When comparing dermaplaning vs microdermabrasion for facial hair removal, you want to know which treatment will actually help you feel confident in your skin again. Here’s the straightforward answer: dermaplaning is significantly better for removing facial hair because it actually cuts the hair at skin level, while microdermabrasion only exfoliates dead skin cells and cannot remove hair effectively.
Both treatments can improve your skin’s texture and appearance, but only dermaplaning addresses the facial hair concerns that many women over 50 experience due to hormonal changes. If you’re also noticing other skin changes like brown spots suddenly appearing, you’re not alone in dealing with these aging-related skin concerns. Let’s explore exactly what each treatment does, so you can make the best choice for your skin goals and budget.
What Exactly Is Dermaplaning and How Does It Remove Facial Hair?
Dermaplaning uses a sterile surgical scalpel held at a 45-degree angle to gently scrape away the top layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) from your face. The treatment removes approximately 2-3 weeks of dead skin buildup along with all visible facial hair in a single 30-minute session.
During the procedure, an esthetician or dermatologist stretches your skin taut and uses short, swift strokes to “shave” your face with the scalpel. The blade removes hair at the skin’s surface level, similar to shaving but with much more precision and skin benefits.
Research shows dermaplaning can remove up to 100% of fine facial hair while simultaneously improving skin texture and product absorption by 25-30%. The immediate results include smoother skin, reduced appearance of fine lines, and a more even complexion that makes makeup application significantly easier.
How Does Microdermabrasion Work and Why Can’t It Remove Hair?
Microdermabrasion uses either fine crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to mechanically exfoliate the outermost layer of dead skin cells. The treatment focuses exclusively on skin resurfacing and cannot cut or remove hair follicles or hair shafts.
The process involves a handheld device that sprays tiny crystals onto your skin while simultaneously vacuuming them away along with dead skin cells. Alternatively, diamond-tip microdermabrasion uses a diamond-encrusted wand that’s moved across the skin to achieve the same exfoliating effect.
Studies indicate microdermabrasion removes approximately 5-10 microns of dead skin per session, which improves skin texture but has zero impact on hair removal. While your skin will feel smoother after treatment, any facial hair will remain completely intact.
Which Treatment Delivers Better Results for Women Over 50?
For addressing facial hair specifically, dermaplaning provides superior results because it’s the only treatment that actually removes the hair. However, the “better” choice depends on your primary skin concerns and goals.
Choose dermaplaning if you want to:
- Remove peach fuzz and fine facial hair completely
- Achieve immediately smoother makeup application
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines around your mouth and eyes
- Improve skincare product absorption for better anti-aging results
- Get both hair removal and exfoliation in one treatment
Choose microdermabrasion if you want to:
- Focus primarily on skin texture and tone issues
- Address sun spots, mild acne scarring, or enlarged pores
- Stimulate collagen production for firmer skin over time
- Avoid any hair removal (some women prefer to keep their peach fuzz)
Important consideration for mature skin: Dermaplaning is generally gentler than microdermabrasion and causes less irritation, making it ideal for women over 50 who may have more sensitive skin.
What Are the Realistic Results and Timeline for Each Treatment?
Dermaplaning results are immediate and dramatic. You’ll walk out with completely smooth, hair-free skin that feels like silk. The hair removal effects last 3-4 weeks before regrowth becomes noticeable, and the exfoliation benefits last about 2 weeks.
Microdermabrasion results are more gradual and cumulative. You’ll notice improved skin texture immediately, but optimal results require 6-10 treatments spaced 2-3 weeks apart. Each session builds upon the previous one to improve overall skin tone and texture.
For women over 50 dealing with hormonal hair growth, dermaplaning provides the psychological boost of immediate hair removal along with skin benefits. Many clients report feeling more confident applying makeup and more comfortable in social situations after their first dermaplaning session. For more ways to boost your confidence and feel amazing in your skin, discover the best anti-aging skin care products for women in their 60s.
Can You Do These Treatments at Home Safely?
At-home dermaplaning tools are available, but professional treatment is significantly safer and more effective, especially for women over 50 with potentially thinner, more fragile skin.
Popular at-home dermaplaning tools include:
- Schick Silk Touch-Up Multi-Purpose Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool ($6-8) – Basic disposable option
- Finishing Touch Flawless Dermaplane Glo ($25-30) – LED-lighted precision tool
- Tinkle Eyebrow Razor ($5-7) – Professional-grade disposable scalpels
At-home microdermabrasion options include:
- PMD Personal Microderm Classic ($199) – Crystal-based system
- Olay Professional Pro-X Microdermabrasion Plus ($35-40) – Advanced exfoliating system
However, professional treatments offer superior safety, precision, and results, particularly important for mature skin that may be more prone to irritation or injury. For more gentle skincare options, explore the best moisturizers for diabetic dry skin that work well for sensitive, mature skin.
