Microdermabrasion vs Microneedling — How to Tell Which Treatment Is Best For You

It can be difficult to work out what treatment is right for your individual skin, especially when it comes to the world of microdermabrasion and microneedling. You’re probably familiar with both of these treatments but they can sound intimidating if you’ve never tried them before.

Despite having similar-sounding names, these two treatments are completely different and produce unique results. Laser Clinics Australia’s Global Medical Director, Dr Jonathan Hopkirk, has explained the difference between microdermabrasion and microneedling so you know what to expect the next time you head to the clinic.

What is microdermabrasion?

According to Dr Hopkirk, microdermabrasion is the more popular of the two treatments. “Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that gently exfoliates the skin’s surface, using vacuum suction to remove dead skin, dirt and debris,” said Dr Hopkirk.

“Using a powerful diamond-tipped applicator, the skin is gently ‘buffed and polished’ and the top layer of skin cells are removed. Buffing away the uppermost layer breaks down the barrier that often prevents your current skincare products from properly absorbing into the lower dermis.

“The skin’s upper layer is also home to blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles so Microdermabrasion works to rejuvenate and alleviate the visible signs of congestion and aging. It’s important to know that the results are very subtle and often require multiple or adjunctive treatments.”

The pros of microdermabrasion include:

• It’s minimally invasive and requires no downtime. Dr Hopkirk describes it as the perfect “lunchtime treatment”
• It brightens the complexion while reducing fine lines, deep cleaning pores and evening out your skin tone
• It’s pretty cost-effective, with Laser Clinics Australia offering a number of different treatment options, which are currently on sale — prices start from $25

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is far newer than microdermabrasion and is designed to trigger your skin’s healing response. Also known as skin needling, this treatment “uses a handheld device that penetrates the skin with a variety of (teeny!) tiny needles which punctures the very first layer of skin,” said Dr Hopkirk.

“The roller creates tiny puncture channels that encourage an organic collagen renewal and regeneration response. This wound healing response is also what stimulates new collagen and elastin formation which then assists with plumping out fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring. It also reduces the appearance of pigmentation, enlarged pores, and stretch marks.”

The pros of microneedling include:

• It can be used for a number of skin concerns such as acne scarring, stretch marks, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation and fine lines
• It reaches deeper layers of the epidermis
• It can be used across the body including on your face, neck and hands

For more information on these treatments, head to the Laser Clinics Australia website.