In the world of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, microdermabrasion has long been the skin resurfacing heavy weight. But vibradermabrasion, or vibraderm, is a similar, more recent skin rejuvenation treatment that’s been gaining attention as well. So, which one is better? What are the procedural differences? Let’s compare, shall we?
Similarities
Vibraderm and microdermabrasion are both virtually painless and risk-free. Both procedures require no anaesthetic, involve little to no recovery time, and are designed to treat the same skin problems, including:
- acne
- sun damage
- fine lines and wrinkles
- sebacious hyperplasia
- superficial scars and age spots
- large pores
- syringomas
- rosacea
- keratosis pilaris
Both procedures correct these problems using non-invasive methods of exfoliation. The main difference between vibraderm and microdermabrasion lies in the treatments’ technology, costs, and length of procedure time.
Differences
Microdermabrasion first uses a precise, pressurized stream of abrasive particles to remove the epidermis’ top layer of dead or damaged skin tissue. Then the machine’s suction device cleans up remaining crystal residue from the skin’s surface. Treatments usually take 30-45 minutes, and can cost as low as $75 per treatment. The three main types of microdermabrasion are:
- Crystal: sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, or magnesium crystal exfoliation
- Corundum Crystal: aluminum oxide crystal exfoliation
- Diamond-tipped: crystal-free exfoliation using natural or synthetic diamond-tipped applicators
Corundum crystal microdermabrasion is the most popular choice of cosmetic skin specialists. Other crystals used for exfoliation are cheaper, but are also shown to be less effective. Aluminum oxide crystals also have bacteria-killing properties and don’t typically agitate skin allergies. Diamond-tipped microdermabrasion is thought to be the most hygienic, brisk procedure of the three because there’s no crystal clean-up and the wands are often disposable.
Vibradermabrasion exfoliates skin on the face, neck, or body using vibrating paddles of fixed abrasives to slough off dead skin cells. Vibraderm treatments typically take 20-30 minutes, and have an average minimum cost of $125. The paddles come in varying sizes for specific areas, and paddle vibration speed can be adjusted according to skin density or sensitivity of the treatment area.
Conclusion
Because vibraderm uses no crystals and no suction device, some find the procedure more hassle-free than microdermabrasion. Vibradermabrasion procedures are also quicker due to the larger surface area that vibraderm paddles can treat. The focused scope of the microderm handpiece applicators target small areas at a time, and consequently aren’t as effective at treating large areas of the body. Cost-wise, microdermabrasion is the cheaper option, but the procedure can also leave skin briefly reddened for afterwards which isn’t reported with vibraderm.
