Microdermabrasion vs Facials

Skin Care
Microdermabrasion vs Facials

When you want to give your face a rejuvenating glow, there are excellent treatments to be found at your local spa. Two popular options for polishing your skin are a facial and a microdermabrasion treatment. People often wonder about the similarities and differences of each treatment, here's an overview of both!

 

First, let's start with a brief description of each treatment: 

  • Facial: A deep cleansing and moisturizing treatment for your face that uses a wide variety of products, tools, and methods depending on your skin's condition.
  • Microdermabrasion: A more intense exfoliating treatment that uses a "sand blasting" wand to remove the surface layer of your skin then suck the contents of your pores away. It's best used to treat sun spots, scars, blackheads, stretch marks, and scars.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is useful for those who want to deeply exfoliate their skin. You should get a microdermabrasion treatment if you experience these conditions:

  • Age Spots/ Sun Spots
  • Black Heads/Acne
  • Stretch Marks
  • Fine Lines/Wrinkles
  • Enlarged Pores
  • Acne Scars

Microdermabrasion can effectively remove the top, dead layer of skin. It cannot remove any of these conditions permanently, however, it can reduce their appearance by refreshing the skin overall. 

The Benefits Of Microdermabrasion

Getting regular microdermabrasion treatments, you can maintain a fresh and healthy appearance. When you frequently remove dead skin it can get rid of that dull look of dry, flaky skin.  Regular deep exfoliations can make your skin look more elastic by stimulating your natural collagen production. As we age, collagen production decreases but treatments like microdermabrasion can keep your skin supple and reduce the appearance of fine lines. As an added benefit, there's little to no downtime so you can get back to your normal activities right away. Your skin may be red in appearance after the treatment, but this symptom should subside within 24h. Learn more about the benefits of microdermabrasion in this detailed microdermabrasion blog post. 

Facials

Facial treatments clean and refresh your face but they don't involve exfoliating crystals or a suction wand. A facial is essentially a less intense version of microdermabrasion, but it can have a similar effect, depending on which type of facial treatment you're looking for. Unlike microdermabrasion, there are several different types of facials that you can try, in order to treat different skin types and conditions. A facial starts out with cleaning your face and a skin analysis to see if your skin is dry, combination, or oily. Then, your aesthetician will implement the right type of treatment for your skin. You can get a facial for many reasons, with a monthly spa visit delivering the most benefits and consistent results.

You may simply want to relax, feel pampered, celebrate a special occasion, or you may want to gain its anti-aging and anti-acne benefits. There is not a wrong reason for taking the time for self-care, so schedule one today!

What You Can Expect During A Facial

  • Exfoliation: Just like a microdermabrasion, you will have your face's dull top skin scrubbed away. Though it's not as intense of a scrub as a microdermabrasion, you'll still leave the spa with a glowing complexion!
  • Steam: If you have large pores, acne, or blackheads, steam will open up your pores to give your skin a deep clean.
  • Blackhead Removal: If you have stubborn blackheads or whiteheads, your aesthetician can professionally remove them with sterile tools. This has to be done correctly by someone with experience. Ask us how we can help.
  • Massages: To further stimulate collagen production and blood flow in your face, you can get a relaxing face massage included in your treatment. You can also get a soothing scalp massage to top off your experience.
  • Face mask: If your skin needs extra care, you can get a variety of masks that will address your skin's unique type. For example, if you have oily skin, a clay mask would be an excellent way to end your facial.
  • Application of products: Your treatment will often finish with a moisturizer, toner, and/or sunscreen—all depending on what your skin needs.

Getting a Facial or Microdermabrasion in Vancouver

Getting a facial or microdermabrasion is a great way to take care of yourself and maintain a youthful appearance. To find out more about what kind of treatments our spa offers and which one is right for you, contact us.