Image your face like a sidewalk after an extended winter. Layers of grime, a number of cracks, an entire lot of tough patches.. it nonetheless works, but it surely’s not precisely easy and glossy. That’s principally what occurs to your pores and skin over time: lifeless cells construct up, solar injury creeps in, life occurs.
Microdermabrasion is like pulling out a mild however highly effective strain washer, cleansing off all that drained, boring floor junk so the recent, wholesome pores and skin beneath can lastly present up.
Now, there are two varieties of microdermabrasion: diamond and crystal microdermabrasion. And no, we’re not speaking about fancy jewellery. We’re speaking about tiny, highly effective, pores and skin instruments that get the job carried out in another way. Let’s break it down, the battle between diamond VS crystal microdermabrasion.
What Is Microdermabrasion, Truly?
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive therapy to exfoliate pores and skin that’s been round for the reason that Eighties. And once they say “non-invasive,” they imply no needles, no slicing, no blood… You’re simply sharpening off the previous layers with none scary downtime. (Large win.)
Consider it like giving your face a deep clear with precision instruments, not simply scrubbing it uncooked with drugstore scrubs. The objective? Strip off the drained outer layer, get up your pores and skin’s restore system, and aid you look much less “I’ve-had-a-week” and extra “I’m-glowing-and-I-know-it.”
Science Behind Why Microdermabrasion Works
Let’s nerd out for a second (however in a enjoyable approach): Your pores and skin is continually turning over — previous cells die, new cells rise. However as you grow old (or in case your pores and skin is wired), this pure course of slows down. Lifeless cells simply sit there, making you look boring, tough, and drained.
Microdermabrasion forces your pores and skin to hurry up the method. It triggers a managed harm (very tiny and really protected), which tells your physique: “HEY! We’d like new pores and skin right here — stat!”
Cue the flood of:
- Contemporary pores and skin cells
- Collagen
- Elastin (the stuff that makes pores and skin snap again as a substitute of sagging)
It’s your physique’s approach of therapeutic — and looking out more energizing doing it. Research present that “the method is taken into account protected for all Fitzpatrick pores and skin varieties and problems are minimal,” and might deal with varied pores and skin issues, like “uneven pores and skin tone/texture, photoaging, striae, melasma, and scars, together with zits scars.”
FYI, I’m personally NOT a fan of microdermabrasion and like various therapies to exfoliate the floor of the pores and skin, like chemical peels. Mentioned that, I do consider in figuring out as a lot as you probably can about totally different therapies so you can also make an knowledgeable alternative to your particular wants.
Cease losing your money and time on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on on the picture beneath to obtain “Skincare That Works” and at last get your finest pores and skin day – each day.
What’s Diamond Microdermabrasion?
Diamond microdermabrasion makes use of a handheld machine with a diamond tip. No, not large sparkly diamonds. Suppose tremendous tiny, industrial-grade diamond particles caught to the tip like ultra-fine sandpaper. When the technician strikes it throughout your pores and skin:
- The diamonds scratch and buff away the lifeless cells to exfoliate your face
- A vacuum sucks up the lifeless cells on the similar time. (Kinda like vacuuming up grime out of your carpet. Satisfying, proper?) No unfastened particles flying round. The whole lot stays good and clear.
What’s Crystal Microdermabrasion?
Crystal microdermabrasion is the older technique. As a substitute of diamonds, it shoots out a stream of advantageous crystals – normally aluminum oxide crystal, however typically sodium bicarbonate crystals (baking soda) and even magnesium oxide crystals. Right here’s what occurs:
- The machine sprays these crystals at your pores and skin.
- The crystals blast off the lifeless pores and skin cells.
- A bit vacuum instantly sucks up each the crystals and the lifeless pores and skin.
Think about a tiny, sparkly sandstorm aimed toward your face – however managed, not wild.
