Is Microdermabrasion or Ultrasonic Exfoliation Better?

When it comes to skincare routine, there are so many methods one can use. They can range from old school toners to state-of-the-art medical operations or from cheap products to extremely expensive interventions.

The most frequently used procedures for skin rejuvenation are microdermabrasion and ultrasonic exfoliation. But which one of these is better?

Let’s find out!

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a light cosmetic procedure used to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. It uses a mechanical medium for exfoliation like crystals or diamond flakes and a suction apparatus to lift the skin during the procedure.

It is like a miniature sandblaster, but instead of removing paint it eliminates dead skin. It’s a traditional method, and it can be found in virtually every beauty salon.

Unlike dermabrasion, which requires a professional dermatologist or plastic surgeon, microdermabrasion only requires a trained skincare professional. It’s performed using exfoliating cosmetic products and a suction apparatus. However, it can also be done at home if you have the right tools.

The Procedure

The process is easy, non-invasive, painless, and requires no needless or anesthetics. A session can last anywhere between ten and sixty minutes. The crystal or diamond particles are scrubbed on the patient’s skin while the suction lifts the dead skin.

The speed and the suction pressure are adjusted depending on your complexion’s tolerance. The slower the microdermabrasion device goes, the deeper the skin treatment will be. However, after a session, there is a slight increase of skin sensitivity. Thus, non-irritating creams must be applied after each and every session.

After a microdermabrasion session, the skin will recover in a couple of hours. On the other hand, because of the invasive nature of the dermabrasion procedure, the skin takes several weeks to a couple of months to heal completely.

Caution

Recommended microdermabrasion systems use diamond particles. The reason for this is that procedures using crystals can produce particles that can be inhaled by the patient or get into the person’s eyes. Diamond microdermabrasion is safer and cleaner to use around the nose and eyes.

Another safe method to perform microdermabrasion is by using corundum or aluminum oxide crystals suspended in an antioxidant cream. It is cost efficient, and it’s used together with a small handheld skin care tool. This procedure has risen to popularity since the early 2000’s.

After a dermabrasion or microdermabrasion procedure, the skin is sensitive, so it’s recommended for the patient to avoid the sun until the skin recovers completely.

Before going for a microdermabrasion make sure that your skin doesn’t suffer from redness and that it’s not too thin or sensitive. The suction plus the abrasive part can make these skin conditions worse.

Some people even believe that this treatment can also affect the healthy skin because it’s quite abrasive.

The Duration of a Treatment

The human skin takes approximately thirty days to regenerate. To ensure a proper facial treatment, you must undergo a microdermabrasion session every two to four weeks.

This is because one procedure is not enough; it’s a temporary skin improvement, so more sessions are needed in order to see the results. To improve the treatment, you can combine the microdermabrasion procedure with gentle skin care creams. You should also avoid the sun as much as possible.

What’s Microdermabrasion Good For?

• The procedure can diminish fine lines, wrinkles, acne, light scars, photo-damage and superficial hyperpigmentation.
• Creams and serums can penetrate the skin easier after a microdermabrasion treatment.
• Also, make-up products will be applied much more smoothly on the face.

What Is Ultrasonic Exfoliation?

This is a cosmetic procedure used to remove the dead skin cells. It uses an electronic device that produces ultrasonic sound waves at around 28,000 vibrations per second.

How Does Ultrasonic Exfoliation Work?

A special liquid (something like a toner) is applied to the wet skin to loosen the surface and ease the elimination of dead skin cells. The device has a small surface that vibrates and lifts the dead skin layer.

What Are the Benefits?

When the device vibrates, the liquid will penetrate the skin, moisturizing, rejuvenating and protecting it. This method activates the moisturizing product faster, and results of the treatment will last longer.

Ultrasonic exfoliation is great because it can clear clogged pores, sebum, and blackheads. Moreover, it is said to be safer than a microdermabrasion procedure because it doesn’t affect the thin or sensitive skin.

Ultrasonic exfoliation can be easily performed at a beauty salon or at home, and it doesn’t require a trained or a professional dermatologist/plastic surgeon to do it.

It is also pain-free, so it’s one of the best procedures for people who are afraid that their skin will get punctured or suffer other physical damage.

Microdermabrasion vs. Ultrasonic Exfoliation

While it seems that we know who the clear winner is, we will make a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.

Microdermabrasion

• As already mentioned, this is a procedure that removes dead skin cells, gives the skin a smooth and youthful appearance, and stimulates improved blood flow.
• It’s easy to perform, and the service can be found in every beauty salon. Compared to dermabrasion, the skin isn’t affected by invasive methods and requires only a couple of hours to recover.
• A session can last between ten to sixty minutes and you need two to four such sessions for a complete treatment.
• Microdermabrasion is recommended for patients with thick skin. Thin skin can be damaged by such a procedure and can acquire light scars.
• it’s recommended to avoid such a procedure if the patient’s skin suffers from redness or it’s sensitive as it can make the conditions worse.
• Depending on the particles used for the abrasion part, some of them can be inhaled or get into the patient’s eyes if the procedure isn’t done correctly. In some cases, it can require a trained person to perform the operation.
• After the procedure, the skin is sensitive so the patient must avoid sunlight and harsh cosmetic products and even clothes that can irritate the skin.
• Some individuals believe that this method can affect healthy skin and prefer other cosmetic methods.

Ultrasonic Exfoliation

• As you’ve already found out, this is a cosmetic procedure that requires little to no training to use. It’s easy to perform, and it doesn’t leave the skin sensitive like microdermabrasion does.
• The liquid utilized for this procedure hydrates the skin and improves its condition.
• After the procedure, the skin is not only healthier, but it absorbs moisturizers, tanning creams, and other cosmetic products much faster.
• A skin treated with ultrasonic exfoliation procedure can also activate a cosmetic product faster.
• It can be used by people with both thicker or thinner skin and it can work wonders for those who have blackheads, clogged pores, or excess sebum.
• Another thing to keep in mind is that the ultrasonic exfoliation procedure is pain-free and the results can last longer.
• Ultrasonic exfoliation has fewer or no adverse side effects when compared to microdermabrasion. This is why many patients prefer the former. It is safer, it does not affect the skin, and the treatment works well with cosmetic products.

Before going to any beauty salon, it is best to do some research. Maybe there are more methods out there that are even better. Don’t waste money on something without informing yourself first, because your skin and wallet will suffer.

Final Thoughts

In the end, you can try either of them and see which one works best for you. However, most clients prefer the ultrasonic exfoliation method because it’s less invasive. For a slightly different tool that focuses on pores, you can also consider an electric pore cleanser that uses a suction action.

Before using any cosmetic procedure, it’s recommended to seek an expert’s advice so as to be sure that you’re making the right choice.