This is an article on the different types of microdermabrasion.
I love a good facial. I mean, getting all that gunk, dirt, oil, and build up off of your face? Who doesn’t want that, right? I don’t always get it as I always see it as more of a luxury, especially when I can pretty much remove dirt, oil, and build up from my face at home with my favorite cleanser or exfoliator.
But, as a skincare enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for facials I spend money on. After all, a luxurious facial treatment every once in a while won’t hurt anyone. One dermatological procedure that’s always piqued my interest in microdermabrasion.
I’ve seen people talk about microdermabrasion in online forums I frequent. After researching and reading about all the skin benefits a microdermabrasion procedure has to offer, I decided it’s what I’m going to try next. But before I get anything done on my face, I make sure I know everything there is to know.
Before heading for a microdermabrasion treatment, it’s important to know that there are different types of it. So what they are and how they’re different and similar will all be discussed right below!
What is Microdermabrasion?
Before we move on to the different types of microdermabrasion, we first need to learn all about what the procedure actually is.
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive dermatological and cosmetic procedure. What it does is exfoliate the skin’s surface and remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil build-up. In turn, this reveals a smoother, softer, and brighter skin hiding underneath.
Exfoliating and removing dead skin cells on the skin’s outer layer, encourages collagen production. This means newer, healthier, and younger-looking skin takes the place of the old and now-removed dead skin cells.
Microdermabrasion is done with a handheld device that gently sands and exfoliates the skin’s surface. There is also a vacuum in the handheld device that sucks all this build-up off of the skin.
What does it address?
Microdermabrasion addresses a wide array of skin concerns, including:
- Dull skin tone
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation and melasma
- Age spots and sun damage
- Acne and acne scars
- Uneven skin tone and skin texture
- Blackheads and enlarged pores
Potential side risks and side effects
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive treatment. It doesn’t require any numbing agent. There is also little to no downtime and recovery needed after the treatment.
But because the procedure involves a suctioning and vacuuming process, you can expect some redness, tenderness, and swelling on the treatment area. These side effects will go away on their own in a few hours after the treatment so there’s no need to worry.
If you’re particularly concerned about skin irritation to your sensitive skin, make sure to consult with your dermatologist first before proceeding.
You might also notice some bruising on the area if you’re one to bruise very easily. After the treatment, your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun. Make sure you up your SPF (and moisture, too!) game after.
Types of Microdermabrasion Treatments
There are two most common and popular types of microdermabrasion treatments: crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion.
Crystal microdermabrasion
Crystal microdermabrasion is the traditional type of microdermabrasion many have come to know and love.
In this type, very fine crystal particles are blasted onto the skin for that deep exfoliation of the skin’s surface. On the crystal-emitting handheld device is also a suction that vacuums all the dead skin cells, dirt, and oil build up off of the skin’s surface. Along with all this build up, the device also sucks the crystals back in.
Though very popular and the traditional form of microdermabrasion, this can actually be more intense and abrasive than diamond microdermabrasion. Then again, its ability to really deeply exfoliate is why it’s still a favorite among many after so many years.
Another drawback to crystal microdermabrasion treatment is the blasted super-fine crystals may actually be left on the skin. In some instances, the vacuum-like suction isn’t able to remove every single particle.
Because of the fine particles that can easily get into places, it can actually get into the eyes and cause some irritation, so the use of crystal microdermabrasion near the eyes isn’t recommended. There is also a risk of inhaling very small particles.
Many have likened this procedure to sandblasting. And because super fine crystals are blasted throughout the skin, it’s able to reach almost every part of the treatment area.
Diamond Microdermabrasion
Diamond microdermabrasion is newer than crystal microdermabrasion but is definitely gaining popularity and momentum.
Instead of blasting fine crystals onto the skin, this type uses a handheld device with a diamond tip. This diamond-tipped device sands and exfoliates dead skin cells, dirt, and oil build up off of the skin’s surface.
And much like the first type, there is also a suction tip on the handheld device that vacuums all this gunk off of the skin.
In the sense that crystal microdermabrasion is likened to sandblasting, diamond tip microdermabrasion is much more like using sandpaper. It sands away all the build up to reveal skin that is softer, smoother, and brighter.
Because there is an absence of super fine crystals in diamond microdermabrasion, there is also zero risk of any particle going into your eyes. And if you want zero chances of inhaling any particles as well, diamond microdermabrasion is a good option.
How Much Does Microdermabrasion Cost?
Microdermabrasion costs can vary depending on where you are, your provider’s fees, and what other facials, inclusions, and steps you get with the procedure.
According to 2020 data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average cost of microdermabrasion was $167.
Go to your nearest clinic to inquire and they will also walk you through a treatment and maintenance plan for the best results.
Conclusion
Microdermabrasion is fast becoming a favorite cosmetic treatment for many who are after healthier skin, glowing skin, or both!
Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that works to remove and get rid of dead skin cells, dirt, and oil buildup off of the skin’s outer layer. A microdermabrasion procedure also addresses other skin concerns like fine lines, dull skin, uneven skin tone and texture, sun damage, age spots, and acne and acne scarring.
There are two main types of microdermabrasion: crystal and diamond microdermabrasion.
Crystal microdermabrasion blasts very fine crystal particles into the skin for that deep exfoliation. The loose particles are able to get into places that need exfoliating. The suction on the tip then vacuums off all the gunk and the fine crystals along with it. This leaves skin soft, smooth, and renewed.
If you’re worried about the loose fine crystals getting into your eyes and the risk of inhaling them, there’s no need to worry at the hands of an experienced expert. There is definitely a possibility but a skilled technician will limit these risks.
Diamond microdermabrasion uses a device with a diamond tip that does the exfoliation. There are no loose particles but there is also a vacuum-like suction to remove all the build-up from the skin’s surface.
The absence of loose particles eliminates the risk of inhaling them or getting some into your eyes.
And that has been our guide on the two types of microdermabrasion!