Defining Medical Microneedling And Microdermabrasion: What Are The Differences?
Medical microneedling and microdermabrasion have become increasingly popular skin care options over the past few years. Here is what you need to know about these two skin care procedures.
What Is Medical Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is an innovative and advanced anti-aging therapy designed to gently penetrate the skin to stimulate the regrowth of collagen. Microneedling is a minimally-invasive and safe anti-aging treatment that uses a hand-held device, with 12 ultra-fine needles to break down the old scar tissue in your skin and stimulate skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin in the treated area. Collagen and elastin play an important role in maintaining skin structure, hydration, and elasticity, which rejuvenates the skin’s appearance. Not only does microneedling reduce the appearance of fine lines and any unwanted wrinkles, it also encourages improved blood supply, helping you look and feel healthier, younger and much more refreshed.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that exfoliates and removes the top layer of dead skin cells. It uses tiny crystals to gently polish the face. Microdermabrasion can also be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and other blemishes. The procedure works by using a handheld device to spray microcrystals onto the skin. The crystals are vacuumed off along with the dead skin cells they have removed.
Three Benefits Of Medical Microneedling
- Treats a variety of skin concerns: Microneedling can be used to treat a range of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture. Microdermabrasion is primarily used for exfoliating the skin and improving skin texture, but may not be as effective for treating other skin concerns.
- Minimal downtime: Microneedling typically requires less downtime than microdermabrasion. After a microneedling treatment, the skin may be red and slightly swollen for a few hours to a day, but this can be easily covered with makeup. With microdermabrasion, the skin may also be red and slightly swollen, but may require more downtime as the skin recovers from the exfoliation process.
- Better absorption of skin care products: Microneedling creates tiny channels in the skin that can help skin care products penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective. This is because the channels created by the needles allow products to bypass the skin's natural barrier and reach deeper layers of the skin. Microdermabrasion does not create these channels and may not enhance the absorption of skin care products as effectively.
- Stimulates collagen production: Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are two proteins that keep the skin firm, plump, and youthful-looking. Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, only exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells and does not stimulate collagen production.
Microneedling can also help with the treatment of conditions such as alopecia, burn scars, stretch marks, and hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating.
Amazing Microneedling Results At Okanagan Skin Care Centre
Microneedling offers several benefits over microdermabrasion, including stimulating collagen production, treating a variety of skin concerns, minimal downtime, and better absorption of skincare products. However, the best option for you will depend on your individual skin concerns and goals, so it is important to consult with a skin care professional to determine the best treatment plan for you.
If you want to help revitalize your skin with effective, minimally invasive treatment, the professionals at Okanagan Skin Care Centre can help. Our advanced skin care clinic uses cosmetic dermatology techniques including microneedling to deliver highly effective, personalized skin care. We offer a wide variety of skin care services so that you can choose the ideal treatment to address your concerns and see optimal outcomes. To speak with a skin care professional and determine which cosmetic dermatology treatment is right for you, contact Okanagan Skin Care Centre at 1-250-868-9290 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: What cosmetic dermatology treatments can help to minimize the appearance of my wrinkles?
A: There are a variety of cosmetic dermatology solutions to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, including
- BOTOX®
- JUVÉDERM® and other tissue fillers
- Chemical Peels
- Fraxel 1927 Non-Ablative Laser
- Silhouette Instalift®
- IPL Photorejuvenation
- Thermage
- Venus Viva
Q: What are the do’s and don’ts after medical microneedling?
A: Avoid rubbing the area or using exfoliants for a week following the procedure. Additionally during the first week, keep the treated area clean, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. You should also avoid exposing the skin to sunlight (make sure to wear sunscreen) and avoid sweating or swimming. For more tips, read Taking Care Of Your Skin Before And After A Microneedling Treatment.
Q: Can I use at-home microneedling?
A: While there are at-home microneedling or microrolling kits available, these are not recommended. These at-home options do not penetrate as far into the skin as treatments available from professional skin care centres and therefore won’t address issues such as scarring or wrinkles. Beyond this, using at-home kits lead to a greater risk of infection.
Q: Does Okanagan Skin Care Centre sell medical-grade products?
A: We offer a variety of skin care products that are effective for all kinds of skin conditions including acne, rosacea, wrinkles and fine lines, sun damage, and more. We are proud to partner with recognized and reputable brands such as Vivier®, ZO® Skin Health, SkinMedica®, EltaMD®, and more. Explore our complete line of medical-grade skincare here.
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