Microneedling versus Microdermabrasion

Are you thinking of which treatment is best for you? Then read on.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that is minimally invasive and is used to improve fine lines and wrinkles, pore size, and acne scarring. Microneedling can even be used on thin areas of skin, such as the area around the eyes and on the hands and neck. While there is at-home microneedling equipment available, microneedling performed by a trained professional will provide the safest and best results.

What is microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that treats the surface of the skin to increase circulation and remove dead and dull skin cells. Microdermabrasion is used to reduce the appearance of pore size, age spots, acne scars, stretch marks, and fine lines and wrinkles. Similar to microneedling, microdermabrasion can be done at home, but medical microdermabrasion provides better and safer results.

What is the difference between a microneedling vs microdermabrasion procedure?

During a microneedling procedure, a specialised pen is used to create micro-injuries (aka tiny holes) in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s wound-healing process, which produces collagen. Collagen naturally occurs in our bodies and keeps our skin plump and youthful. Increasing the production of collagen surrounding these micro-injuries improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles by smoothing them out and making them firmer.

On the other hand, a microdermabrasion procedure is often considered a “lunch hour” procedure as it is non-invasive and treatment sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes. During the procedure, the skin is treated with ablative material and a mechanical device. This combination scrubs off dead and dull skin cells from the skin’s surface. The mechanical device also provides suction throughout the procedure to promote circulation.

Microneedling vs microdermabrasion benefits

When deciding between a microneedling vs microdermabrasion procedure, there are many microneedling benefits and microdermabrasion benefits to consider. Microneedling and microdermabrasion benefits can often be similar, but there are a few added benefits with microneedling.

Microneedling can treat more areas of the body, including the face, scalp, hands, and body. Microdermabrasion is limited to the face and body. Since microneedling is minimally invasive, results are longer-lasting than microdermabrasion results. It’s important to note though that a microneedling treatment does not stop the aging process from occurring, so the amount of collagen in your skin will continue to decrease over time.

Both microneedling and microdermabrasion procedures often require more than one treatment to see the best results. While there are some concerns that both microneedling and microdermabrasion can help with, there are also some that each procedure specialises in improving.

Both treatments can treat acne scars, uneven skin tone, and fine lines and wrinkles. Microneedling can also help treat skin conditions like burn scars, alopecia, stretch marks, and hyperhidrosis (sweating too much). Microdermabrasion can help treat age spots and dull complexions.

Microneedling vs microdermabrasion for acne scars

Both microneedling and microdermabrasion can be used to treat acne scars. Microneedling and microdermabrasion work best on depressed acne scars, not ones that are raised. However, microneedling treats deeper acne scars than microdermabrasion since microneedling pens like reach below the surface of the skin.

Microneedling vs microdermabrasion for fine lines

Both treatments are commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Microneedling creates a longer lasting effect than microdermabrasion as microneedling pens produce tiny injuries to the treated area, which naturally produces collagen to create a smoothing and firming effect. Microdermabrasion reduces fine lines and wrinkles by removing the dull and dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.

Aftercare for each treatment

Microneedling and microdermabrasion aftercare are fairly similar. Skin may be sensitive for a few days following each procedure. You should avoid sun exposure for the first 24 hours. It’s also important to avoid wearing makeup or sweating for the first 24 hours as this can irritate the skin. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.