Microneedling vs Dermaplaning: Which Treatment is Right for You?
Are you looking for a skincare treatment to improve the appearance of your skin? Microneedling and dermaplaning are two popular procedures that can help you achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between microneedling and dermaplaning, their benefits, potential risks, and how to choose the right treatment for your skin type.
Understanding Microneedling and Dermaplaning
Before diving into the specifics, let's start with a brief overview of microneedling and dermaplaning.
When it comes to skincare treatments, microneedling and dermaplaning have gained popularity for their ability to rejuvenate the skin and address various concerns. These procedures are known for their effectiveness in promoting healthier skin and enhancing overall skin texture.
The Basics of Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a non-surgical procedure that involves using tiny needles — at Rejuvenation Rooms, we use the Exceed Microneedling device — to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin surface. These micro-injuries stimulate collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer, smoother skin. Microneedling enhances the skin's natural healing response, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars — different speeds and needle depths can be used to treat a range of conditions.
Furthermore, microneedling can be customised based on individual skin concerns and goals. Whether an individual wants to target hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, or enlarged pores, this versatile treatment can be tailored to meet specific needs.
The Basics of Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning, on the other hand, is a gentle exfoliation technique that uses a scalpel (surgical blade) to remove dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (commonly known as peach fuzz) from the face. This process reveals a smoother complexion and allows for better product absorption. In addition to exfoliation, dermaplaning also helps by improving the skin's texture and promoting a radiant glow.
Unlike other exfoliation methods, dermaplaning provides instant results with minimal downtime, making it a popular choice for individuals looking to achieve smoother and brighter skin. By effectively removing the top layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair, dermaplaning creates a clean canvas for skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin, maximising their benefits.
The Science Behind the Treatments
Now that we understand the basics, let's explore how microneedling and dermaplaning achieve results.
How Microneedling Works
Microneedling works by creating micro-injuries in the skin which kickstarts the body's natural wound-healing processes. This involves three key phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling.
Phase 1: Inflammation (0-3 days)
After Microneedling, the skin will begin to initiate an inflammatory response. During this, you will experience an increase in the blood flow to the micro-injuries caused by the needles. The skin will then begin to release growth factors, prostaglandins, and activate immune cells to stimulate the hearing process. During this phase, the skin may appear red, swollen and sensitive, which is a normal response and will usually resolve within 3 days.
Phase 2: Proliferation (3-14 days)
After the inflammation phase, the skin enters the proliferation phase. This is where the skin begins to experience an increase in collagen production. The growth factor released in the previous stage stimulates fibroblasts, which are essential for skin tightening and improving the skin texture. These fibroblasts produce hyaluronic acid which will increase the skin’s hydration and plumpness. During this phase, the skin may still appear slightly pink and swollen, but it will start to feel softer and more supple.
Phase 3: Remodelling (14+ days)
In the final phase, the skin undergoes remodelling. This is where the new collagen matures and improves the skin texture and tone. Granulation tissue is broken down and replaced by this new collagen to reduce scar tissue and the skin’s elasticity and firmness are improved. This phase can take several weeks to several months to complete depending on individual factors such as age, skin type and treatment intensity.
This multi-phase process not only repairs damaged skin but also improves overall skin tone and texture.
Moreover, microneedling can also enhance the absorption of skincare products as the microchannels allow for better penetration of active ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin. This means that microneedling can maximise the benefits of a person's at-home skincare routine, leading to long-term incredible results for the skin.
How Dermaplaning Works
This process of removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair with a scalpel enhances skin texture by smoothing the surface and reducing the appearance of fine lines and superficial hyperpigmentation. By promoting cell turnover, dermaplaning encourages faster regeneration of skin cells, which helps maintain a youthful glow.
We touched on how dermaplaning allows skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin, but how is that so? During treatment, the scalpel is used to remove the barrier of dead skin cells — this is what allows serums and moisturisers to be more effective.
Benefits of Each Treatment
Both microneedling and dermaplaning offer unique benefits, so let's take a closer look at the advantages of each treatment.
