Microdermabrasion vs. Microneedling
07/24/2024
There are a lot of terms that get thrown around in the cosmetic treatment industry. So many, in fact, that it can be really hard to keep them all straight.
Although they may sound the same, these two procedures couldn’t be any more different. The crew of skin care experts at Novella are here to help set the record straight on what each is and how they may be able to benefit your skin.
That way, the next time you’re comparing microdermabrasion vs. microneedling, you’ll be able to feel confident about your decision.
Microdermabrasion
Now that we’re comparing microderm-abrasion vs. microneedling, let’s start with microdermabrasion.
At a very basic level, microdermabrasion is an extreme type of exfoliation. The goal of any exfoliation treatment (whether it is done at home or other medical practice) is to help rid the top level of the skin of the dead skin cells that accumulate there.
We all have them because they’re a part of the normal skin cell life cycle, which takes about 30 days. Once they make their way up to the very top of the epidermis, they need just a little bit of help to be “shed.”
In most cases, a normal cleansing routine is enough to get rid of them. Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids are also helpful, which include toners and other products with salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
However, in some cases, the skin needs a little extra assistance getting rid of dead skin cells. In these instances, the build-up can cause the skin to look dull and even potentially increase the risk of breakouts.
Microdermabrasion was designed to help with that. They are considered “minimally invasive,” and the most effective types of microdermabrasion treatments are done at a spa or dermatologist’s office.
The main way that this is done is by spraying highly pressurized crystals against the skin’s surface, which are normally made from aluminum oxide. The crystals work to blast away the dead skin cells (and other debris that tends to build upon the surface), which are vacuumed away.
Microneedling
Microneedling is another minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, one that has been a darling of dermatologists for years. You may have seen microneedling in action before without even knowing it, as this is the process behind the infamous “vampire facial” touted by so many celebrities and influencers.
The process of microneedling that we use here at Novella starts by applying a topical numbing cream to your face to help reduce any potential discomfort. Our advanced practice providers then use incredibly small needles to puncture the surface of the skin down to anywhere between 0.1mm and 2.5mm — depending on what your goals are.
Though there are plenty of at-home microneedling tools on the market, they are not recommended by dermatologists. Because the procedure includes making controlled punctures into the skin in a sterile environment, the conditions can’t be safely reproduced at home. This leads to an increased infection risk, so it’s far better to leave it to the professionals. A unique factor of microneedling that isn’t present with microdermabrasion is the ability to include PRP treatment. PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a product that is filtered out from your own blood.
While that may sound strange, the research into its benefits is up-and-coming. Not just for the skin, but also for hair growth and treatment. Using PRP can help you ramp up the benefits of microneedling even further, especially when it comes to managing age-related concerns. When applied to the skin during a microneedling procedure, the PRP is able to penetrate deep into the skin so it can provide you with the most benefits possible.
Microdermabrasion benefits
People seek out microdermabrasion to help them deal with a few different issues. Knowing what it’s best at treating can help you decide whether or not it’s the proper treatment for your skin. Generally speaking, microdermabrasion is best for helping to brighten up dull, tired-looking skin. It can also help unclog pores, decrease blackheads and potentially help to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
The benefits of microdermabrasion tend to show up a little faster than microneedling, but they also aren’t nearly as long-lasting.
Microneedling benefits
Microneedling, on the other hand, helps with the same issues that microdermabrasion does, but a handful of other ones, too. In addition to helping reduce the appearance of fine lines, it can also decrease pore size.
With consistent treatment, microneedling may also help decrease the visibility of stretch marks and acne scarring. It can also help brighten the skin.
Another benefit of microneedling is its potential to help boost your skin’s collagen production. Thanks to various medical studies, we’ve learned that what microneedling really does is help organize the old collagen fibers while also laying down new ones, including elastin and capillaries. This leads not only to additional collagen but also to tighter, more youthful-looking skin.
It may take between one to two weeks for optimal benefits after a microneedling procedure.
Potential side effects
For some people, the factor that makes the most difference to which procedure they choose is potential side effects. We don’t believe in allowing anyone to undergo any procedure without being informed of side effects or risks, so we wanted to look at them a little closer.
The most common side effect that people experience from microdermabrasion is redness after the procedure is finished. Because microdermabrasion essentially is done by removing the very top layer of your skin, you should expect that your skin will be very raw for a day or two afterward. This may last longer in people who have naturally sensitive skin.
The biggest concern is post-procedure hyperpigmentation. With any procedure involving damage to the skin, even if that damage is controlled, there is also a risk of hyperpigmentation scarring. Normally this will go away, but there may be a slight difference in your skin tone afterward.
Darker-skinned people will be more likely to notice this than lighter-skinned individuals.
The side effects of microdermabrasion vs. microneedling are basically the same across the board. After a microneedling treatment, you may notice some redness or sensitivity for up to a few days.
There may also be some peeling three to five days after treatment as the new skin starts to push its way through the old, dead skin cells.
Microneedling is also thought to be safer for people who tend to experience post-procedure or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The side effects of microdermabrasion vs. microneedling are basically the same across the board. After a microneedling treatment, you may notice some redness or sensitivity for up to a few days.
There may also be some peeling three to five days after treatment as the new skin starts to push its way through the old, dead skin cells.
Microneedling is also thought to be safer for people who tend to experience post-procedure or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
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