Microdermabrasion vs. Dermaplaning
What is Exfoliation?
Your skin is continuously rejuvenating new skin cells while shedding dead skin cells. However, some of those cells cling to your skin’s surface or clog your pores, resulting in uneven skin tone and dry patches of skin. Exfoliation is the removal of the top layers of dead skin by applying a product to your skin or by using a physical tool. This process is especially important after summer when your skin has been exposed more frequently to the sun and other elements that are known to cause damage to your skin. From dermaplaning to microdermabrasion and more (including Hydrafacial and chemical peels), there is a specific exfoliation treatment that will meet your skincare needs and comfort level.
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a minimally-invasive treatment that uses an applicator to exfoliate the outer layers of skin and suction away the dead skin cells on the surface, revealing your healthy, younger cells beneath. It is typically used to soften fine lines, wrinkles, discolorations, enlarged pores, blackheads, scarring, uneven skin tone / texture, melasma, and other mild skin concerns and conditions. A single treatment will leave your skin feeling more soft, smooth, and radiant, while a series of treatments will improve your skin’s texture and tone over time.
During a microdermabrasion treatment at Renova Aesthetics, you will experience a slight suctioning sensation as your esthetician glides the crystal-free DiamondTome wand over your skin. The unique wand’s tip is made from natural diamond chips to provide exfoliation, while simultaneously suctioning dead skin cells from your skin for an instantly smoother, brighter, and softer appearance. The wand’s strength can be adjusted for areas that are sensitive or need extra attention. Microdermabrasion is included in the Renova 90 Minute Facial, can be provided as a stand-alone treatment, and can be added to any service.
Microderms are recommended monthly for normal maintenance. One treatment will result in a brighter, glowing appearance, as well as smoother makeup application For more long-term results like tightening and lifting of the lower skin levels, a more concentrated series of treatments is necessary.
What is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning on the other hand, is slightly different. During a dermaplane session, your esthetician will glide a round-tipped, sterile blade (sometimes called a scalpel) at a 45° angle over the surface of your face and neck. This gently removes peach fuzz hairs, dead surface cells, built-up oil and dirt, and other debris on the skin that can cause breakouts and irritation. (*Dermaplaning will NOT cause your hair to grow thicker or coarser. If you notice this happening, contact your PCP to investigate this further.)
During a dermaplaning session at Renova, you will feel a sensation much like using a razor – a cold, scraping sensation that sometimes tickles – as the blade is moved over your skin in slow, deliberate strokes. Dermaplaning uncovers smoother, younger skin while softening fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. Dermaplaning is included in the Renova 90 Minute Facial, can be provided as a stand-alone treatment, and can be added to any service.
One dermaplaning session will last around an hour, and your brighter appearance will last 3-6 weeks. As this treatment only treats the top layer of the skin, it is recommended to repeat a dermaplane very 4-6 weeks. Three or more consecutive sessions can stimulate new collagen growth and cell regeneration, giving your skin a smoother, more firm appearance.
Which is Best – Microdermabrasion or Dermaplaning?
- Microdermabrasion uses a device to exfoliate the most superficial layer of skin and suction away dead skin cells. It does not remove hair, and will induce some redness. Microdermabrasion can be performed on your face, neck, chest, back, arms, hands and legs.
- Dermaplaning is more in depth than microdermabrasion, removing most of the outer layer of skin (epidermis) as well as peach fuzz, with little to no redness following your treatment. Dermaplaning is commonly used on the face and neck, and occasionally arms.