Advantages of Microneedling
Microneedling is a versatile treatment that can address various skin concerns, including acne scars, fine lines, and uneven texture. Also, it is suitable for all skin types and can be performed on different areas of the body, such as the face, neck, and hands. Additionally, microneedling is minimally invasive and requires little to no downtime.
Advantages of Dermaplaning
As we now know, dermaplaning works by removing dead skin cells and vellus hair, which means that individuals using this treatment are left with a smoother complexion that is more radiant. Dermaplaning also improves skincare product absorption, making your skincare routine more effective. Like microneedling, dermaplaning is suitable for all skin types and has no downtime.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Microneedling and dermaplaning are generally safe procedures, however, like any cosmetic procedure, there are potential side effects and risks to consider. It's vital to be aware of these beforehand. Understanding them can help you make an informed decision before undergoing either treatment.
Risks Associated with Microneedling
As this treatment consists of using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, this aesthetic approach can be met with some hesitation. But when performed by a trained professional, microneedling is considered a safe procedure. While this treatment offers plenty of benefits, there is always a risk of infection, skin irritation, and hyperpigmentation. It is crucial to choose an experienced and reputable practitioner to minimise these risks and ensure optimal results.
In addition to the potential risks, it's essential to follow post-treatment care instructions diligently to promote proper healing and reduce the likelihood of complications. This may include avoiding direct sunlight, using gentle skincare products, and keeping the treated area clean and moisturised.
Risks Associated with Dermaplaning
Instead of utilising tiny needles, dermaplaning uses a surgical blade to achieve the desired results. However, this is still considered a low-risk procedure. As the dead skin cells and vellus hair are removed, dermaplaning is a generally well-tolerated procedure that may only cause some minor redness or irritation.
During dermaplaning, there is also a small risk of minor cuts or scratches on the skin. This is because the device used to exfoliate the skin is a small, sharp sterile blade that is moved across the skin at a shallow angle, However, trained technicians are experienced in performing dermaplaning and will take every precaution to minimise this risk.
Prior to undergoing dermaplaning, it's essential to discuss any skin sensitivities or conditions with your provider to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. By addressing any concerns beforehand, you can help mitigate potential risks and achieve the desired outcome of smoother, radiant skin.
Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Skin Type
When deciding between microneedling and dermaplaning, the first step is to consider your skin type and individual needs.
Then, by understanding the nuances of microneedling and dermaplaning, you can make an informed decision about the best treatment for your skin. Each procedure offers unique benefits tailored to different skin types and concerns, so let's delve deeper into the specifics to guide you towards the most suitable choice.
Microneedling for Different Skin Types
Microneedling is a versatile treatment suitable for various skin types, including oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. As we know, this procedure involves creating tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production which helps improve skin elasticity and firmness over time. This process can result in a more youthful appearance and enhanced skin texture. Furthermore, microneedling can be customised based on the specific needs of each individual, allowing for a personalised approach to skincare.
It is effective in addressing concerns such as acne scars, fine lines, uneven texture, and enlarged pores. However, individuals with active acne or open wounds may not be ideal candidates for microneedling due to the potential for increased irritation.
Dermaplaning for Different Skin Types
Dermaplaning is also suitable for most skin types, including oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. This treatment not only removes dead skin cells and vellus hair but also promotes cell turnover, which can help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. Dermaplaning is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to enhance the absorption of skincare products and achieve a radiant glow.
In Conclusion
Both microneedling and dermaplaning have their unique advantages and can significantly enhance the appearance and health of your skin. Microneedling targets specific skin concerns and promotes collagen production, while dermaplaning provides immediate exfoliation and a brighter complexion. To determine the most suitable treatment for your skin type and goals, it is crucial to consult with a qualified skincare professional. Their expertise will ensure a safe and effective procedure tailored to your individual needs, ultimately leading to healthier, more radiant skin.
At Rejuvenation Rooms, we offer both microneedling and dermaplaning through our trained and qualified aestheticians. Why not book a consultation to see which treatment would be best for you?