This Might Not Be Right If You Have These Conditions
Skip dermaplaning if you have:
- Active breakouts or cystic acne (can spread bacteria)
- Very sensitive skin or rosacea flare-ups
- Recent chemical peels or laser treatments (within 2 weeks)
- Skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis
- Blood thinning medications that affect healing
Skip microdermabrasion if you have:
- Severe acne or open wounds
- Skin cancer or suspicious moles in treatment areas
- Recent cosmetic procedures or injectables (within 1 week)
- Extremely sensitive skin or active rosacea
- Autoimmune conditions affecting skin healing
If you’re dealing with very sensitive skin or rosacea flare-ups, consider skipping dermaplaning. If you’re dealing with other age-related skin concerns, learn about the best treatments to reduce pore size for women over 50 for comprehensive skin improvement.
Both treatments may cause temporary redness lasting 2-24 hours, and neither should be performed before important events where you need to look your absolute best.
How Much Do These Treatments Cost and How Often Do You Need Them?
Professional dermaplaning typically costs $100-200 per session and should be performed every 4-6 weeks for optimal hair removal and skin benefits. Most women over 50 find monthly treatments maintain their desired results.
Professional microdermabrasion costs $75-150 per session and requires 6-10 initial treatments every 2-3 weeks, followed by monthly maintenance sessions. The total investment for initial improvement ranges from $450-1,500.
For budget-conscious options, at-home dermaplaning tools provide decent results for $5-30, while at-home microdermabrasion systems range from $25-200. If you’re looking for other affordable anti-aging solutions, check out the best affordable anti-aging creams for 2025.
Important financial consideration: Dermaplaning provides immediate gratification with hair removal, while microdermabrasion requires a larger upfront investment for gradual improvements.
What Do Real Users Say About Their Results?
Women over 50 who choose dermaplaning frequently report:
- “My makeup goes on like silk now – no more foundation catching on peach fuzz”
- “I feel more confident without makeup for the first time in years”
- “The immediate results were worth every penny – my skin looks 10 years younger”
- “I wish I had discovered this treatment in my 40s”
Microdermabrasion users typically share:
- “My sun spots have faded significantly after 8 treatments”
- “The texture improvements took time but were definitely worth it”
- “Great for overall skin health, but doesn’t address my facial hair concerns”
- “Perfect for maintaining healthy skin as I age”
Professional estheticians report that 85% of women over 50 prefer dermaplaning when facial hair is their primary concern, while microdermabrasion appeals more to those focused on sun damage and texture issues. For more confidence-boosting beauty tips, discover the best hairstyles for women over 50 to complete your refreshed look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermaplaning vs Microdermabrasion
Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker or darker? No, this is a common myth. Dermaplaning cuts hair at skin level, which doesn’t affect the follicle or hair growth pattern. Hair may feel slightly coarser as it grows back because you’re feeling the blunt-cut edge, but it’s not actually thicker or darker.
Can you combine both treatments for better results? Yes, many professionals recommend alternating treatments monthly – dermaplaning one month for hair removal and exfoliation, microdermabrasion the next month for deeper skin resurfacing. This combination approach addresses both hair concerns and skin texture issues.
Which treatment is safer for mature, thinning skin? Dermaplaning is generally gentler and safer for mature skin because it doesn’t use suction or abrasive crystals. The controlled blade technique allows for precise pressure adjustment based on your skin’s sensitivity.
How long should you wait between treatments? Wait 4-6 weeks between dermaplaning sessions to allow complete hair regrowth and skin renewal. Space microdermabrasion treatments 2-3 weeks apart during the initial improvement phase, then monthly for maintenance.
Do these treatments help with deeper wrinkles? Neither treatment significantly improves deep wrinkles. Both provide surface-level improvements that can make fine lines less noticeable, but deeper wrinkles require more intensive treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or injectable treatments. For comprehensive sun damage treatment, explore the best products for sun damaged skin on face for targeted solutions.
Can these treatments help with other skin concerns like smoker’s lines? While both treatments provide some improvement in fine lines, for specific concerns like smoker’s lines around the lips, targeted treatments may be more effective. Learn about natural ways to reduce smoker’s lines and plump lips for comprehensive solutions.
Which Treatment Should You Choose for Your Specific Goals?
The bottom line is simple: if facial hair removal is your primary goal, dermaplaning is the clear winner. It’s the only treatment that actually eliminates unwanted hair while providing excellent skin benefits.
Choose dermaplaning when you want immediate, dramatic results that include both hair removal and skin smoothing. It’s ideal for special events, regular maintenance, or when you’re frustrated with facial hair affecting your makeup application or confidence.
Choose microdermabrasion when your main concerns are skin texture, tone, and long-term skin health improvement. It’s the better investment if you’re dealing with sun damage, enlarged pores, or want to stimulate collagen production for firmer skin over time.
For many women over 50, the psychological benefits of immediately smooth, hair-free skin make dermaplaning the preferred choice. The confidence boost from walking out with perfect skin often outweighs the need for more frequent treatments.
Remember that both treatments can be part of a comprehensive anti-aging skincare routine that includes proper daily sun protection and targeted products for mature skin concerns. Consider alternating between them or consulting with a skincare professional to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses all your skin concerns while staying within your budget and comfort zone.
Your skin deserves treatments that make you feel confident and beautiful at every age – and now you have the information to make the best choice for your unique needs and goals.
Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.
Last update on 2025-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API