Key Variations: Diamond VS Crystal Microdermabrasion
| FEATURE | DIAMOND | CRYSTAL |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Diamond-encrusted tip | Crystal spray |
| Precision | Extra managed, nice for delicate areas (like below eyes) | Much less exact, higher for bigger surfaces |
| Pores and skin Sorts | Good for delicate pores and skin (gentler) | Higher for thicker or oilier pores and skin (stronger) |
| Upkeep | Simpler to wash and sanitize | Machine wants fixed refills and cleanup |
| Value | Often a bit pricier | Barely cheaper in some clinics |
Advantages of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a kind of therapies that doesn’t simply make you are feeling cleaner. It truly resets your pores and skin. Right here’s what it brings to the desk:
- Smooths tough pores and skin texture: It buffs away the dry, crusty high layer that makes your pores and skin really feel gritty, leaving every thing softer, smoother, and approach simpler to the touch.
- Brightens boring pores and skin: By clearing off the gunk that blocks your pure glow, microdermabrasion makes your pores and skin look recent, wholesome, and an entire lot much less drained. Hey, radiant pores and skin!
- Fades darkish spots and gentle discoloration: Common therapies assist chip away at solar injury, previous zits scars, and uneven patches, pushing recent new cells to the floor sooner.
- Softens advantageous traces earlier than they deepen: It’s not a magic eraser for wrinkles, however by boosting collagen and smoothing the highest layer, it makes advantageous traces and tiny crinkles approach much less noticeable.
- Unclogs congested pores: The combo of exfoliation and suction clears out the junk caught deep in your pores, serving to them look smaller and keep cleaner longer.
- Supercharges your skincare routine: With no barrier of lifeless pores and skin in the way in which, your serums, moisturizers, and coverings can lastly sink in and really do their job, not simply sit there trying shiny.
Advantages of Diamond Microdermabrasion Therapy
- Extra exact exfoliation management: For the reason that diamond tip sands the pores and skin as a substitute of blasting it, your tech can go lighter the place the pores and skin’s delicate (like below your eyes) and just a little deeper the place it will possibly deal with extra (like your cheeks and brow).
- Cleaner and safer therapy atmosphere: No flying crystals, no random mud floating round. Only a easy, managed polish that gained’t go away you selecting grit out of your hairline later.
- Higher choice for delicate or reactive pores and skin: In case your pores and skin tends to throw a match on the slightest factor, diamond microdermabrasion is normally the safer, gentler name – no blasting overseas particles throughout your face.
- Extra snug total expertise: Actually, it simply feels nicer. Extra like a tough therapeutic massage that leaves you pink and glowy, not such as you simply survived a sandstorm.
Aspect Results of Diamond Microdermabrasion
- Momentary redness and gentle pores and skin sensitivity: Although it’s the gentler choice, you’re nonetheless sanding off an entire layer of pores and skin, so count on just a little flushed, tight feeling for a number of hours afterward.
- Attainable minor bruising if suction is simply too robust: If the vacuum setting will get just a little aggressive (particularly round delicate areas) you may discover a tiny bruise, but it surely normally fades quick.
- Won’t be aggressive sufficient for very thick, broken pores and skin: When you’ve acquired robust, weathered pores and skin, you may want a number of periods to essentially chip away on the deeper injury – diamond ideas don’t bulldoze via in a single go.
- Elevated solar sensitivity post-treatment: Contemporary new pores and skin = further delicate. Sunscreen isn’t non-compulsory after microdermabrasion. It’s necessary until you need sunspots and regrets..
Advantages of Crystal Microdermabrasion Therapy
- Stronger exfoliation for thicker or oilier pores and skin varieties: The high-speed crystals hit more durable and dig deeper, making it good in case your pores and skin normally laughs at common exfoliators.
- Quicker therapy over giant areas: Crystal machines can blitz via greater areas (full face, chest, even again) with out your tech having to continuously cease and regulate.
- Customizable crystal move and depth: Your esthetician can tweak what number of crystals are hitting your pores and skin and the way exhausting they’re vacuumed again up, making it straightforward to regulate mid-treatment if wanted.
- Higher for deeper texture points and zits scarring: In case your pores and skin has deep scars, heavy solar injury, or that tough texture you’ll be able to really feel even with out trying – the additional punch from crystals normally delivers sooner seen outcomes.
