Microdermabrasion Vs HydraFacial: Which One Wins?

Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two of the most popular skincare treatments: microdermabrasion and HydraFacial. These two powerhouses have been duking it out for the top spot in the skincare world, leaving many people wondering: which one is the real winner?

Well, wonder no more because we’ve done the research and are ready to reveal all. Whether you’re looking to smooth out fine lines, fade dark spots, or just give your skin a healthy glow, we’ve got you covered.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to find out which treatment comes out on top in the battle of microdermabrasion vs HydraFacial.

Are you Teaming with Microdermabrasion or HydraFacial? Let’s find out!

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that exfoliates and cleanses the skin. It treats acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and rough skin texture.

Microdermabrasion uses a handheld tool that is rubbed against the skin in a circular motion to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells from your face. This process allows for better absorption of other topical products by removing dead cells that can sometimes prevent them from working.

How Does Microdermabrasion Work?

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that exfoliates and cleanses the skin. The process involves using a diamond-tip wand to polish the skin gently. The diamond tip can cleanse the skin, usually about 1 mm wide and between 0.5 mm and 2 mm in length.

Microdermabrasion treatments can be performed on any area of your face or body—from your forehead to your chest—but it’s most often used for facial rejuvenation due to its gentleness on sensitive areas such as around the eyes and mouth.

This method has been proven effective at improving fine lines and wrinkles while also reducing acne scarring, age spots/sun damage/hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, dullness (sallow complexion), or discolouration (due to blemishes).

What Is a HydraFacial?

A HydraFacial is a non-invasive treatment that exfoliates and cleanses the skin. It combines microdermabrasion and extraction, which means it’s a deep cleaning treatment. 

A hydra dermabrasion treatment can also include chemical peels, light lasers, and oxygen or ozone infusions. The HydraFacial procedure treats acne scarring, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation.

How Does HydraFacial Work?

The HydraFacial treatment begins with a cleansing treatment using water, then progresses through the extraction of impurities and oil from the pores, followed by the application of antioxidants to protect the skin from free radical damage. 

At this point, you will be treated with a mask containing sodium hyaluronate (a naturally occurring molecule in your body that helps keep skin hydrated), which allows for maximum penetration of nutrients into the dermis layer of your skin.

Next, serums target specific issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, or hyperpigmentation. Lastly, your face will be massaged with mechanical vacuuming to stimulate collagen production and increase blood flow to promote healing. This process is repeated three times over 60 minutes in total.

HydraFacial VS Microdermabrasion: What Do They Target?

Microdermabrasion is meant to target only the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis. This treatment is excellent for people with mild discoloration or fine lines and wrinkles. 

HydraFacial also targets this top layer of skin, but goes deep into deeper layers like the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. HydraFacial is better for people with more severe signs of aging, including deep lines, wrinkles, and large pores.

Microdermabrasion VS HydraFacial: Benefits

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

• Microdermabrasion can be performed in a doctor’s office or spa.
• It is non-invasive and easy to use.
• It is affordable and safe for most skin types, including sensitive ones.
• It can be used on all skin types because it exfoliates the outermost layers of dead cells without causing damage to the skin underneath.

Benefits of HydraFacial

• HydraFacial is a deep cleansing treatment that utilizes ultrasonic waves and hydrating serums to cleanse your skin. The process removes pore-clogging impurities, such as dirt, oil and dead skin cells.
• It also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen production—all while improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation (sun damage).
• HydraFacial can help with acne and rosacea—as well as large pores and uneven skin tone—by removing the buildup that causes these conditions in the first place.

Microdermabrasion VS HydraFacial: Side Effects

Side Effects of Microdermabrasion

Some people experience redness and irritation after a microdermabrasion treatment. This is normal, and should disappear within a few days or hours. If you have sensitive skin, then your skin might become more irritated after the procedure.

Sometimes, patients experience dryness or peeling in the days following their treatment. This can be treated with moisturizers such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel.

If you have rosacea or eczema, microdermabrasion may not suit you because it can aggravate these conditions.

If you have diabetes or have circulatory problems, microdermabrasion could cause problems with circulation to the treated area.

Side Effects of HydraFacial

The side effects of HydraFacial are minimal. Some people may experience mild redness or a slight stinging sensation. You might also notice some peeling of the skin, which is normal and should subside within a few days.

HydraFacialis safe for all skin types, but it’s vital to ensure that you’re using the right products for your skin type. This can help reduce the risk of an allergic reaction or other complications during treatment.

It would help if you also avoided waxing and electrolysis before a HydraFacial, as these procedures can irritate the skin.

HydraFacial Vs Microdermabrasion: Similarities

Skin Exfoliation

• Both HydraFacial and microdermabrasion treatments exfoliate the skin.
• They remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote the growth of new skin cells.

Non-invasive

• HydraFacial and microdermabrasion are non-invasive procedures.
• They do not involve any incisions or injections.

Improve Skin Texture

• Both treatments improve skin texture.
• They make the skin smoother, softer, and more radiant.

Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles

• HydraFacial and microdermabrasion help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• They stimulate collagen production, which makes the skin look plumper and more youthful.

Suitable for All Skin Types

• Both treatments are suitable for all skin types.
• They are gentle and do not cause any damage or irritation to the skin.

Minimal Downtime

• There is minimal downtime associated with both treatments.
• Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Improves Absorption of Skincare Products

• Both treatments improve the absorption of skincare products.
• They remove the dead skin cells and unclog pores, which allows the skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin.

HydraFacial Vs Microdermabrasion: Differences

Treatment Technique

• HydraFacial uses a unique Vortex-Fusion delivery system that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration in one treatment.
• Microdermabrasion uses a wand-like device that sprays fine crystals onto the skin to remove dead skin cells.

Depth of Exfoliation

• HydraFacial provides a deeper exfoliation compared to microdermabrasion.
• HydraFacial uses a special serum that penetrates deeper into the skin, while microdermabrasion only removes the top layer of dead skin cells.

Hydration

• HydraFacial provides hydration to the skin during the treatment.
• It uses a special serum that contains hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and peptides to hydrate and nourish the skin.
• Microdermabrasion does not provide hydration during the treatment.

Extraction

• HydraFacial includes a suction mechanism that extracts impurities from the skin.
• Microdermabrasion does not have this mechanism and relies on the crystals to remove impurities.

Targeted Concerns

• HydraFacial is designed to target specific skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
• Microdermabrasion is generally used to improve overall skin texture and tone.

Discomfort Level

• HydraFacial is generally considered to be more comfortable than microdermabrasion.
• Microdermabrasion can sometimes cause slight discomfort or even mild pain, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Frequency of Treatment

• HydraFacial can be done monthly, while microdermabrasion is usually done every 2-4 weeks.
• The frequency of treatment depends on the individual’s skin type and concerns.

Our Verdict: Choose HydraFacial

Still unsure which one is better, HydraFacial or microdermabrasion?

We will suggest microdermabrasion may be the better option. Microdermabrasion is more intense than HydraFacial and can help treat fine lines and wrinkles by removing dead skin cells. 

While HydraFacial is more effective at treating acne, it does not remove as much dead skin cell buildup as microdermabrasion does. Additionally, since HydraFacial is more expensive than microdermabrasion, your pocketbook will thank you for choosing the former!

While both treatments will leave your skin glowing and smooth like a baby’s bottom post-procedure (and possibly even better), we recommend picking microdermabrasion for its superior effectiveness in removing built-up dead skin cells from pores that can cause acne breakouts.