Regarding exfoliation, water can achieve results similar to abrasive treatments, often with better results and fewer side effects. So, what distinguishes Hydradermabrasion from Microdermabrasion, and is one superior to the other? We understand that exfoliation is crucial in your beauty routine and is essential for maintaining your skin’s health. However, due to ongoing exposure to pollution, air conditioning, and various other factors, our skin requires an additional exfoliating boost.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a treatment for exfoliating the skin that employs a diamond-tipped wand or fine crystals to eliminate dead skin cells from the outer layer. This procedure stimulates collagen production and improves the texture of the skin.

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion enhances the appearance and feel of your skin, providing smoother, younger-looking skin. It may make the following skin problems less noticeable:

• Age spots
• Enlarged pores and blackheads
• Wrinkles and fine lines 
• Skin discolouration or an uneven skin tone
• Mild scars, often from acne
• Stretch marks
• Sun harm

Side effects of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a safe cosmetic treatment with no significant side effects. However, some individuals may notice:

• Skin discoloration or darkening in the treated area
• Bruising may remain for a few days following the treatment
• Flaky or dry skin
• Sun protection is recommended due to increased vulnerability to sunlight
• Most patients require multiple sessions

Who is not a good candidate for microdermabrasion? 

Microdermabrasion may not be suitable for everyone. Consult your healthcare provider before this treatment if you have: 

• Acne or are using medications for acne.
• Cold sores or recurring skin rashes (contact dermatitis). 
• Moles, freckles, skin tags, or other growths that change in size, shape, or bleed. 
• Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Aftercare for Microdermabrasion

• Avoid exercise: To minimize pain, avoid any exercise or physical activity that may cause the skin to flush within 24 hours of a microdermabrasion session.
• Stay hydrated: Microdermabrasion helps to remove dull, surface-level skin. To achieve the best outcomes, stay hydrated in the days after the procedure.
• Avoid hot showers and swimming: Exposing the skin to hot, salty, or chlorinated water can cause flushing, just like exercise. Putting off exposure to hot water and swimming can help prevent this potential pain after microdermabrasion.
• Apply Sunscreen: Use a sunscreen, SPF 50+, regularly throughout the year, but heightened photosensitivity makes it more crucial to do so after microdermabrasion.

Hydrodermabrasion

Hydro dermabrasion is a modern and milder option compared to microdermabrasion. This non-invasive treatment for skin rejuvenation employs a blend of water, serums, and oxygen to thoroughly cleanse and hydrate the skin while also exfoliating dead skin cells.

Benefits of Hydrodermabrasion

• Deeply cleanses clogged pores, or skin prone to breakouts and blackheads.
• Increases blood flow and circulation to produce an immediate glow effect.
• Collagen stimulation promotes skin suppleness and firmness in aged skin.
• Capable of gently exfoliating sensitive skin without irritation.
• Helps exfoliate and smooth the skin to reduce the appearance of acne scars, uneven facial texture, fine lines, and deep wrinkles.
• Provides intense hydration and nourishment to dry, depleted, or dehydrated skin.

Side effects of Hydrodermabrasion

Hydrodermabrasion is generally regarded as a safe and non-invasive treatment, but like with any cosmetic treatment, it may cause certain adverse effects, which are mild and temporary. Common side effects of hydrodermabrasion are:

• Sensitivity: Some people may notice greater sensitivity in the treated region, particularly if their skin is dry or sensitive. This sensitivity is normally temporary and disappears on its own.
• Redness: Mild redness is a normal and expected adverse effect of hydrodermabrasion. This redness is often temporary and resolves within a few hours of the treatment.
• Swelling: In certain circumstances, there may be mild swelling, especially if the procedure is aimed at unclogging pores. Swelling is generally mild and short-term.
• Tingly feeling: Some patients may feel a faint tingling sensation on their skin during or after the treatment. This feeling normally passes soon.
• Dryness: The exfoliating procedure may leave the skin feeling little dry. To avoid excessive dryness, stick to post-treatment moisturizing instructions.
• Bruising: While uncommon, some people may have slight bruising, particularly if their skin is extremely sensitive. This adverse effect is usually minimal and short term.
• Skin peeling: Following the treatment, the skin may peel somewhat as it loses dead cells. This is a normal aspect of the skin’s regeneration process and should not cause worry.

Who Should Avoid a Hydrodermabrasion Facial?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid this treatment.
• Recent skin treatments such as light or laser therapy, chemical peels, facial waxing, steroid injections, microdermabrasion, or surgical procedures may interfere with healing.
• Skin conditions and infections like active skin infections, recent sunburns, or changes in moles or growths in the treatment area can pose risks.
• Medical conditions such as epilepsy, cancer, autoimmune diseases, or diabetes may require postponing the procedure.
• Cold sore history—consult your physician for an antiviral prescription if needed.
• Blood-thinning medications (like aspirin) may increase the risk of bruising.
• Retinoid or Retin-A users may experience heightened skin sensitivity and redness.

Hydrodermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion was the predecessor of hydrodermabrasion as a modality, and most practitioners and consumers are familiar with it. While there are some similarities between these two procedures, hydrodermabrasion offers a few additional benefits.

• While microdermabrasion may remove dead surface skin cells with an abrasive wand and suction technology, it is confined to manual exfoliation and hence isn’t always the greatest option for customers with sensitive skin or specific ailments.
• Furthermore, many microdermabrasion machines require more cleaning and have more interchangeable components, such as filters and wand tips, which must be updated and repurchased regularly.
• Hydrodermabrasion, as an alternative, provides a more multidimensional approach to exfoliation that can be personalized to address a broader range of skin types and disorders.
• The hydrodermabrasion therapy has been shown to create less transient skin adverse effects, such as redness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.
• Hydrodermabrasion devices are also incredibly user-friendly and need little maintenance daily, allowing professionals to quickly recoup their equipment investment and pass on the savings to clients. 

Cost Comparison: Which One is More Affordable?

Typically, hydrodermabrasion treatments cost between $175 and $300. While Microdermabrasion typically costs $125 to $200.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

Microdermabrasion is suitable for acne scars and rough texture, oily or acne-prone skin, and deep exfoliation needs. While hydrodermabrasion is suitable for sensitive, dry, or aging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and instant hydration and glow.

FAQs

1. What is the frequency of hydrodermabrasion treatments required to achieve results?

To tackle particular issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, or signs of aging, incorporating hydrodermabrasion into your skincare regimen can be done as frequently as every two weeks. After reaching the desired results, you may then schedule hydrodermabrasion treatments every four to six weeks to preserve those results.

2. What Does a Professional Hydrodermabrasion Treatment Feel Like?

Hydrodermabrasion is a gentle and painless procedure. Most clients describe the experience as soothing and relaxing, with the sensation of the wand and serum infusion feeling like a light, refreshing micro-massage for the skin.

3. How often should I get microdermabrasion?

For best results, microdermabrasion is typically recommended every 2 to 4 weeks. The exact frequency depends on your skin type, concerns, and desired results, which your skincare professional can help determine.

4. What does a professional microdermabrasion treatment feel like?

Microdermabrasion is generally comfortable and non-invasive. Most clients describe it as a mild exfoliating sensation, similar to a light scratching or gentle sanding of the skin. Some may experience slight tingling, but it is not painful.

Takeaway

The real deal between hydrodermabrasion and microdermabrasion comes down to your skin type and goals. While microdermabrasion excels at deep exfoliation, hydrodermabrasion hydrates while refreshing the skin.

No matter which one you choose, both treatments can help you achieve brighter, smoother, and younger-looking skin—making them worthy additions to any skincare routine.