Dermaplaning vs. Microdermabrasion: Which Exfoliation Fits You?

Of all the exfoliation treatments on my menu, these two get requested by name the most — usually because a friend, a sister or someone's favorite video swears by one of them. Dermaplaning and microdermabrasion both remove what's dulling your surface, but they do it differently, they shine at different jobs, and picking between them is exactly the kind of decision that should happen on a treatment bed, not in a comments section.

What each treatment actually does

Dermaplaning uses a sterile surgical blade, held at a precise angle, to glide across the skin and lift away two things at once: the outermost layer of dead skin cells and the fine vellus hair — peach fuzz — that sits on top. It's manual, quiet and immediate.

Microdermabrasion is machine-powered resurfacing. A wand exfoliates the surface while vacuum suction sweeps the debris away, and it comes in two styles: dry, using crystals or a diamond tip, and wet, which pairs the exfoliation with fluids for a gentler, more hydrating pass. Where the blade skims, the machine polishes.

When dermaplaning is the pick

Dermaplaning wins when the goals are smoothness and glow on a deadline. Removing the fuzz means makeup glides on like it was airbrushed, light reflects better off the skin, and serums absorb without a hairy obstacle course. It's my go-to before events, photos and weddings. It's also a kindness to easily-annoyed skin, since there's no suction, no crystals and no acids involved — just a very steady hand.

And no — the hair does not grow back thicker or darker. I dismantled that myth properly in my dermaplaning deep-dive: fine vellus hair grows back exactly as it was, because a blade can't change your biology.

When microdermabrasion wins

Microdermabrasion earns its place when the concern is texture rather than fuzz: rough patches, dull buildup, congestion-prone skin that feels bumpy under your fingertips, and the kind of uneven surface that makes skin look tired even when you aren't. Because the machine's depth and passes can be adjusted, it can work more assertively than a blade on thickened, sun-weathered skin — a familiar situation here in the Central Valley. Wet microdermabrasion extends the option to skin that finds dry crystal work too intense, and clients often describe the after-feel as polished — smooth in a way fingertips notice immediately.

Neither is right for everyone

Active breakouts, irritated or rosacea-prone skin, and freshly compromised barriers ask us to skip both treatments and reach for enzymes or simple hydration instead — exfoliating inflamed skin is how small problems become long ones. Recent strong peels, sunburn and certain medications also push these treatments down the calendar. Skin conditions flare and settle; the right answer in October may be different by January, which is not a sales hedge but the honest reality of skin. It changes. The treatment plan should change with it.

How I choose — and why the price doesn't change

Every appointment at Truth In Beauty starts with a professional skin analysis, and that's where this decision gets made: your texture, your sensitivity, your calendar, your goals. Because my pricing is all-inclusive — you book time, not a menu item — the choice between blade and machine is purely clinical. I never have a financial reason to steer you toward one, and you never pay extra because your skin needed the other. If you're curious which side of this comparison your skin lands on, take a look at my services, or just come in and let the analysis answer it properly.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better for sensitive skin — dermaplaning or microdermabrasion?

Often dermaplaning, since it involves no suction, crystals or acids — but truly reactive or flaring skin may do better with enzyme exfoliation instead of either. The skin analysis at the start of your appointment decides safely.

Can I get dermaplaning and microdermabrasion in the same appointment?

I generally choose one exfoliation method per visit to respect your skin barrier, then pair it with hydration, massage or LED as the appointment allows. Longer all-inclusive sessions leave room to combine treatments thoughtfully.

Is there downtime with either treatment?

No real downtime for either. You might look slightly pink for an hour or so, and your skin will be more sun-sensitive for a few days — daily sunscreen is non-negotiable afterward.

How much do dermaplaning and microdermabrasion cost in Stockton?

At Truth In Beauty both are included in all-inclusive appointments — $140 for 50 minutes, $170 for 70, $250 for 100. You book the time; whichever exfoliation your skin needs that day is part of it.