Dermaplaning vs Dermabrasion: Which Is Right for Your Skin?

Dermaplaning vs Dermabrasion: What’s the Difference?

Dermaplaning and dermabrasion both exfoliate your skin, but the method, intensity and results are quite different. Dermaplaning uses a surgical blade to gently remove dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the surface. Dermabrasion uses a machine to mechanically sand away the outer layers of skin, targeting deeper texture issues. One is a light, surface treatment; the other is more aggressive.

Choosing between them depends on your skin goals, sensitivity and how much downtime you can handle. Both can improve texture, but the experience and results differ in important ways.

What Dermaplaning Does

Dermaplaning is a gentle physical exfoliation. A sterile surgical blade is held at a precise angle and stroked across the skin to remove the outermost layer of dead cells and fine hair. The result is instant smoothness, brighter tone and makeup that glides on evenly.

The hair does not grow back thicker or darker. That is a well-established fact: shaving or removing hair at the surface does not change the follicle underneath. Dermaplaning is safe for most skin types and has no downtime. You can return to your routine immediately.

Results are temporary. Your skin naturally sheds dead cells and hair regrows, so most people repeat dermaplaning every three to four weeks to maintain the smooth texture and glow.

What Microdermabrasion Does

Microdermabrasion (often simply called dermabrasion in casual conversation, though medical dermabrasion is a deeper procedure) uses a machine with a diamond tip or fine crystals to mechanically exfoliate the skin. It buffs away dead cells and can help with mild sun damage, light pigmentation and fine texture issues.

The treatment is more textured than dermaplaning. You feel a scratching or sanding sensation as the device passes over your skin. Most people see mild redness that fades within a few hours. Effects on tone and texture are mild and temporary. Microdermabrasion does not remove deep scars or wrinkles.

Like dermaplaning, microdermabrasion requires repeated sessions to maintain results, usually spaced two to four weeks apart.

Dermaplaning vs Microdermabrasion: A Side-by-Side Look

Who Each Option Suits

Dermaplaning suits you if you want immediate smoothness, brighter tone and better makeup application with zero downtime. It suits most skin types, as long as you do not have active acne or open irritation in the treatment area.

Microdermabrasion suits you if your main concern is mild pigmentation, sun damage or uneven texture and you are comfortable with a slightly more aggressive treatment. It is not ideal for very sensitive skin or active breakouts.

Neither treatment is right for active acne, rosacea flare-ups, eczema or open wounds. For deeper concerns like atrophic acne scars, wrinkles or significant pigmentation, talk to a medical provider about options like chemical peels, laser resurfacing or prescription treatments.

How KRIDO Approaches Dermaplaning and Microdermabrasion

At KRIDO Wellness in downtown St. Petersburg, we offer both dermaplaning and microdermabrasion as part of our Circadia facial menu. Each facial is built on professional-grade Circadia skincare and finished with red light therapy and lymphatic drainage massage.

The Dermaplaning Facial removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz to instantly smooth texture, enhance product absorption and reveal a brighter, more refined complexion. The Microdermabrasion Facial is a refining, skin-smoothing treatment that gently exfoliates to reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion, ideal for clients who want to improve skin texture, tone and overall glow.

Every visit starts with a consultation. We read your skin, discuss your goals and recommend the facial that fits. Your visit is a consultation plus the facial you choose.

Research suggests red light therapy may support collagen. Lymphatic drainage can temporarily reduce puffiness, and many clients find it relaxing.

What a Visit Looks Like

You book a Skin Consultation + Facial through our online calendar at /book. Please arrive a few minutes early for your first visit to complete a short intake form. Your esthetician will review your skin history, assess your skin and walk you through the treatment.

For dermaplaning, the blade glides smoothly across your face. Most clients find it calming and even enjoyable. For microdermabrasion, the machine buffs the skin with a scratching sensation. Both facials use Circadia professional skincare and finish with red light therapy and lymphatic drainage massage.

The Dermaplaning Facial is $150. The Microdermabrasion Facial is $150. We generally recommend a facial every four to six weeks, or more often for specific concerns, based on your skin goals.

Real Client Results

I had the absolute best experience at Krido Wellness!! I went in for a dermaplane and from the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms. I sat down with the owner, Kristina and she took the time to discuss my current skincare routine, what I’m struggling with and my goals. You could tell she really has such a passion for what she does and after learning more about her story, it was clear that her mission is to help people look and feel their best. The spa itself is very clean, professional, and has a calming atmosphere so you can truly relax. My aesthetician Amber was incredible!! She is so knowledgable and friendly and was so thorough with my treatment. She wasn’t pushing products on me, she just really wanted me to have the best possible experience. I literally couldn’t believe my skin afterward - had to do a double take in the mirror lol it was GLOWING, rejuvenated and felt amazing. I was so impressed and loved it so much that I booked a facial before I left. And to top it off, since it was my first visit, I left with a gift package and handwritten thank you note! That personalized touch is so thoughtful and shows how much they truly care about their clients. Highly recommend Krido Wellness and can’t wait to go back! Thank you ladies!

Cassandra Porter, Google review

Oh my goodness I cannot say enough good things about Krido, Kristina, and Amber. The studio is beautiful and so relaxing. Amber is incredibly knowledgeable, I was blown always. And I left with no pores! Cannot recommend enough.

Mia Tramontana, Google review

Choosing Between Dermaplaning and Microdermabrasion

If you want instant smoothness, hair removal and a glow with zero downtime, dermaplaning may be the better fit. If your focus is mild pigmentation or uneven texture and you are comfortable with a bit more intensity, microdermabrasion may suit you better.

Both are common, generally gentle exfoliation methods with temporary effects. Neither will remove deep scars or wrinkles, and both require regular sessions to maintain results. At your consultation, we will assess your skin and guide you to the treatment that fits your goals.

Individual results vary. Results depend on treatment area, number of sessions and individual response.

Book Your Consultation

Ready to find out which treatment is right for your skin? Book a Skin Consultation + Facial at KRIDO Wellness in downtown St. Petersburg. We will assess your skin, answer your questions and create a plan that works for you. Visit /book to schedule your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Does hair grow back thicker after dermaplaning?

No. Dermaplaning removes fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) at the surface. It does not change the follicle, so hair grows back at the same texture and color. This is well established in dermatology.

Is dermaplaning or microdermabrasion better for acne scars?

Neither removes deep acne scars. Microdermabrasion may improve very mild texture issues, but for atrophic scars, talk to a medical provider about microneedling, chemical peels or laser resurfacing.

Can I wear makeup after dermaplaning or microdermabrasion?

After dermaplaning, yes, immediately. After microdermabrasion, wait a few hours until any redness fades. Both treatments make makeup glide on more smoothly once your skin has settled.

How often should I get dermaplaning or microdermabrasion?

Dermaplaning is typically repeated every three to four weeks. Microdermabrasion is usually spaced two to four weeks apart. Your esthetician will recommend a schedule based on your skin and goals.

Which treatment is gentler?

Dermaplaning is gentler. It removes only surface dead cells and hair with a blade. Microdermabrasion uses a machine to buff the skin, which feels more textured and may cause mild redness.