When it comes to achieving healthy and glowing skin, there is often a lot of buzz around the idea...
Taking the proper steps to promote overall skin health can seem like an overwhelming or daunting task to many. There are countless products and procedures that are said to solve a variety of skin issues. Treatment and product recommendations will differ for each individual as skincare concerns are unique and variable. The facial treatments that are advised for people struggling with severe acne might be different from the treatments utilized by a person looking to improve their overall skin texture. This article will take a closer look at two specific facial treatments: HydraFacial vs Microdermabrasion and discuss the key differences between these two procedures.
Both of these facial treatments are known to effectively exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of common skin issues such as age spots and sun damage. While some might compare these cosmetic treatments to chemical peels, Microdermabrasion facials and HydraFacials are usually less intensive and more affordable. These two different facial treatments can help rejuvenate the skin and target specific skincare concerns such as sun damage or acne scarring.
What is a HydraFacial?
HydraFacials are becoming a popular cosmetic procedure and are frequently offered along with a variety of other facial treatments at many medical spas. HydraFacial treatments focus on restoring moisture to the face while also exfoliating the skin to remove dead cells. While many believe that this treatment is practically identical to Microdermabrasion treatments, HydraFacial treatments not only extract and exfoliate but utilize moisturizing serums to maintain a healthy skin barrier and boost skin hydration.
The HydraFacial machine first exfoliates the skin using a salicylic acid mixture and abrasion before using impressive vortex technology to extract impurities and dead skin cells from the face. In a way, this works similarly to a skin peel as the top layer of skin is removed in order to enhance skin clarity. Once the skin is sufficiently cleaned, the unique HydraFacial tool then goes back to infuse hydrating serums all across the surface of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is commonly used during a HydraFacial in order to promote skin health and hydration. This hydrating step is unique to HydraFacials and can help minimize any irritation or occurrence of dry skin that might occur due to the more abrasive extraction steps of the facial treatment.
This treatment does a wonderful job of reducing hyperpigmentation, the appearance of fine lines, and dark spots. The HydraFacial is quite effective on most skin types, however, those with serious sunburns or acne may want to avoid the treatment as it can further aggravate severely inflamed skin conditions. The recovery time for HydraFacials is usually around 10 days.
What is a Microdermabrasion?
A Microdermabrasion facial is similar to a HydraFacial; however, it is used to exfoliate and thoroughly cleanse the skin without extra emphasis placed on moisturizing during the treatment. Microdermabrasions often referred to as Microderms, are facials that use a small instrument to exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells. This exfoliation process can help with cell turnover in order to rejuvenate your skin and reduce common skin issues such as uneven skin tone or congested skin. Microderms usually utilize fine crystals to administer small abrasions to the skin in order to revitalize the skin’s surface.
Some Microderms implement the use of a diamond tip exfoliator in order to properly cleanse the skin. The diamond tip applicators are most often used to treat more sensitive areas of the skin. This treatment is usually suitable for any skin type, but always check with your dermatologist or a skincare professional before receiving Microderms or HydraFacials. If you have oily skin and are concerned that a HydraFacial may be too moisturizing for your skin, a Microdermabrasion facial may offer better results. These facials do not add additional oils that can increase oil production on your face. However, it is important to remember that oily skin still needs moisture in order to reduce acne breakouts, skin irritation, or other more specific skin concerns.
The recovery time for a Microdermabrasion facial is usually around 24 hours and even less for some clients. The procedure is quite fast and skin tone should return to normal quite soon after the facial. If any irritation is experienced, some basic pain relievers and cold compresses can help to minimize those uncomfortable symptoms.
The Potential for Increased Collagen Production
It has been shown that more abrasive forms of exfoliation such as a Microderm facials or even HydraFacial treatments can help improve collagen production. Increased collagen levels can help rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Both HydraFacial treatments and Microdermabrasion treatments do a wonderful job of helping clarify overly congested skin. Congested skin describes skin that sports clogged pores that can be due to dirt or oil buildup on the skin’s surface. The deep exfoliating properties of these skin treatments allow for deep cleansing of the skin that can clear pores and add brightness to the overall tone of your skin.
Should You Get a Microdermabrasion Facial or a HydraFacial
The wonderful things about both a Microdermabrasion facial and a HydraFacial are that both treatments are noninvasive and suitable for almost any skin type. These treatments are great alternatives to chemical skin peels as they are more affordable yet still offer great results. While these might not be as long-lasting as some chemical peels, these facials can improve uneven skin tone, dry skin, acne scars, and sun damage. Both Microdermabrasion procedures and HydraFacials utilize exfoliation in order to rejuvenate the skin and enhance your natural beauty.
Your specific skin type and skin concerns will help you to decide which facial is the best fit for your needs. Those with extremely sensitive skin should always consult with a skincare professional before receiving specific skincare treatments. These professionals can point you in the proper direction for your next facial.
Frequently Asked Questions about HydraFacials and Microdermabrasion
What are some disadvantages of Microdermabrasion treatments?
Some immediate results you might notice that may last for a few days after getting a Microdermabrasion treatment are skin swelling, bruising, and more pronounced redness of the skin that is similar to a sunburn. It is important to stay out of the sun and use sun protection when staying out of the sun is unavoidable.
What are some disadvantages of HydraFacial treatments?
While HydraFacial treatments are less abrasive than Microdermabrasion treatments, there are potential long-term effects to be aware of, and they can include skin thinning, uneven skin pigmentation and brown spots. Before getting a HydraFacial treatment it is important to discuss both the benefits and potential disadvantages with a professional aesthetician or dermatologist.
Which treatment is better for sensitive skin types?
Because Microdermabrasion has a tendency to irritate certain skin types, HydraFacial is the better option for rosacea and sensitive skin types.
Which treatment has long-lasting results?
The effects of a Microdermabrasion procedure last about four weeks. The effects of a HydraFacial procedure last four to six weeks. The best choice for your skin will depend a lot on what your skin type is, what your individual needs, and even factors such as if you have a big event coming up.
