Curious about the difference between microdermabrasion and dermaplaning? We have the scoop on what these two facial treatments can (and can’t) do for you. Keep reading to learn more about what’s right for your skin.
Dermaplaning vs. microdermabrasion
First things first, let’s clarify what each treatment is and what benefits they can offer. If you’ve been following DERMAFLASH, you might already be familiar with the skin-improving benefits of dermaplaning, but here’s the lowdown just in case. Dermaplaning is a facial treatment that gently-yet-effectively exfoliates skin, as well as removes vellus hair—a.k.a. the “peach fuzz” we all naturally have on our faces. [link to vellus hair article]. It’s a form of physical exfoliation, which simply means you’re using a tool to manually exfoliate the skin. (Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, involves applying a treatment like a peel or an acid toner.)
“When dermaplaning is performed in a Med Spa or a doctor’s office, a surgical scalpel is used to remove the oldest layer of dead skin cells, built-up debris and vellus hair,” explains Dara Levy, the founder of DERMAFLASH. After that top layer of dulling build-up and peach fuzz is removed, you’ll immediately see skin that looks smoother, fresher and more radiant. As a bonus, any skincare treatments you do afterward will work more effectively, because you’ve removed that layer of buildup standing in the way.
Using a surgical scalpel at home isn’t an option, of course, which is where sonic dermaplaning comes in. Our LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning wand gives you the same results you’d get from an in-office treatment, while keeping your skin safe. Our patented sonic technology ensures the device glides smoothly over your skin, and our Microfine Edge has a specially designed safety cage that guards against nicks and scrapes—so you can de-fuzz and de-flake without stressing out.
Does microdermabrasion remove hair?
Let’s get back to microdermabrasion vs. dermaplaning. Microdermabrasion is also a form of physical exfoliation, but unlike dermaplaning, it does not remove peach fuzz. There are two main forms of microdermabrasion: Crystal and Diamond-Tip.
During a crystal microdermabrasion treatment, your practitioner will use a wand that “sprays” ultra-fine crystals over skin to exfoliate dead skin cells. The wand also has a small vacuum that removes the crystals at the same time. A diamond-tip treatment is very similar, but the wand itself has diamond particles that exfoliate the skin (nothing is sprayed). Both forms are effective, and you’ll often hear them compared to “sandblasting” or “sandpapering.”
Can you do microdermabrasion and dermaplaning together?
The answer is yes, but you do need to be cautious and go to a professional esthetician who will treat your skin carefully, so you don’t risk over-exfoliation or a compromised skin barrier. Because dermaplaning is the gentler of the two treatments, it would be performed first to remove vellus and exfoliate dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion would then be performed next for deeper exfoliation.
But there’s another, gentler option that will leave your skin with a gorgeous glow… and that’s the combination of DERMAFLASH Sonic Dermaplaning and a HydraFacial. A HydraFacial is similar to microdermbrasion, but gentler on skin and with added skin-improving benefits. During a HydraFacial, your esthetician uses a special wand to cleanse and treat your skin with a customized peel that loosens dirt, oil and debris in your pores. Next, the tool is used to gently “vacuum” out that debris. Last, the tool is used to deeply infuse a hydrating serum (or “booster”) that will help address your specific skin concerns.
Spas including the Four Seasons offer facial treatments where you begin with DERMAFLASH Sonic Dermaplaning in order to remove gently exfoliate and peach fuzz, then follow with a HydraFacial. The combination is magic for leaving skin smooth, glowing and completely fuzz-free!
Is dermaplaning worth it?
Well, we confess we’re a bit biased, but it’s not just us who counts on Sonic Dermaplaning to leave skin smooth and radiant! Dermatologists and estheticians recommended it as a safe and gentle exfoliating and de-fuzzing treatment that’s appropriate for all skin types, including sensitive skin and those who are pregnant/nursing. (The only skin types that are not good candidates are those who have active rosacea or cystic acne. If you’re unsure, ask your derm.)
If you’re looking to boost your glow factor, LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning will leave you with more radiant skin in just minutes—and you’ll only need to do the treatment once a week to maintain your smooth, fuzz-free results.
