Are you tired of having rough-textured skin that makes you appear older? Many types of facials can help your skin look smoother, but if you are looking for a more powerful, medical-grade cosmetic treatment, a HydraFacial or a microdermabrasion facial is what you need. Dermatologists are increasingly recommending HydraFacial over microdermabrasion because it is a milder and more adjustable method of skin resurfacing.
Both treatments make your face appear smoother by removing the outermost layer of skin, however, HydraFacials tend to be more popular because it is more successful in treating specific skin issues such as hyperpigmentation. Additionally, HydraFacial is safe for almost all skin types because of its gentle but effective skin resurfacing process.
What is microdermabrasion?
At Borealis Dermatology, Dr. Arora or one of our highly trained estheticians will perform the microdermabrasion facial. During the session, a pen-like instrument with a diamond tip or a tip that sprays fine crystals will be used to exfoliate the top layer of skin. This device also vacuums away any dirt, makeup, and dead cells that may be clogging your pores.
A microdermabrasion facial is a less intense version of dermabrasion, a more intense exfoliation technique performed using a motorized wire brush or an instrument that has a diamond wheel with rough edges at the tip, called a burr. Although microdermabrasion is less intense than dermabrasion, it may still be too harsh for some people. For this reason, it is not recommended for anyone with acne, rosacea, or thin, aging skin. Additionally, some people may find the suction to be too strong, resulting in broken blood vessels.
Microdermabrasion benefits
The benefits of microdermabrasion include:
- Smooth skin
- Reduction of fine lines/wrinkles
- Reduction of enlarged pores
- improving the appearance of age spots
- Reduction of hyperpigmentation
- Reduction of acne scars
It’s important to note, microdermabrasion is less effective against some of these problems, including hyperpigmentation, than HydraFacial Sydneo.
What is a HydraFacial?
The HydraFacial is a multi-step process that is a combination of microdermabrasion and a chemical peel. Rather than relying solely on physical exfoliation, it primarily uses chemical exfoliation.
The first step involves the use of a wand-like instrument to cleanse the skin and apply a peel containing a cleansing serum, which exfoliates and hydrates the skin. During the second step, a combination of glycolic acid and salicylic acid is used to loosen dirt and debris in the pores, which is removed with vacuum suction in the third step. Finally, the wand infuses the skin with peptides and hyaluronic acid, giving it a plump, youthful look.
HyraFacial benefits
HydraFacial is an advanced facial treatment that can provide smooth skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, diminish the size of large pores, and improve the look of age spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. However, compared to microdermabrasion, HydraFacial is more effective in treating dark spots due to its combination of physical exfoliation and special skin-brightening acids.
Additionally, a HydraFacial is much gentler on the skin since the suction force and concentration of the acids can be adjusted to meet the needs of different skin types. However, those with infected acne breakouts should wait until their skin has healed before getting a HydraFacial.
With HydraFacial, you can also request add-on ‘booster’ treatments that are tailored to your skin concerns to enhance the results. Examples include a retinol booster serum to minimize wrinkles and a vitamin C serum to make dark spots less noticeable. At Borealis Dermatology, we call them:
- Signature HydraFacial: Deeply purifies, nourishes, and protects the skin. After cleansing the pores, our super serums, filled with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid are infused. This is best recommended for acne concerns. (30 minutes)
- Deluxe HydraFacial: The Signature HydraFacial, plus professional-strength therapeutic light energy to treat the skin from within. This is best recommended for sensitive and dry skin. (45 minutes)
- Platinum HydraFacial: The ultimate HydraFacial experience! Begin with a Lymphatic Drainage to reduce puffiness and provide the appearance of lifting and contouring. Next, we clarify your skin with a purifying cleanse, gentle chemical peel, and extractions. Using super serums and LED therapy, your treatment is personalized. Finally, we bathe the skin with nourishing hydration and antioxidants for the ultimate glow and best skin of your life. This is best recommended for anti-aging facial treatment. (60 minutes)
Hydrafacial vs. Microdermabrasion
HydraFacials provide instant gratification. Just like with microdermabrasion, your skin will look dewy and smooth right away. Unlike microdermabrasion, Hydrafacial avoids the swelling and redness side effects that usually resolve within a matter of hours.
For best results, both microdermabrasion facials and HydraFacials need to be part of your routine skincare process. For lasting results, Dr. Arora recommends a HydraFacial every three to four months, but patients with oily skin can come in for treatment more often.
For microdermabrasion, patients may choose to receive a single MediSpa treatment before a special event to brighten and soften their skin. However, if the goal is to tackle specific skin concerns, a series of five to 16 sessions may be required to reach the desired results. The sessions may be performed weekly, every other week, or once a month depending on how much time your skin needs to recover.
Both treatments take about an hour and the cost of microdermabrasion and HydraFacial is similar. At Borealis Dermatology, our skincare technicians can help you decide on the best facial to include in your skincare regimen. We offer two convenient locations in Queens and Long Island, to provide our patients with the highest medical and aesthetic expertise available. Our MediSpa dermatology treatment options are designed to give you the best experience with ultimate results. Visit our clinic today!
