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Updated November 1, 2026 · Skin Lounge Med Spa, Boca Raton · All guides

Provider working with a client in an original studio facial-treatment video.Facials · Boca Raton

Quick answer: Microdermabrasion ($145) buffs away rough, dull surface skin with fine crystals, dermaplaning ($145) uses a fine blade to lift dead skin and peach fuzz, and the HydroDiamond Facial ($175) combines diamond-tip exfoliation with gentle suction and serum infusion. All three are listed as 60-minute facials at Skin Lounge in Boca Raton; possible reactions and aftercare depend on the actual procedure and your skin. Choose microdermabrasion for texture, dermaplaning for softness and smooth makeup, and HydroDiamond when you also want clearer-looking pores and extra hydration.

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 published service is HydroDiamond. That menu label does not establish a HydraFacial-branded appointment or identical equipment; confirm the actual offering if the brand matters to you.

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

Microdermabrasion Dermaplaning Facial HydroDiamond Facial
How it works Fine crystals are sprayed onto the skin and vacuumed away with dead cells A fine blade lifts dead skin cells and peach fuzz Diamond-tip exfoliation, suction, serum and oxygen infusion, cooling finish
Best for Rough texture, dullness, sun-worn or oilier skin Dry or dull skin, peach fuzz, smooth makeup before events Dull, dehydrated or lightly congested skin; all-round upkeep
What it feels like A sanding, slightly scratchy feel with light suction Light, feathery strokes and a soft scraping sound Light buffing, then a cool, gentle pull
Removes peach fuzz No Yes No
Hydration during treatment No; hydrating products after No; hydrating products after Yes; serums are infused as it works
Downtime Discuss possible redness and sensitivity for the actual protocol Discuss irritation and recovery before the appointment Ask about possible reactions and aftercare
Typical frequency A series, weekly to monthly, then maintenance Agree an individual schedule Confirm whether repeat visits are useful
Price at Skin Lounge $145, 60 min $145, 60 min $175, 60 min

General references can explain these techniques, but a schedule described for one treatment is not a verified studio protocol for every visitor. Agree on repeat visits and recovery with the practitioner rather than assuming a monthly appointment is required.

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

A description of another diamond-tip device does not establish the exact HydroDiamond protocol or its preparation instructions. Ask which device and products are planned, discuss relevant health history and recent treatments, and obtain instructions for that actual appointment. Do not stop prescribed skincare from a comparison article.

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.

Discuss your skin tone, sensitivity and any previous dark marks after irritation before treatment. This guide does not prescribe an intensity setting or independently verify which setting will be used on your appointment.

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.
  • If you have inflamed breakouts or another active skin concern, ask whether a cosmetic procedure should be postponed. Do not assume a different facial is automatically appropriate. Persistent or painful acne needs assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional.

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?

Do not assume two exfoliating services should be combined because both appear on the menu. Ask the practitioner whether the actual procedures, products and your skin make a combination appropriate. The HydroDiamond description already includes exfoliation, so ask which additional step is being proposed and why.

Do not design an alternating treatment series from this comparison alone. Tell the practitioner about recent peels, waxing, products and future event dates. Ask whether another appointment is useful, when it would be appropriate and what it would cost before committing to a schedule.

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

Obtain aftercare for your exact appointment, including sun protection and the timing of makeup, exercise, swimming and active skincare. The AAD advises choosing exfoliation around your skin and avoiding over-exfoliation. A calendar estimate is not proof that your skin is ready for another procedure.

Exfoliating facial FAQs

Is dermaplaning better than microdermabrasion?

Neither is the right choice for everyone. Dermaplaning includes a blade-based step and removal of vellus hair; microdermabrasion uses a different exfoliation technique. Discuss your current skin condition and goals before choosing. Both are listed at $145 for 60 minutes.

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?

The menu identifies a HydroDiamond hydradermabrasion facial. Do not infer a HydraFacial®-branded device from that description; ask about the actual equipment before booking for a particular brand. At Skin Lounge it costs $175 for 60 minutes; see the HydroDiamond Facial page for each step.

Which is best for acne-prone skin?

Ask the practitioner to assess whether a cosmetic exfoliating service is appropriate for your current skin. Do not choose solely from the word acne-prone or assume suction makes a treatment suitable. Painful or persistent acne needs advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.

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?

A single appointment cannot guarantee smoother skin, and a series is not automatically necessary. Ask what result is realistic for your concern, what evidence supports the proposed technique and how progress would be assessed before deciding on further visits.

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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