Dermaplane vs Dermabrasion: What Should I Choose?
When comparing the benefits of dermaplaning vs microdermabrasion (or simply "dermabrasion"), how do you know which will deliver optimal results for your skin just as it is? While both procedures are excellent for achieving a deep, lasting exfoliation—shown to boost collagen production and overall skin health—the ways they achieve it are quite unique.
Allow the world-renowned estheticians at Melissa Fox to walk you through the requisite conditions and advantages of each minimal procedure. After reading, you'll have a much clearer sense of whether your unique skin qualities and goals are best suited for dermabrasion or dermaplaning (or even both, sometimes).
Benefits of Dermaplaning
During a dermaplane facial, our highly trained estheticians carefully scrape away the outer surface of dead skin cells using a medical-grade bladed implement called a dermatome. Dermaplaning is also effective at removing small vellus hairs (aka "peach fuzz"), which trap dirt, bacteria, and oil that lead to breakouts and a dull complexion.
By resurfacing the skin, dermaplane facials reduce the depth of pores and can lessen acne scars (and, to a lesser degree, wrinkles). When comparing dermaplaning vs microdermabrasion, dermaplaning carries the following distinct advantages:
- Suitable for almost any skin type, including sensitive skin
- Procedures may be as brief as several minutes
- Can precede a dermabrasion treatment, after enough time healing
- Faster healing, with much less likelihood of raw, noticeably red skin
This latter point is important for those balancing their beauty and skincare regimen with social engagements. If all other considerations are equal, a dermaplane facial may be a better choice for those who have less time to allow the skin to regenerate with a suitable level of privacy.
Benefits of Dermabrasion
While microdermabrasion can achieve, or even exceed, many of the same benefits as a dermaplane facial, it does so in a very different way. Rather than a scraping action, microdermabrasion applies small crystals to the skin, causing friction that creates microscopic abrasions. This more deeply loosens dead skin and compacted debris.
It's a slightly more intensive procedure. For those without disqualifying skin conditions, dermabrasion achieves several key benefits over dermaplaning:
- More thorough exfoliation
- Longer lasting results
- Removal of deeper blackheads
- Balances uneven pigmentation, possibly improving sun damage and age spots
- Greater effect on wrinkles and fine lines
Because microdermabrasion is more abrasive, it's not ideal for those with sensitive skin, redness, or active breakouts. For the same reason, a dermabrasion should not be followed by dermaplaning until well after total skin recovery—although the inverse is true for those seeking maximum benefits.
Be advised that microdermabrasion isn't a good idea when pregnant or during breastfeeding. It can also increase the onset of blisters or rashes in those predisposed.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
Deciding between dermaplaning and microdermabrasion depends entirely on the individual. Both achieve exceptional results, including an upregulation of the skin's own collagen and elastin production.
The very best outcome occurs after multiple sessions—and for the ultimate results, consider staging both treatments in series. If you so choose, remember that dermaplane facials must come before dermabrasion.
While this guide can help you pin down your decision, the most accurate assessment comes from an expert consultation at our beautiful Miami-Dade clinic (or online). In most cases, we recommend a protocol of around five treatments, allotting about a week to recover between each session.
Reach Out Today for Help Comparing Dermaplaning vs Microdermabrasion
Many of us have tried home exfoliating procedures, but most often with mixed results. While the benefits of regular exfoliation are impressive, what we've just described is at a much higher level.
Flawless by Melissa Fox specializes in multiple exfoliation methods developed by experts in their field after years of testing. We encourage you to weigh the benefits of microdermabrasion and dermaplaning and choose what's right for your skin quality, timeframe, and overall condition.
Contact us to book your first consultation, and be well on your way to a rejuvenating and uplifting facial care regimen.
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