Dermaplaning vs. Microdermabrasion

Choosing the Right Exfoliation for Your Skin

2025-08-08 Salon De Cheveux

At Salon De Cheveux, we understand that choosing the right exfoliation treatment can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Two of our most popular advanced skincare services - dermaplaning and microdermabrasion - offer distinctly different approaches to achieving smoother, more radiant skin.

Both treatments effectively remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture, but understanding their unique benefits helps you choose the option that best addresses your specific skin concerns and goals.

Our experienced estheticians have been serving Cañon City and Fremont County for over 15 years, developing expertise in how Colorado's challenging mountain environment affects skin health. At 5,300 feet elevation, with intense UV exposure and extremely low humidity, your skin faces unique stressors that require specialized care. Our professional skincare treatments are specifically designed to address these environmental factors while delivering the results you're seeking.


Understanding Dermaplaning Treatment

Dermaplaning is a gentle, non-invasive exfoliation technique that uses a surgical-grade scalpel to carefully remove dead skin cells and vellus hair (commonly called "peach fuzz") from the skin's surface. This treatment provides immediate results with no downtime, making it perfect for clients with busy lifestyles who want instant skin improvement. The precision of dermaplaning allows our estheticians to target specific areas while providing an incredibly smooth, even finish.

Precise Technique

  • Surgical-Grade Scalpel
    Professional-grade tools ensure safe, controlled exfoliation with predictable results

  • Manual Control
    Esthetician-controlled treatment allows for customized pressure and coverage areas

Immediate Results

  • Instant Smoothness
    Skin feels immediately softer and appears more radiant after a single treatment

  • Enhanced Product Absorption
    Removal of dead skin cells allows skincare products to penetrate more effectively

Hair Removal Benefit

  • Vellus Hair Removal
    Eliminates fine facial hair that can trap dirt and makeup, creating smoother appearance

  • Makeup Application
    Foundation and other products apply more smoothly on hair-free skin

No Downtime

  • Resume Activities
    Return to normal activities immediately after treatment with no recovery period

  • Event Preparation
    Perfect treatment before special occasions or important events


Understanding Microdermabrasion Treatment

Microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to mechanically exfoliate the skin's surface, providing more intensive resurfacing than dermaplaning. This treatment is excellent for addressing specific skin concerns like fine lines, acne scarring, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. The controlled abrasion stimulates cell renewal and collagen production, making it ideal for clients seeking more dramatic improvement in skin texture and appearance.

  • Crystal or Diamond-Tip Technology
    Advanced equipment provides consistent, controlled exfoliation that can be adjusted for different skin types and sensitivity levels. The suction component removes dead skin cells immediately.

  • Deeper Exfoliation
    Reaches beyond surface-level dead skin cells to address deeper texture issues, making it effective for acne scarring and hyperpigmentation concerns.

  • Collagen Stimulation
    The mechanical action encourages natural collagen production, helping to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time.

  • Pore Refinement
    Deep exfoliation helps unclog pores and reduce their appearance, making it particularly beneficial for clients with oily or acne-prone skin.


Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Skin Type

The decision between dermaplaning and microdermabrasion depends on your skin type, specific concerns, and desired results. Our experienced estheticians conduct thorough skin assessments during consultations to recommend the treatment that will be most effective for your individual needs. Understanding your skin's current condition and goals helps us create a personalized treatment plan that delivers optimal results.

  • Sensitive Skin Considerations
    Dermaplaning is typically better for sensitive skin types as it's gentler and less likely to cause irritation. Clients with rosacea or very reactive skin often prefer this option.

  • Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
    Microdermabrasion excels for clients with oily skin, enlarged pores, or acne scarring. The deeper exfoliation helps clear clogged pores and improve overall skin texture.

  • Anti-Aging Goals
    For clients primarily concerned with fine lines and skin firmness, microdermabrasion's collagen-stimulating effects make it the preferred choice for long-term anti-aging benefits.

  • Immediate Event Preparation
    When you need immediate results for an upcoming event, dermaplaning provides instant smoothness and radiance without any risk of temporary redness or sensitivity.


What to Expect During Your Treatment

Both dermaplaning and microdermabrasion treatments begin with thorough skin cleansing and analysis. Our estheticians explain each step of the process and ensure you're comfortable throughout your service. Understanding what happens during treatment helps you feel confident and prepared for your skincare experience.

  • Dermaplaning Process
    After cleansing, your esthetician uses gentle, feathering strokes with a surgical scalpel to remove dead skin and vellus hair. The treatment takes 30-45 minutes and feels like a gentle scraping sensation.

  • Microdermabrasion Process
    Your skin is cleansed before the microdermabrasion wand is moved across treatment areas in systematic patterns. You'll feel a scratching sensation and suction as dead skin cells are removed.

  • Comfort Measures
    Both treatments are generally comfortable, but we can adjust pressure and technique if you experience any sensitivity. Communication throughout ensures your comfort.

  • Post-Treatment Care
    Treatments conclude with application of soothing serums, moisturizers, and broad-spectrum SPF protection to protect your newly revealed skin.


Post-Treatment Care and Results

Proper aftercare is essential for maximizing your treatment results and maintaining skin health. Colorado's intense UV exposure and dry climate require special attention to post-treatment protection and hydration. Our estheticians provide detailed aftercare instructions specific to your treatment and skin type.

  • Immediate Aftercare
    Avoid direct sun exposure for 24-48 hours and use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily. Gentle, fragrance-free skincare products are recommended for the first few days.

  • Dermaplaning Results
    Skin appears immediately smoother and more radiant. Results typically last 3-4 weeks, with optimal frequency being monthly treatments for maintaining results.

  • Microdermabrasion Results
    Initial results include smoother texture and improved skin tone. Full benefits develop over 7-10 days as cell renewal accelerates. Treatment series of 4-6 sessions provide optimal results.

  • Long-Term Benefits
    Regular treatments improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and enhance product absorption. Consistent care leads to progressively better skin health and appearance.


Combining Treatments for Optimal Results

Many clients benefit from alternating between dermaplaning and microdermabrasion treatments to address multiple skin concerns effectively. Our estheticians can create customized treatment schedules that incorporate both services based on your skin's needs and seasonal considerations. This approach allows you to enjoy the immediate benefits of dermaplaning while building long-term improvements through microdermabrasion.

  • Seasonal Scheduling
    Dermaplaning works well year-round, while microdermabrasion may be better scheduled during cooler months when sun exposure is naturally reduced.

  • Event Preparation Strategy
    Microdermabrasion treatments 2-3 weeks before important events, followed by dermaplaning 3-5 days prior, provides optimal skin preparation.

  • Progressive Treatment Plans
    Starting with gentler dermaplaning treatments and gradually incorporating microdermabrasion allows sensitive skin to build tolerance while achieving dramatic improvements.

  • Maintenance Protocols
    Once desired results are achieved, alternating monthly treatments helps maintain skin health and appearance while preventing future concerns.

The choice between dermaplaning and microdermabrasion ultimately depends on your individual skin needs, lifestyle, and goals. Both treatments offer significant benefits when performed by experienced professionals who understand how to customize techniques for your specific situation. At Salon De Cheveux, our commitment to continuing education ensures we stay current with the latest advancements in skincare technology and techniques.

Whether you choose dermaplaning for immediate radiance, microdermabrasion for deeper skin concerns, or a combination approach for comprehensive care, our experienced estheticians will guide you toward the treatment option that delivers the best results for your unique skin. Schedule a consultation to discuss your skincare goals and discover which exfoliation treatment will help you achieve the healthy, glowing complexion you deserve.