Microdermabrasion and Microneedling both promise smoother, healthier skin—but how do you know which one fits your skin’s needs? We’ll cut through the confusion and break down the facts.
What is Microdermabrasion?
Your skin is like a canvas. Over time, factors like sun exposure, ageing, and daily wear can add tiny bits of imperfection to make the surface less vibrant.
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that gently buffs away these superficial layers, revealing the fresher skin beneath.
It uses a specialized handheld vacuum with abrasive micro-crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate the epidermis, or the outermost layer of the skin, to target dead skin cells. Removing this barrier gives your skin a rejuvenated appearance while also improving the effectiveness of skincare products.
The procedure is often called “lunchtime treatment”, with minimal downtime. The Microdermabrasion Express treatment, for instance, is a fast facial treatment that lasts 10-15 minutes.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses a “controlled damage” approach to rejuvenation. It involves a motorized pen device with fine needles.
These needles create microscopic punctures on the skin’s surface. While that might sound intense, this process kickstarts the body’s natural healing response and triggers a surge of collagen production.
As new collagen forms, the skin becomes firmer, smoother, and more even in tone. It’s a highly-customiseable treatment that’s great for fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, and even stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion also improves the delivery of vitamin-rich serums for a more refreshed skin.
Microdermabrasion vs Microneedling: Quick Comparison
|
Feature |
Microdermabrasion |
Microneedling |
|
Mechanism |
Fine crystals or a diamond-tipped device that exfoliates the skin’s surface |
Uses fine needles to create tiny injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and cell renewal |
|
Targeted Skin Concerns |
Fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, minor acne scars, blackheads, and whiteheads |
Acne scars, wrinkles, skin laxity, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture |
|
Depth of Treatment |
Superficial; conducted on the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) |
Deeper; deeply penetrates the epidermis to activate change within the dermis |
|
Pain and Discomfort |
Mild redness or post-treatment sensitivity |
May cause discomfort; post-treatment redness and heat are common |
|
Downtime |
Minimal to none; most can resume daily activities immediately |
Mid to moderate downtime; skin may appear red and slightly swollen for 24-72 hours. |
|
Sessions Needed |
Multiple sessions (typically 5-10) |
Fewer sessions (typically 3-6) needed |
|
Cost per Session |
Can go as low as $50 per session |
Approximately $250-$600 per session, through prices can vary based on location and provider |
|
Suitability |
Suitable for all skin types; not recommended for individuals with active skin infections, open wounds, or those with eczema or rosacea |
Suitable for most skin types; not recommended for individuals with active acne, certain skin conditions, or those who are pregnant. |
Microdermabrasion vs Microneedling: An In-Depth Look
Now that you’ve seen a quick breakdown of how these two treatments compare, let’s take a closer look at what each one brings to the table. From skin-transforming benefits to potential downsides, here’s everything you need to know before booking your first (or next) appointment.
Benefits
Microdermabrasion: This facial treatment is all about instant gratification. Gently exfoliating the outermost layer of your skin delivers an immediate glow, leaving your complexion smoother, brighter, and more refreshed. It helps unclog pores, evens skin tone, and allows skincare products to penetrate more effectively.
Microneedling: If Microdermabrasion is surface-level polish, Microneedling goes deeper to trigger long-term skin transformation. Collagen stimulation leads to a stronger skin foundation. It reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars over time.
Microneedling also helps improve skin texture, minimise enlarged pores, and improve skin firmness. It’s a powerful anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation option. While it’s a bit pricey, and you’d need a few sessions to see results, the effects are long-lasting—your skin will continue to improve for weeks after each session as new collagen forms.
Side Effects & Potential Risks
Microdermabrasion
- Mild redness and sensitivity: Skin may appear slightly flushed after treatment but typically calms down within a few hours.
- Temporary dryness or flaking as dead skin cells shed
- Increased photosensitivity: Freshly exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to UV damage, so sunscreen is a must after treatment
- Not suitable for active acne or rosacea as the exfoliation process may further irritate inflamed skin conditions
- Risk of minor irritation for those with sensitive skin
Microneedling
- Redness and inflammation: Skin may look sunburned for 1-3 days post-treatment
- Possible bleeding or bruising due to the tiny needles. This could lead to minor bleeding, particularly for deeper treatments.
- Mild peeling or dryness is expected as the skin heals and regenerates. Some flaking may also occur.
- Not suitable for active acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and other related skin conditions as it may further lead to inflammation
- Tiny needles cause your skin barrier to be temporarily compromised, making it more reactive to strong ingredients like retinol or acids.
Results
Microdermabrasion: If you’re expecting a dramatic transformation after one Microdermabrasion session, you might be disappointed. That doesn’t mean the treatment doesn’t work—it just works differently than more aggressive options.
Since Microdermabrasion is a more controlled form of physical exfoliation, it provides an immediate boost in radiance by clearing away dead skin cells, but long-term results depend on consistency.
To truly maintain the results, professionals recommend getting 6 rounds of Microdermabrasion, especially for oily or acne-prone skin.
Microneedling: Microneedling plays the long game when it comes to results. You might not notice much change right after your first session. In fact, you might even have scars that look wider at first. But this is just the treatment levelling out those scars over time.
The real magic happens in the weeks and months that follow. Skin remodelling doesn’t happen overnight, and most people need at least 3-6 sessions to see significant changes. Even then, Microneedling works best when paired with other treatments like mild or low-strength Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels (spaced weeks after the initial Microneedling session).
When it comes to Microdermabrasion and Microneedling, one isn’t necessarily better than the other—the better treatment is the one that’s right for your skin. Microdermabrasion offers a quick refresh while Microneedling takes a deeper approach.
At Laser Clinics New Zealand, our team of highly skilled Skin Therapists will assess your skin and create a treatment plan tailored to what works for you. We don’t believe in a one-treatment-fits-all approach—we work with your skin, not against it. Whether you need gentle exfoliation or deeper skin remodelling, we’ll guide you toward the most effective options to get real, visible results.Still unsure which treatment suits you best? Book a complimentary consultation today and let’s start your journey to healthier, more radiant skin!
