Dermaplaning vs microdermabrasion
Both remove dead surface skin. They do it by different mechanisms, they feel different, and they suit different skin. Neither is the upgraded version of the other.
How they work
Dermaplaning uses a sterile blade drawn across the skin at a shallow angle. It shears off dead cells and fine vellus hair in one pass. It is precise, it is gentle, and it is the only one of the two that removes hair.
Microdermabrasion uses abrasion — a diamond-tipped wand or fine crystals with suction — to buff the surface layer away. It works deeper into texture and is generally the more aggressive of the two.
Side by side
- Removes hair: dermaplaning yes, microdermabrasion no.
- Sensation: dermaplaning is a light scrape and painless; microdermabrasion is a sandpapery buffing with suction that some people find uncomfortable.
- Downtime: dermaplaning none to a few hours of pinkness; microdermabrasion often a day of redness and flaking.
- Best for: dermaplaning suits dullness, flakiness, peach fuzz and makeup that will not sit flat; microdermabrasion is aimed more at texture, congestion and superficial scarring.
- Sensitive skin: dermaplaning is generally the gentler option.
- Frequency: dermaplaning every three to four weeks; microdermabrasion typically spaced further apart.
Which to pick
If your goal is glow — smoother makeup application, brighter tone, no fuzz catching the light, and no downtime before an event — dermaplaning is the one built for that.
If your goal is working on textural concerns or superficial scarring over a course of treatments, microdermabrasion is the more aggressive tool for that job, and it is worth seeing someone who specialises in it.
Before an event
Dermaplaning is the safer choice close to a date. There is no flaking and no recovery — skin looks its best immediately, which is exactly why it gets booked before weddings and photos. Book it two to three days out rather than the morning of, so any pinkness has fully settled.
What is on the menu here
The Raenel Luxe Glow Facial ($120, 50% deposit) is the dermaplaning treatment — dermaplaning, deep cleanse, extractions if needed, deep hydration, moisturiser and sunscreen. The Relaxation Luxe Facial ($65, 50% deposit) is the non-dermaplaning option: deep cleanse, skin analysis, exfoliation or mask, facial massage, moisturiser and sunscreen.
Microdermabrasion is not on the menu. If that is specifically what you want, it is worth booking with someone who offers it rather than treating the Glow Facial as a substitute.
Quick answers
What is the difference between dermaplaning and microdermabrasion?
Dermaplaning uses a blade to shear off dead surface cells and fine facial hair. Microdermabrasion uses abrasion and suction to buff away the surface layer and does not remove hair. Dermaplaning is gentler with no downtime; microdermabrasion works deeper into texture but often causes a day of redness and flaking.
Which is better for sensitive skin?
Dermaplaning is generally the gentler of the two, with no abrasion and no suction.
Which is better before a wedding or event?
Dermaplaning, because there is no flaking or recovery period. Book two to three days beforehand so any mild pinkness has settled.
Does microdermabrasion remove facial hair?
No. Only dermaplaning removes vellus hair as part of the exfoliation.