Dermaplaning vs Microneedling: Which One (or Both)?

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In the ever-evolving world of skincare, new treatments emerge constantly, promising healthier, smoother, and younger-looking skin. Two of the most popular non-invasive treatments available today are microneedling and dermaplaning. If you’re trying to make up your mind dermaplaning vs microneedling, this post is for you.

Both treatments aim to improve the skin’s texture and appearance, they use different methods. Understanding the differences, benefits, and how these treatments can work together will help you make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your skincare needs.

The truth is they are both super effective treatments for the right person!

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm, smooth, and youthful. During the treatment, a device with fine needles is rolled or stamped over the skin, creating tiny punctures, or “micro-injuries.” These tiny needles trigger the body’s natural healing process, which involves new collagen and elastin production.

Microneedling is suitable for a variety of skin concerns, including:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars and hyperpigmentation
Enlarged pores
Stretch marks
Uneven skin texture

The treatment can be customized based on individual skin types and concerns. Professionals often adjust the needle depth and pressure to target specific areas or address deeper skin issues. Microneedling can be performed on its own or combined with other treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or topical serums, to enhance results.

Anti-aging Benefits of Microneedling

One of the primary reasons microneedling is so popular is its powerful anti-aging effects. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. Microneedling addresses these concerns by encouraging the skin to regenerate.

Collagen Boost: By promoting collagen production, microneedling helps to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This makes it an effective treatment for individuals looking to improve skin firmness and elasticity.

Improved Skin Texture: Microneedling not only smooths out fine lines but also refines the skin’s overall texture. It can minimize the appearance of acne scars, large pores, and rough patches, leaving the skin feeling smoother and more radiant.

Reduction in Hyperpigmentation: Sunspots and age spots are common as skin matures, and microneedling can help lighten these areas by stimulating cell turnover. Over time, the treatment helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of pigmentation issues.

Enhanced Absorption of Skincare Products: After microneedling, the micro-channels in the skin allow for better absorption of serums and moisturizers. This can enhance the efficacy of your skincare routine, maximizing the benefits of anti-aging ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, retinol, or vitamin C.

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a non-invasive exfoliation technique that involves gently scraping away dead skin cells and fine facial hair (commonly referred to as “peach fuzz”) using a sterile surgical scalpel. The treatment reveals smoother, brighter skin and creates a flawless base for makeup. By using a surgical blade, you can remove fine hair and dead skin from the surface of the skin, improving the appearance of your skin temporarily.

Dermaplaning is particularly beneficial for people with:

Dry or rough skin
Dull complexion
Mild acne scarring
Excess vellus hair

Unlike microneedling, dermaplaning doesn’t stimulate collagen production or target deeper layers of the skin. However, it provides an instant surface-level glow and a silky-smooth texture. Many people opt for dermaplaning as part of their regular skincare routine because it is painless, has zero downtime, and offers immediate results.

Dermaplaning is an especially good choice for people who aren’t great candidates for chemical peels. (Hello to my fellow rosacea girlies!) For our sensitive skin, a dermaplaning facial can be safer than a scrub or peel. We can still attack that top layer of dead skin cells!

So, in dermaplaning vs microneedling, we’re really looking at getting the brightness that comes with fresh new skin.

Anti-aging Benefits of Dermaplaning

While dermaplaning doesn’t directly affect collagen levels like microneedling, it can still contribute to a more youthful appearance by offering the following benefits:

Improved Skin Radiance: By removing the layer of dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface, dermaplaning instantly brightens the complexion. This can help reduce the appearance of dull, tired skin, which is a common sign of aging.

Smoother Makeup Application: The smooth surface created by dermaplaning allows for a flawless makeup application. Foundation, concealer, and other products glide on more easily and last longer, giving the skin a more polished and youthful look.

Reduced Fine Lines: Dermaplaning can minimize the appearance of superficial fine lines by removing dead skin and allowing for a smoother texture. While the effect is temporary and less dramatic than microneedling, regular dermaplaning sessions can help maintain a youthful glow.

Increased Effectiveness of Skincare Products: Similar to microneedling, dermaplaning enhances the penetration of skincare products. Without the barrier of dead skin cells and peach fuzz, anti-aging serums and moisturizers can penetrate deeper, allowing active ingredients to work more effectively.

Microneedling vs. Dermaplaning: Key Differences

While both treatments offer anti-aging benefits, they work in different ways and target different skin concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Which one lasts longer? Microneedling is the better option if you’re looking for long-term skin improvements. The controlled injury of a microneedling procedure will rebuild your skin and add collagen. Treatments build on each other, so you’ll get better results with treatment plans of 3+ sessions. Dermaplaning has short-term anti-aging effects because of the removal of dead skin, but it doesn’t change the overall health of the skin below. You get more youthful-looking skin, but it needs to be redone regularly.

Which is less invasive? Dermaplaning! It’s a non-invasive exfoliating treatment, no more disruptive than an exfoliating serum. Microneedling is not terribly invasive, but most people will have redness for 12 hours or so.

Which is best for a smoother complexion? Both together, honestly! More on that in the next section.

Which is better for undereyes? Don’t dermaplane by your undereyes — stick to microneedling treatment for this. PRP is really popular for this because it’s microneedling with growth factors that improve undereye texture.

What if I have skin conditions? For me, with rosacea, microneedling has not been too distressing or brought too much blood flow to the area. Dermaplaning treatment shouldn’t irritate rosacea at all, but you should be cautious if you have eczema or any condition that brings raised texture into your skin.

Which is cheaper? You can actually do both of these treatments at home! I’ve done both. Microneedling is easy, as long as you keep it super super clean. I went into dermaplaning too confident and cut my temples on both sides. It’s a good idea to watch a thousand videos before you start with a dermaplane facial

Combining Microneedling and Dermaplaning for Maximum Results

Although microneedling and dermaplaning are distinct treatments, they can be used together for an even more comprehensive approach to skincare. Many people opt to combine both treatments in the same session or alternate between them to address multiple skin concerns at once.

Here’s why combining microneedling and dermaplaning can be effective:

Exfoliation and Regeneration: Dermaplaning first removes the dead skin cells and peach fuzz, creating a clean surface for microneedling. This allows the microneedling device to penetrate more effectively and deeply into the skin, maximizing the collagen-stimulating benefits.
Immediate and Long-Term Benefits: Dermaplaning offers immediate smoothness and radiance, while microneedling works over time to build collagen and improve skin texture. By combining the two treatments, you get both instant gratification and long-term anti-aging results.
Better Product Absorption: After dermaplaning, your skin will absorb post-treatment serums more effectively, and the microneedling process will push those products even deeper into the skin.

There’s a TikTok creator called @skinwithjayme who does the best videos on this: here’s the link to her dermaplaning + microneedling facial.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

The best treatment for you depends on your skin concerns and goals. If you’re looking for a long-term solution to wrinkles, scars, and texture issues, microneedling might be the better choice. However, if you’re after an instant glow and smoother skin without downtime, dermaplaning could be the perfect option.

For many women, incorporating both microneedling and dermaplaning into their skincare routine is the ideal way to maintain youthful, radiant skin.

By understanding the differences and benefits of dermaplaning vs microneedling, you can confidently choose the right treatment or combination for your skincare journey. Whether you opt for the collagen-boosting power of microneedling or the instant smoothing effects of dermaplaning, both treatments offer valuable solutions for maintaining healthy, vibrant skin.

really well, thanks!