Hydrafacial™ and Microdermabrasion are two distinct treatments focused on exfoliation and skin resurfacing. If you’re looking for a skincare solution to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion, both are worth considering. Microdermabrasion is considered the more aggressive treatment while a Hydrafacial™ is gentler and suited for all skin types. Here is how Hydrafacial™ and Microdermabrasion compare.
Hydrafacial™: What It Is And How It Works
Hydrafacial™ is a non-invasive skincare treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin. Hydrafacial™ gently infuses the skin with customized serums, making it one of the most advanced skincare treatments available in Canada. The results are instant and noticeable. No downtime or irritation.
How a Hydrafacial™ works is simple.
- A vortex-fusion device gently removes dead skin cells and excess oil from the skin.
- A painless vacuum suction extracts impurities from pores while infusing the skin with hydrating serums.
- Antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid are delivered to the skin to maximize hydration and promote long-term skin health.
The true results of a Hydrafacial™ is more evident after multiple sessions which is one of its only disadvantages over Microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion: What It Is And How It Works
Microdermabrasion is a type of mechanical exfoliation treatment that removes the top layer of dead skin cells using a crystal-tipped device. Microdermabrasion is often relied on to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and treat mild skin discoloration.
Microdermabrasion’s multi-step process is not dissimilar to Hydrafacial™.
- A handheld device is used to buff away dead skin cells and stimulate collagen production.
- The exfoliated skin is then removed by suction, unclogging pores and freshening up the skin.
- During post-treatment, a skincare professional will typically provide soothing serums or moisturizers to calm the skin and enhance recovery.
If you want a gentler alternative to a traditional chemical peel, skincare professionals often recommend Microdermabrasion. It offers similar benefits with less intensity, though it’s still harsher than a Hydrafacial™ and may cause temporary redness, swelling, or irritation.
Hydrafacial™ Vs. Microdermabrasion: Benefits
The infusion of hyaluronic acid and focus on hydration in a Hydrafacial™ works in its favor. This treatment helps the skin retain moisture deeply and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Its serums used can be tailored to specific skincare concerns, such as anti-aging treatment, acne, and pigmentation.
The benefits of Microdermabrasion are also readily clear. The exfoliating process thoroughly removes dead skin and can treat a rougher texture. Microdermabrasion improves skin tone, helps with fine lines and elasticity by stimulating collagen production, and more. Microdermabrasion is also considered more affordable than Hydrafacial™ though this isn’t always the case.
Hydrafacial™ has an immense amount of appeal. Since its introduction, it’s become a sought-after treatment. We are certified in Hydrafacials™ at the Healthy Image Center.
Before Hydrafacial™, microdermabrasion was the go-to and remains an appealing skincare treatment. It is far simpler than a Hydrafacial™ which can be more complex and multi-step.
Unless you need microdermabrasion for a specific skincare concern, more often than not, Hydrafacial™ will be the recommendation. It is more advanced. Multiple techniques can be included in a single session, such as skin peels, pore extractions, skin hydration, and antioxidant nutrition. A Hydrafacial™ is a complete rejuvenation for the skin that is far, far less aggressive than a Microdermabrasion session.
Hydrafacial™ And Microdermabrasion: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Feature | Hydrafacial™ | Microdermabrasion |
| Method | Uses water-based exfoliation with serum infusion | Uses a physical exfoliation technique |
| Depth of Treatment | Targets multiple skin layers | Focuses on surface-level exfoliation |
| Hydration | Infuses skin with serums, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid | Does not provide hydration |
| Comfort Level | Gentle, no discomfort | Can feel slightly abrasive |
| Suitability for Sensitive Skin | Yes, customizable for sensitive skin | May cause irritation for sensitive skin types |
| Downtime | No downtime | Mild redness for a few hours |
| Best For | Hydration, anti-aging, acne, overall glow | Uneven texture, superficial scars, rough skin |
Hydrafacial™ Vs Microdermabrasion: Which Treatment Is Better For My Skin?
Dry Or Dehydrated Skin?
Choose a Hydrafacial™ if you have dry, dehydrated skin. The hydrating serums used in a session will work to replenish moisture.
Microdermabrasion does little for dry or dehydrated skin. In contrast, a Hydrafacial™ combines the exfoliation of microdermabrasion with cleansing, extractions, hydration, and infusion. This additional care makes a significant difference when it comes to improving your skin.
Rough Or Uneven Skin Texture?
Microdermabrasion is more effective in its exfoliation process at smoothing out rough patches of skin and improving skin texture.
Oily, Acne-Prone Skin?
