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Comparing the Different Types of Microdermabrasion

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Published on May 9, 2019 By: WIFH Staff

An Overview of Microdermabrasion Treatments

Looking for brighter, smoother skin? It may be time to investigate microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion treatments are a painless procedure that gently removes the top layer of dead skin cells. This helps to even out skin tones, fade light acne scars, and brighten a dull, rough complexion. For deeper skin discolorations that reach into the epidermis, patients should consider a medium to deep chemical peel, IPL, or laser treatments[29].

Microdermabrasion gives you instant results with no downtime. Other, more invasive procedures may offer more dramatic results, but with downtime, which isn’t always convenient. If a patient’s lifestyle is conducive to longer, deeper treatments, they may wish to consider more aggressive options. If not, microdermabrasions are an excellent choice, as they can be added to any skin care regimen and can be done as often as every 2 weeks. They are also a great way to maintain results after completing more corrective skin procedures.

Explore the 3 Different Types of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasions have evolved over the years. At one time there was only one type of microdermabrasion treatment available — the Crystal microdermabrasion. Nowadays, there are other types of microdermabrasion treatments that use alternative methods to exfoliate the skin. Below we’ll provide an overview of the 3 main types of microdermabrasions used today:

  • Crystal
  • Diamond Tip
  • Bristle

Read on to get an overview of the different types of microdermabrasion treatments available.

Crystal Microdermabrasion

Once upon a time the only type of microdermabrasion available used a powered hand-held tool to spray micro-beads of crystals onto the skin at a high rate of speed3. These crystals, often made of aluminum oxide or sodium chloride, exfoliated and blasted away the top layer of skin to reveal new skin underneath. During treatment, suction is applied simultaneously to remove the dead skin cells and used crystals.

This method can be messy with patients finding crystals that were missed in the vacuuming process in their hair, ears, etc., following treatment. Unlike other types of microdermabrasions, Crystal microderms cannot be done prior to receiving other skin treatments.

Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion

Diamond Tip, or as some may call it, Diamond Peel, uses a tipped wand. There are various levels of coarseness for different skin types and skin conditions. The tip is made of natural diamond chips which polish the skin, while suction is applied to remove the dead skin cells. This type of microdermabrasion can be immediately followed by other skin treatments such as peels or laser skin rejuvenation.

Bristle Microdermabrasion

Bristle microdermabrasions, like the DermaSweep method we use here at WIFH, are also very popular. Similar to the diamond tip microdermabrasion, the bristles come in varying degrees of coarseness for different skin types and conditions. The bristles remove and polish the skin while suctioning the loosened dead skin away. The simultaneous suction helps to increase circulation to the surface of the skin and also stimulates collagen production.

After the skin has been abraded a soft, silk infusion tip is placed on the wand and your aesthetician will infuse your skin with a serum they’ll choose based on your skin’s needs. Patients can also follow up with peels, or laser treatments after having this kind of microdermabrasion[35].

Microdermabrasion vs HydraFacial™ Differences
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Get a Consultation for Microdermabrasion in Atlanta

At WIFH, we recommend every patient schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced Licensed Medical Aestheticians who can assess your individual skin type and make a recommended treatment plan for how many microdermabrasion treatments you will need. They may also recommend additional treatments such as HydraFacial or VI Peel that can be coupled with microdermabrasion to enhance your results.

Sarah Richardson, LME

Sarah Richardson is WIFH’s Lead Medical Aesthetician and manages the skincare side of our practice. She is also an Assistant Cosmetic Laser Practitioner licensed by the Georgia Medical Composite Board. With over 16 years of skin care experience, Sarah specializes in creating customized treatment plans to address our patients’ individualized needs. Through a combination of clinical facials and aesthetic procedures, as well as scientifically effective skin care products, Sarah helps patients achieve a healthy, radiant, and glowing complexion. She is truly passionate about what she does and loves to educate others who are looking to improve their skin’s health.