Microdermabrasion and Microneedling | Which one is better?

Microdermabrasion and microneedling are two skin care methods that are used to rejuvenate the skin, beautify it and also treat some skin problems. Treatment sessions for both usually last from a few minutes to a few hours. There is no need for special rest or care after both treatment sessions; but several sessions may be needed for each of these methods to work best. Patients always want to see which method is better or newer or have some other similar questions. In this article we will compare these two methods with each other. So if you are curious, keep up!

What is microdermabrasion?

There are different ways and tools to do microdermabrasion, but the generalities are the same. The basis of this method is physical peeling. That is, without the use of chemicals and using special methods, the stratum corneum of the skin is somehow rubbed and removed.

Rubbing the skin in microdermabrasion is done using crystalline particles or using diamond tip handles. Depending on your needs and preferences, your specialist may use devices with suction or vacuum features. These devices collect peeled skin cells. You can see the results of the microdermabrasion almost immediately after the treatment. Your skin will look softer, clearer and also more even in color and texture.

What is microneedling?

In order stimulate the skin’s natural repair mechanisms we use microneedling. This method makes your skin make more collagen and elastic fibers. Collagen by volumizing the skin destroys skin lines and increases skin firmness.

In microneedling, we use needle to make very small holes in the skin. These needles are between 0.5 and 3 mm long. One of the standard tools for this purpose is Dermaroller. The tool has a small roller that covers rows of needles on it’s surface. And by moving it on the surface of the skin, we can make about 250 extremely small holes per square centimeter.

Microneedling can be a little painful. Therefore, your specialist may use anesthetic creams before the treatment session so that you do not feel any pain. After microneedling, we use special creams or serums that contain substances such as vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A.

Application of microdermabrasion and microneedling

Microdermabrasion is a method of skin rejuvenation (Resurfacing) that you can use for facial and body skin. The purpose of this treatment is to remove the stratum corneum of the skin.
The stratum corneum of the skin contains dead and damaged cells that can be removed to restore the clarity and freshness of the skin. If you are concerned about pimples and acne scars, sun spots (melasma) and want to treat dark spots (hyperpigmentation) you can consider microdermabrasion. With this treatment you can also relieve the dullness and skin fatigue or smooth your skin tone.

And microneedling is a method that can be used on the face, body as well as the scalp. This method is newer than microdermabrasion, so it’s benefits and risks are less known. You can remove lines and wrinkles of the skin, improve large skin pores and remove pimples and acne with microneedling. Also smoothing skin texture, improving skin cracks (stretch marks) and brown and dark spots (hyperpigmentation) are available by this method of skin rejuvenation.

What are the side effects of these two methods?

In addition to these side effects, which are very common and usual for a few days after Microdermabrasion or Microneedling treament, there are some other side effects that are less usual, but you should be aware of them.

What should you do during your recovery time?

Except that after microneedling your skin takes a little longer to heal completely, microdermabrasion and microneedling’s post-treatment care are almost alike. In the following we will give you some suggestions to ease your recovery time and even fasten your healing process.

• Do not touch your skin and keep it clean
• Avoid hot and long baths and don’t use strong detergents, acne medications and scented moisturizers. Use the mild detergent your specialist recommends.
• Take your medication, cream or serum as prescribed by your specialist.
• Avoid excessive exercise and sweating
• Don’t make up and do not use chemical peels, toners, retinols and retinoids.
• Avoid direct sunlight
• You can use a cold compress if needed.

Things you should avoid before microneedling and microdermabrasion:

• Don’t sunbath or go to solariums
• Don’t use any anesthetic creams before your treatment session. Microdermabrasion is pain free so there won’t be a need of anesthesia or anesthetic creams; and for microneedling, if you need anything let your specialist apply them for you.
• Don’t exfoliate your skin or use exfoliating masks and creams
• Avoid taking any kind of strong detergents and retinoids

Who is a suitable candidate for these treatments?

Everyone can have microdermabrasion and microneedling performed; but you should pay attention that there is no open wound, herps, eczema or warts on your skin or you don’t have skin infection. You should also avoid these treatments if you have psoriasis, vascular problems, lupus or uncontrolled diabetes.

If you have active acne, microdermabrasion and microneedling can make it worse; and if you are using acne medications such as Isotretinoin, you should stop taking them 6-12 mouth before starting the treatment and can’t take them during your recovery time too. And at last, if you are pregnant you have to avoid these treatments until after childbirth.

Why can’t you have microdermabrasion or microneedling during pregnancy?

Microdermabrasion and microneedling are not recommended during pregnancy and lactation. Because hormonal changes can affect your skin. Problems such as acne, melasma, and blemishes that develop during pregnancy may not be permanent. In addition, the skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy.

Does skin color affects my treatment?

Microdermabrasion and microneedling are suitable for all people with different skin colors. Laser and microneedling are sometimes used simultaneously to enhance collagen production. This combination treatment is not suitable for people with dark skin; because it can cause skin blemishes.

Results | Which one is better?

First you should know that non of these treatments have permanent result. Also, the purpose of preparing microdermabrasion and microneedling is that you gain more information about them and choose better. Because depending on what you are expecting from the treatment and your conditions is important in the results. it is possible that a treatment’s result is good, but because it doesn’t satisfy you, you consider it as a bad result.

How can I find out if I’m suitable for microdermabrasion or microneedling?

Which method is best for you depends on your skin condition, treatment goals, and factors such as the number of sessions and the your cost limit. In fact, the specialist needs to adapt your wants and needs to the results and needs of these two methods to see which ones are best for you.

Treatment cost | Which one is cheaper?!

The cost of treatment depends on several factors, such as: Location treated, number of treatment sessions and combination therapies used. Microneedling is usually a little more expensive than microdermabrasion. Because unlike microdermabrasion, which only affects the surface layers, microneedling can stimulate collagen production deep in the skin.

Was comparing microdermabrasion and microneedling interesting for you? Which method do you prefer? Let us know by commenting which and why. Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions we are here to answer.