An individual suffering from acne or acne breakouts should be recommended for a Hydrafacial™ over Microdermabrasion. In fact, Microdermabrasion can aggravate acne and cause a breakout. A Hydrafacial™ process is a lot gentler and can be customized to infuse the skin with acne-fighting serums.
Hyperpigmentation Or Acne Scars?
Microdermabrasion is known to help fade discoloration and acne scars, however, Hydrafacial™ can also be used to nourish the skin and speed up healing. In some cases, a chemical peel may be recommended to help microdermabrasion work.
A Hydrafacial™ may be better for some individuals, as it promotes a smoother, more even skin tone and can be used alongside skin brightening serums to work towards a pigmentation-free complexion.
Sensitive Skin?
Absolutely opt for a Hydrafacial™ if you have sensitive skin. Microdermabrasion is too aggressive for sensitive skin. A Hydrafacial™ is gentler and can be customized to minimize irritation.
Can Hydrafacial™ and Microdermabrasion Work Together?
You may be curious as to whether a patient can receive both a Hydrafacial™ and Microdermabrasion. Incorporating both into your skincare plan should be done with the assistance and approval of a skincare professional.
What it comes down to is what you are trying to treat. Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, blackheads, removing impurities, enlarged pores, and mild acne can all be treated with skincare plans overseen by one of our professionals.
Rather than using a Hydrafacial™ and Microdermabrasion both in your long-term skincare plan, it is more likely that one will be preferred over the other.
A skincare professional will direct you toward either the non-invasiveness of a Hydrafacial™ or the minimally-invasive Microdermabrasion. With this in mind, there are many treatments that can provide strong results for your skin, from the anti-aging effects of NeoSkin to acne-targeting Jessner peels.
Discuss with your skincare expert at Healthy Image Center what’s right for you.
Book Your Skincare Consultation At Healthy Image Center
Hydrafacial™ and Microdermabrasion are both designed to refresh and rejuvenate your skin.
If you aren’t sure which of these popular treatments is right for you, please feel encouraged to book a consultation with Healthy Image Center. As we analyze your skin, hear your skincare concerns, and discuss with you how to move forward, we’re happy to explore the different ways we may be able to help you achieve your long-term skincare goals.
Contact Healthy Image Center today to learn more about how these treatments relate to your unique circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a stronger clinic preference for a Hydrafacial™?
Hydrafacial™ is a newer, more advanced skincare treatment compared to Microdermabrasion. Skincare clinics prefer a Hydrafacial™ because it’s more in-depth, can be used to target multiple skin issues simultaneously, and is viewed as more effective.
How does extraction vary between a Hydrafacial™ and Microdermabrasion?
A Hydrafacial™ uses a vacuum tip to gently cleanse and remove impurities. Microdermabrasion performs manual extraction through sanding which is far less kind on the skin than a Hydrafacial™. It’s also a lot less effective than a Hydrafacial™.
How is extraction more effective with a Hydrafacial™ over Microdermabrasion?
While a Hydrafacial™ uses a vacuum device, it also involves the use of a liquid exfoliating agent that naturally dissolves and loosens the bonds between dead cells. This liquid exfoliant makes it possible to simply wipe away the dead skin cells without having to engage in microdermabrasion-style scraping.
Does Microdermabrasion pose a higher risk than a Hydrafacial™?
While both skincare treatments are exceptionally safe and with no significant side effects, why Microdermabrasion is considered to have a slightly higher risk is because it uses manual scraping which is more likely to cause micro damages and lead to tiny amounts of scar tissue in the body.
Does Microdermabrasion offer any hydration or hydrating procedures?
No, Microdermabrasion does not include any sort of hydration. Hydrafacial™ does, however, infusing the skin with antioxidants and nourishing serums that penetrate deep.
How often should I get these skincare treatments?
Hydrafacial™ is best done every 4-6 weeks to maintain skin health. Microdermabrasion is recommended for every 2-4 weeks depending on a person’s skin type and concerns.
How long is a treatment session?
A Hydrafacial™ lasts 30-45 minutes on average. Microdermabrasion can take anywhere from 15 minutes to multiple hours depending on how much dead skin a patient wants removed and if there are pigmentation skin problems or wrinkles in need of attention.
Can Microdermabrasion be used on sensitive skin?
In general, no. Hydrafacial™ is typically recommended for sensitive skin, however, Microdermabrasion is too aggressive.
Are there any side effects to Hydrafacial™ or Microdermabrasion?
Both treatments offer minor side effects, including redness, swelling, and bruising. Microdermabrasion is rougher with the skin which means to expect these more prominent as a side effect than if it was a Hydrafacial™.