Microdermabrasion vs Dermaplaning vs HydroDiamond Facial: Which Should You Choose?

Updated September 24, 2026 · Skin Lounge Med Spa, Boca Raton · All guides

All three are forms of mechanical exfoliation, which means a tool rather than an acid removes dead skin cells (American Academy of Dermatology). The tool is what changes how each one feels, who it suits and how often it makes sense.

How does each treatment work?

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion gently exfoliates the outer layer of skin. In the crystal method, which our service uses, a handpiece sprays tiny crystals that loosen and knock off dead skin cells (Cleveland Clinic), and suction draws the crystals and debris back up. The AAD notes that after a series of treatments, skin can look smoother, brighter and more even in color, and that the procedure is safe for all skin colors (AAD).

Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning uses a fine blade, held at a controlled angle, to lift dead skin cells along with vellus hair, the soft peach fuzz on the face (Cleveland Clinic). Skin feels noticeably smooth afterward, and foundation glides on more evenly.

HydroDiamond Facial (hydradermabrasion)

Hydradermabrasion pairs exfoliation with hydration, so the skin is exfoliated and hydrated in the same treatment pass (Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology). Our HydroDiamond Facial starts with diamond-tip microdermabrasion. A specialized tip then uses gentle suction to lift oil and debris from pores while hydrating serums are infused, followed by oxygen infusion and a cooling step that calms the skin.

HydroDiamond and the HydraFacial brand

Many people search for this type of treatment as a “HydraFacial.” HydraFacial® is a brand-name treatment that uses its own device. Cleveland Clinic explains that branded systems in this category differ mainly in the wand: HydraFacial uses a spiral tip, while diamond-tip systems exfoliate with a diamond tip, and both exfoliate, deep-clean pores and infuse serum (Cleveland Clinic). The HydroDiamond Facial is similar in approach, but it is not the HydraFacial device, and HydraFacial is not on our menu.

How do microdermabrasion, dermaplaning and HydroDiamond compare side by side?

Table notes: microdermabrasion feel and frequency from the AAD, its downtime from Cleveland Clinic; dermaplaning irritation from Cleveland Clinic; diamond-tip infusion side effects from Cleveland Clinic. Dermaplaning and HydroDiamond frequencies are the rhythm we usually suggest, and your esthetician may adjust them.

Who should avoid each one?

Skip any exfoliating facial if your skin is sunburned or has open cuts or wounds (AAD). Beyond that, each treatment has its own cautions.

Microdermabrasion

The AAD advises seeing a dermatologist first if you have a mole or spot that is growing, bleeding or changing, have taken isotretinoin in the past 6 months, or scar easily (AAD). Cleveland Clinic adds that people with acne or on acne medication, or with frequent rashes, cold sores, eczema or psoriasis, should talk to their provider first (Cleveland Clinic). A 2014 review notes it is used cautiously in rosacea and sensitive or thin skin (Loesch et al.).

Dermaplaning

Cleveland Clinic lists active acne, cold sore outbreaks, eczema, psoriasis and skin rashes as reasons to avoid dermaplaning (Cleveland Clinic), and a Cleveland Clinic dermatologist notes it can agitate existing acne (Cleveland Clinic). Tell us if you use prescription retinoids, take blood thinners or scar easily.

HydroDiamond Facial

Hydradermabrasion is one of the gentler options, but it is still exfoliation. For a similar diamond-tip treatment, Cleveland Clinic recommends stopping retinoids and AHA products 3 to 5 days beforehand and waiting two weeks after wrinkle-relaxing injections, and lists rare side effects such as blisters, cold sores and skin discoloration (Cleveland Clinic). Let us know about rashes, cold sores, sunburn or recent isotretinoin use before you book.

Pregnant? Please check with your OB before any exfoliating facial. The Mother-to-Be Glow Ritual ($199) is designed for this stage and uses a gentle enzyme exfoliation instead.

On darker skin tones, the AAD says microdermabrasion is safe for all skin colors (AAD) but also notes that for some people with darker skin, aggressive exfoliation can lead to dark spots (AAD). We keep the intensity moderate and put sun protection first.

Which one should you choose?

