One of the most common questions we get asked is what is the difference between microneedling and microdermabrasion? Both procedures are popular skin treatments, but they work in very different ways. Here’s a quick overview of each procedure to help you decide which one is right for you.
What Is The Difference Between Microneedling And Microdermabrasion?
Cosmetic and medical skin issues are treated with microdermabrasion and microneedling. A session can last from a few minutes to an hour. You may require little or no downtime following a treatment, but you may require multiple sessions to heal.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion removes dead or damaged skin cells from the top layer of skin on the face and body.
It is recommended by the American College of Dermatology for the following reasons:
- Scarring caused by acne
- unbalanced skin tone (hyperpigmentation)
- Sunspots are irregularities on the surface of the sun (melasma)
- signs of aging
- a drab appearance
How Does It Work?
Microdermabrasion is a procedure that is comparable to gently “sandpapering” your skin. The top layer of skin is removed using a specialized machine equipped with a rough tip.
The machine may have a diamond tip or spray tiny crystals or rough particles onto your skin to “polish” it. Some microdermabrasion machines incorporate a built-in vacuum to collect the debris removed from your skin.
Following a microdermabrasion treatment, you may notice immediate results. As a result, your skin may feel smoother. It could be more vibrant and even-toned.
To use a professional microdermabrasion machine, you’ll need to go to a doctor or a skin care specialist’s office, rather than using one at home.
The majority of people, regardless of the machine used, will require multiple microdermabrasion treatments. This is because the procedure can only remove a very thin layer of skin at a time.
Additionally, your skin evolves and changes over time. Additional treatments are almost always necessary to achieve the best results.
Healing
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive method of skin rejuvenation. It is completely painless. You may require no or very little healing time following a session.
The following are some of the most frequently encountered adverse effects:
- redness
- Irritation of the skin.
- tenderness
The following are some of the less common adverse effects:
- infection
- bleeding
- scabbing
- pimples
Microneedling
Microneedling can be beneficial in the following areas:
- scalp
- body
It is a more traditional method of skin rejuvenation. Additionally, it is referred to as:
- skin pricking
- Induction of collagen therapy
- Collagen induction in the skin
Microneedling’s advantages and disadvantages are less well-known. Additional research is needed to determine the efficacy of repeated micro needling treatments.
Skin conditions that can be treated with micro needling, according to the American Academy of Dermatology:
- wrinkles and fine lines
- numerous pores
- scars
- Scarring caused by acne
- unbalanced skin texture
- Spots of brown pigmentation and hyperpigmentation
How does it work?
Microneedling is a technique that promotes the natural healing process of the skin. This may aid in the production of collagen, or elastic tissue, in the skin. Collagen improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also thickening the skin.
To create tiny holes in the skin, extremely fine needles are used. The needles measure between 0.5 and 3 millimeters in length.
A derma roller is a popular micro-needling tool. It’s a small wheel surrounded by rows of fine needles. It can create up to 250 tiny holes per square centimeter by rolling them along the skin.
Your physician may employ the use of a micro needling machine. The tip has the appearance of a tattoo machine. As it moves across the skin, the tip pushes needles out in a back-and-forth motion.
Microneedling can be slightly uncomfortable. Before the procedure, your healthcare provider may apply a numbing cream to your skin.
Healing
The depth to which the needles penetrated your skin dictates how quickly you recover from a micro needling procedure. Your skin may take several days to return to normal. You might as well have used:
- redness
- swelling
- bleeding
- oozing
- scabbing
- bruises (less common)
- acne scars (less common)
The Number Of Procedures
For several weeks to months following treatment, you may not notice any benefits from micro needling. This is because it takes 3 to 6 months for new collagen to grow after your treatment is complete. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve any results.
On rats, one to four micro needling treatments improved skin thickness and elasticity more effectively than a skin cream or serum, according to Trusted Source.
Skin products enriched with vitamin A and vitamin C boosted the effects of micro needling in this study. While these are encouraging findings, additional research is necessary to determine whether similar outcomes can be obtained by others.
Suggestions On How To Stay Safe
Safety Of Microneedling
Microneedling rollers used at home, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, can be harmful.
This is because their needles are typically duller and shorter. You risk damaging your skin if you use a low-quality micro-needling tool or perform the procedure incorrectly.
This could result in the following:
- infection
- scarring
- hyperpigmentation
Safety Of Microdermabrasion
Although microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure, it is critical to work with an experienced healthcare provider and to adhere to all pre-and post-care instructions.
Among the potential roadblocks are the following:
- irritation
- infection
- hyperpigmentation
Costs Of Microdermabrasion vs. Micro needling
Costs vary according to several factors, including the following:
- the area that was treated
- the quantity of treatment
- charges levied by the provider of the service
- Treatments in combination
A single micro needling treatment, according to user reviews on RealSelf.com, costs between $100 and $200. Typically, microdermabrasion is more expensive.
Microdermabrasion costs an average of $131 per treatment, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2018 statistics report. The average treatment cost on RealSelf is $175.
Typically, microdermabrasion and micro needling are not covered by insurance. Almost certainly, you will have to pay for the procedure.
Dermabrasion and other skin resurfacing procedures may be covered in part by insurance in certain circumstances. Consult your physician’s office and your insurance company.
Microdermabrasion And Microneedling For Skin Conditions
Microdermabrasion and microneedling are both used to treat cosmetic and medical skin problems. Skin diseases are one of them. Microneedling in combination with chemical skin peels, according to Indian researchers, may help improve the appearance of pitted acne or pimple scars.
This may be because the needles stimulate the growth of collagen in the skin beneath the scars.
Microneedling can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including the following:
- acne
- sunken and small scars
- surgical scars and incisions
- scars left behind by burns
- alopecia
- Stretch marks are visible scars on the skin.
- Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which a person sweats excessively (too much sweating)
Microneedling is a technique for drug delivery. Puncturing numerous tiny holes in the skin facilitates the body’s absorption of certain medications via the skin.
Final Thoughts
Microneedling and microdermabrasion are two popular skin resurfacing procedures. Both procedures are considered safe for most people. Complications are rare but may include irritation, infection, and hyperpigmentation.