Aspect Results of Crystal Microdermabrasion
- Elevated danger of redness, irritation, and dryness: As a result of the therapy is rougher by nature, your pores and skin may appear and feel much more “uncooked” afterward, particularly in case you’re already delicate or dehydrated getting in.
- Messy therapy with residual crystal mud: Even with the most effective machines, you’ll most likely discover tiny crystals hanging out in your hairline, eyebrows, and possibly even your ears, it’s like discovering sand on the seaside two days later.
- Potential inhalation of advantageous crystal particles: If the machine isn’t well-maintained or the room isn’t ventilated proper, there’s a tiny danger you would breathe in a few of these advantageous crystals. Not precisely best in case you have bronchial asthma or delicate lungs.
- Increased likelihood of post-treatment flaking or peeling: Your pores and skin may begin shedding calmly a day or two after your session. Nothing scary, however undoubtedly extra apparent than with diamond microdermabrasion, particularly in case you skip moisturizer.
Who Are Good Candidates for Diamond Microdermabrasion?
Diamond-tip microdermabrasion is the softer choice, so it’s nice for:
- Delicate pores and skin varieties
- Folks with advantageous traces and minor discoloration
- Individuals who wish to deal with across the eyes or lips
- Individuals who need just a little glow-up with out downtime
NOT IDEAL FOR:
- Energetic zits breakouts (it will possibly irritate them)
- Very thick or tough pores and skin that wants heavy-duty sanding
Who Are Good Candidates for Crystal Microdermabrasion?
A crystal, conventional microdermabrasion therapy is just a little harsher, so it’s higher for:
- Oily pores and skin or thick, robust pores and skin
- Folks with deeper zits scars or tough texture
- Folks needing a extra intense exfoliation
NOT IDEAL FOR:
- Delicate pores and skin (could be too aggressive)
- Folks with rosacea, eczema, or damaged capillaries
Fast Be aware on Dwelling Microdermabrasion Units
You’ve most likely seen at-home microdermabrasion devices on Amazon or TikTok. They’re NOT the identical.
Skilled machines:
- Have medical-grade suction
- Use sterile diamond ideas or exact crystals
- Are utilized by educated techs who know precisely how a lot strain to use
Dwelling gadgets:
- Are a lot weaker
- May cause scratches, irritation, or damaged blood vessels if used mistaken
- Don’t actually penetrate deep sufficient to get the true advantages
Backside line: Nice for upkeep, not an alternative to skilled therapies.
How Many Periods Do You Want?
One microdermabrasion session is like consuming a salad as soon as. You’ll really feel higher, however you gained’t rework. Most individuals want 4-6 periods, spaced 2-4 weeks aside, for finest outcomes After that? Upkeep periods each couple of months to maintain your pores and skin comfortable and vibrant.
Diamond VS Crystal Microdermabrasion : What’s The Finest Kind For You?
It will depend on your particular person pores and skin kind and skincare objectives. Right here’s the short diamond vs crystal microdermabrasion cheat sheet:
| Your State of affairs | Decide This |
|---|---|
| Delicate or dry pores and skin | Diamond |
| Oily or thick pores and skin | Crystal |
| Need precision (round eyes, lips) | Diamond |
| Want robust exfoliation for scars or tough patches | Crystal |
| Hate mess | Diamond |
| Don’t thoughts just a little crystal mud | Crystal |
And in case you’re nonetheless undecided? Ask your skincare professional! Good clinics will customise based mostly in your pores and skin kind.
Each are superb for reinforcing your glow, smoothing texture, and giving your skincare an enormous increase.
- If you would like gentler, extra exact, much less messy: Diamond is your buddy.
- If you would like stronger, deeper exfoliation for thick or oily pores and skin: Crystal may be higher.
Simply bear in mind:
- Slather on that sunscreen afterward like your life will depend on it (as a result of truthfully, it kinda does). Any kind of exfoliation should pores and skin extra vulnerable to the injury of solar publicity.
- Go to a educated skincare skilled
- Hearken to your pores and skin
About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that will help you obtain your finest pores and skin day ever – each day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising jargon that will help you determine what’s definitely worth the splurge and what’s finest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally provide skincare consultations that will help you create the most effective skincare routine to your distinctive wants.