes and plumps the skin with minimal discomfort and little downtime. It can also be customized to address individual needs, helping improve the following skin conditions:
- Scars, including acne scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Large pores
- Dark spots or hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Reduced skin elasticity
- Stretch marks
- Hair growth stimulation for alopecia patients
Microneedling is often more affordable than laser therapy and, for some, can deliver better results. Laser treatments use heat, which may affect skin pigmentation. As a result, individuals with darker skin tones may prefer microneedling due to concerns about the safety of certain laser treatments, though more research is needed to confirm laser safety and effectiveness for all skin types.
What is the difference between microdermabrasion & microneedling?
While both treatments enhance skin appearance, they differ in several key ways. Microneedling is more invasive but typically requires little to no downtime. It often delivers more significant results by reaching deeper skin layers. On the other hand, microdermabrasion is a non-invasive, low-discomfort procedure with minimal recovery time, ideal for a quick skin refresh. Key Differences Between the Treatments:
Treatment Areas
Microneedling can be used on the face, scalp, hands, and other body parts, while microdermabrasion is mainly applied to the face.
Exfoliation vs. Collagen Induction
Microdermabrasion exfoliates by removing the skin’s superficial layer. Microneedling, however, works beneath the surface, stimulating a healing response and increasing collagen production.
Skin Recovery
Both treatments involve minimal downtime, but your skin may be more sensitive after microneedling. For a few days post-treatment, avoid makeup, sun exposure, swimming, and excessive sweating.
Ultimately, the choice between microneedling and microdermabrasion depends on your specific skincare goals and preferences.
Should I get microdermabrasion before microneedling?
Having microdermabrasion before microneedling can enhance results by removing dead skin cells, which makes the skin smoother and helps microneedling work more effectively. This combination can lead to increased collagen production and lasting benefits. However, it’s essential to wait 7-10 days between treatments to allow your skin to heal.
For optimal results, consult a skincare professional to determine if this approach is right for you. At Vancouver Laser, our experts can design a personalized treatment plan to ensure safe, effective results.
Conclusion
Both microdermabrasion and microneedling effectively improve skin, though one may suit your needs better than the other. For a quick glow with minimal time commitment, microdermabrasion is ideal. For deeper wrinkles, scars, and uneven skin tone, microneedling offers longer-lasting results by stimulating collagen production. At Vancouver Laser, we provide both treatments and offer expert consultations to guide you toward the best option for your skincare goals. Book a consultation with Vancouver Laser today and let us help you achieve radiant, rejuvenated skin that lasts.
FAQs
1. What age should you start microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is generally safe for individuals over 12 and adults up to age 65. While there is no upper age limit, those over 70 may have a higher risk of bruising and skin abrasions.
2. How often should you do microneedling?
To allow proper recovery, wait four to six weeks between microneedling sessions. This gives your skin time to heal and maximizes treatment benefits.
3. What age should you start microneedling?
Starting microneedling therapy in your 20s or early 30s is ideal. Younger skin tends to respond well to collagen stimulation, promoting long-term skin health.
4. Which is better: microneedling or microdermabrasion?
Both treatments are effective, but they address different skin concerns. Microdermabrasion is ideal for surface issues like mild acne scars, sun spots, and dull skin, while microneedling is more suitable for deeper concerns, such as severe acne scars, deep wrinkles, and significant sun damage.
