Microdermabrasion vs. Dermabrasion – What’s the Difference?

Microdermabrasion is commonly used as a non-invasive facial rejuvenation tool. There are many types of microdermabrasion ranging from home-use kits to procedures performed by a medical professional. What they all have in common is the way they work. Tiny crystals are applied to the surface of the skin in order to remove the very top layer called the stratum corneum. At home this is done by applying a cream, and in a medical setting it is done with a device that applies the crystals and also vacuums away the skin that has been removed at the same time. Once the stratum corneum has been removed, the body begins working on generating new skin cells to replace the old ones. These new cells will give the skin a more youthful appearance by reducing fine lines, sun damage and blemishes.

Dermabrasion, not to be confused with microdermabrasion, is a procedure only performed by a medical professional. Dermabrasion has been around for many years, as opposed to microdermabrasion, which by comparison is relatively new. With dermabrasion, the upper to mid layers of the skin are removed by a variety of stronger abrasive devices such as wire brushes, a diamond wheel, salt crystals or even a special type of sandpaper. As you can probably tell by this description, dermabrasion is the more serious, more invasive treatment. Unlike microdermabrasion treatments, dermabrasion requires that the patient receive a local anesthetic to undergo the procedure. Since dermabrasion is more invasive and removes a deeper layer of skin, it’s effects are usually considered more effective than microdermabrasion, especially when treating deeper wrinkles and lines that microdermabrasion has limited success with. As with any type of procedure, the more invasive it is, the more downtime or recovery time for the patient, and also the more risk for complications.