• Choose microdermabrasion if your skin feels rough or looks dull and sun-worn, especially if it is oilier or thicker. The AAD notes that oily, thicker skin may do well with mechanical exfoliation, while dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin may find it too irritating (AAD).
• Choose dermaplaning if peach fuzz catches your foundation, your skin is dry or dull, or you have an event coming up and want makeup to sit smoothly.
• Choose the HydroDiamond Facial if you want exfoliation, clearer-looking pores and hydration in one visit, or your skin feels tight from air conditioning.
• Hold off on all three if you have inflamed breakouts. A deep-pore cleansing facial or our acne treatment options are a better start, and persistent acne should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

On budget, microdermabrasion and dermaplaning are both $145, and the HydroDiamond Facial is $175 because it adds suction, serum and oxygen infusion and a cooling step. Our Boca Raton facial price guide lists every facial on the menu.

Can you combine them?

Not in the same visit, as a rule. Each is a complete 60-minute facial on our menu, and the HydroDiamond Facial already starts with a diamond-tip microdermabrasion step, so adding crystal microdermabrasion or dermaplaning on the same day would double the exfoliation. The AAD warns that over-exfoliating can leave skin red and irritated (AAD).

Alternating them over time works well. You might book dermaplaning before events, a HydroDiamond Facial for monthly upkeep, and microdermabrasion when texture needs extra attention. Leave a few weeks between exfoliating facials, and tell us about any recent peel, waxing or retinoid use so we can space treatments safely.

How should you care for your skin afterward in Boca Raton’s sun?

Freshly exfoliated skin can be more sensitive to sunlight (Cleveland Clinic). Wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (AAD), moisturize twice a day, skip scrubs and exfoliating acids for a few days, and save beach time for later in the week.

Exfoliating facial FAQs

Is dermaplaning better than microdermabrasion?

Neither is better overall; they suit different skin. Dermaplaning is kinder to dry or sensitive skin and removes peach fuzz, while microdermabrasion gives a more thorough buff for rough, oilier or sun-worn skin. Both are $145 for 60 minutes at Skin Lounge.

Will dermaplaning make my hair grow back thicker?

No. A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist explains that trimming hair above the skin’s surface has no effect on how it grows; regrowth can feel blunt for a short time because the tip was cut (Cleveland Clinic).

Is the HydroDiamond Facial a HydraFacial?

It is a hydradermabrasion facial built on a similar idea, but it is not the HydraFacial® branded device. At Skin Lounge it costs $175 for 60 minutes; see the HydroDiamond Facial page for each step.

Which is best for acne-prone skin?

With blackheads and oiliness but no inflamed pimples, the HydroDiamond Facial’s suction step can help pores look clearer. With active, inflamed breakouts, skip all three for now, since exfoliating over them can make them worse. Painful or persistent acne should be seen by a dermatologist.

Which should I book before a wedding or event?

Dermaplaning is the classic pre-event choice because makeup sits so smoothly afterward, and the HydroDiamond Facial suits skin that also feels dehydrated. Book a few days ahead so any pinkness can settle, and try it well before the big day if it is your first time.

Does microdermabrasion hurt?

It should not. The AAD describes a sanding sensation that is not painful (AAD). Tell your esthetician if an area feels too sensitive, and the intensity can be turned down.

How many sessions will I need?

Any of the three leaves skin smoother after one visit. For texture or dullness, microdermabrasion works best as a series; the AAD says most patients receive between 5 and 16 treatments (AAD). Dermaplaning and HydroDiamond are usually repeated every few weeks as maintenance.

Book at Skin Lounge

Read the full details on our microdermabrasion, dermaplaning facial and HydroDiamond Facial pages, or Request an appointment and tell us your main goal. If you still cannot decide, the free 30-minute consultation is an easy way to get a recommendation. We are at 2061 NW 2nd Ave, Suite 205, Boca Raton.

Sources

1. Microdermabrasion: Overview, American Academy of Dermatology
2. Microdermabrasion: FAQs, American Academy of Dermatology
3. Microdermabrasion: What It Is, Benefits, Results and Side Effects, Cleveland Clinic
4. Dermaplaning: What It Is, Benefits and Side Effects, Cleveland Clinic
5. Dermaplaning at Home: Benefits and How It Works, Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
6. Dermalinfusion: What It Is and Results, Cleveland Clinic
7. Loesch MM, et al. Skin resurfacing procedures: new and emerging options. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014, PubMed Central, NIH
8. How to safely exfoliate at home, American Academy of Dermatology
9. How to select a sunscreen, American Academy of Dermatology

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