Choosing between dermaplaning and microneedling can feel confusing if your goal is smoother, brighter, more even skin.
Both treatments improve texture and tone, but they work in very different ways. Dermaplaning is a gentle, manual exfoliation that removes dead skin and peach fuzz for an instant glow and better product absorption. Microneedling uses tiny needles to trigger collagen and elastin, helping soften fine lines, acne scars, and enlarged pores over a series of sessions.
In this guide, we break down dermaplaning vs microneedling so you can pick the right fit for your skin, goals, and schedule. You will learn how each treatment works, what results to expect, ideal candidates, typical downtime, cost ranges, and how to prep and care for your skin afterward. We will also cover when to combine them and when to avoid one or the other based on sensitivities or active skin conditions. By the end, you will have a clear, side-by-side view to make a confident choice.
Dermaplaning vs Microneedling: The Ultimate Side-by-Side Guide
Both treatments can improve texture and radiance, but they work very differently. Microneedling stimulates collagen remodeling beneath the surface, making it a smart choice for acne scars, fine lines, crepey skin, and uneven skin tone. Dermaplaning precisely exfoliates the top layer while removing peach fuzz, delivering instant smoothness and glow with minimal to no downtime. Both are non surgical procedures with unique benefits for improving skin tone and texture.
Think of microneedling as “change from within” and dermaplaning as “instant surface refinement.” The right choice depends on your goals, timeline, and skin state on the day of treatment.
| Category | Microneedling | Dermaplaning |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Collagen induction using controlled micro-injuries that stimulate dermal remodeling. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this non surgical procedure uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen and elastin production for optimal results. | Precision exfoliation with a sterile surgical blade to remove dead skin and vellus hair |
| Best for | Acne scars, fine lines, enlarged-looking pores, crepey texture, overall firmness, treat uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, and overall skin texture | Immediate smoothness and radiance, peach-fuzz removal, softer makeup application |
| Treatment depth | Deeper dermal stimulation (often up to ~400 µm) | Surface-level only (stratum corneum), no dermal penetration |
| Downtime | Typically 1–3 days of redness | Minimal to none; < 24 hours is common |
| Maintenance cadence | Series of sessions for correction, then quarterly for upkeep | Often monthly for ongoing glow and hair removal |
| Typical cost (national est.) | $300–$700 per session | $75–$150 per session |
| Hair removal | No | Yes—removes vellus “peach fuzz” |
| Not ideal when | Skin is actively inflamed or your clinician advises postponement | Active pustular acne is present |
| Pairs well with | PRP (“vampire facial”), targeted serums under medical supervision | HydraFacial, light chemical peels for amplified glow |
National associations report consistent differences: the ABCS 2025 Aesthetic Trends report highlights microneedling’s deeper dermal action (up to around 400 µm) with 3–6 sessions commonly used for scar improvement, while dermaplaning delivers instant texture refinement and vellus-hair removal with less than 24 hours of expected downtime. The ABCS interactive Skin Resurfacing Guide also contrasts typical downtime (microneedling 1–3 days of redness vs. dermaplaning’s essentially zero) and contraindications such as active pustular acne for dermaplaning. For budgeting, the ASPS 2025 trends article outlines annual spend estimates often seen in practice patterns (for example, three microneedling sessions vs. six dermaplaning sessions).
The benefits of microneedling, or micro needling, include improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and uneven skin tone, leading to a glowing complexion and desirable outcome. Dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz to reveal glowing skin and improve makeup application.
A personalized consultation helps determine the right treatment or best treatment for your skin concerns, ensuring the most desirable outcome and optimal results.
Curious which approach suits you best right now? See what a physician-guided plan looks like—book your free consultation with our Jacksonville team at Coastal Health & Medical Spa.
Mechanisms That Transform Your Skin Explained Clearly
Microneedling procedure: After skin assessment and cleansing, a topical anesthetic is typically applied for comfort. A sterile device creates controlled micro-channels across targeted zones in a patterned series of passes. The procedure uses tiny, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries that reach the deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and elastin production for improved skin texture and more collagen. This process can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, large pores, scarring, stretch marks, and other skin concerns, resulting in a smoother appearance. Microneedling offers little downtime and is effective for improving the skin’s overall health and appearance. These micro-injuries prompt a wound-healing cascade that can gradually improve acne scars, fine lines, and overall tone by supporting new collagen formation. Redness is common immediately afterward and usually softens over 24–72 hours.
Dermaplaning procedure: Following skin prep, your provider uses a sterile, single-use blade at a precise angle to gently scrape the skin, removing dead skin cells and unwanted facial hair, which helps treat dull skin and enhances the absorption of skincare products. Strokes are measured and consistent, focusing on safety and uniformity. Dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz, resulting in immediate smoothness and a brighter complexion. Results are immediate—skin feels ultra-smooth, makeup applies seamlessly, and the complexion looks fresh. Dermaplaning is not performed over active pustular acne.
Dermaplaning vs Microneedling: Downtime, Side effects, and Maintenance
The ABCS Skin Resurfacing Guide notes microneedling commonly leads to 1–3 days of erythema, while dermaplaning typically involves minimal downtime—often less than 24 hours. Maintenance patterns also differ: dermaplaning is often repeated monthly for glow and hair removal, whereas microneedling is commonly performed in corrective series followed by quarterly upkeep. As with any procedure, your specific plan should be tailored by a qualified clinician who understands your skin history, goals, and treatment tolerance.
- Keep skin hydrated and avoid harsh actives until your provider clears them to resume.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily; post-procedure skin can be more sun sensitive.
- Skip strenuous workouts, steam rooms, and hot yoga for 24–48 hours to reduce irritation.
- Do not pick, scrub, or use exfoliants until peeling or redness has resolved.
- Follow all post-care products and timing recommended by your clinician.
Choose with Confidence: Match Your Concerns, Budget, and Timeline
If your priority is remodeling acne scars, softening fine lines, or improving crepey texture, microneedling’s collagen-inducing mechanism typically offers the most transformative outcome over a series. The ABCS 2025 report associates 3–6 microneedling sessions with meaningful scar-depth improvements, while dermaplaning excels when you want instant glow, smoother makeup application, and peach-fuzz removal without downtime. Our expert team can help you determine which treatment is right for your unique skin concerns and goals.
Skin sensitivity and life stage matter too. The ASPS notes microneedling is often preferred for certain atrophic acne scars and for many patients across Fitzpatrick I–IV when appropriately selected, while dermaplaning is frequently chosen for sensitive or pregnancy-related skin because it’s non-invasive and topical-only. Individual assessment still leads the way—your provider may stage or combine modalities to meet both short- and long-term goals. Book your appointment today to discover which treatment is right for you.
P.s. If you’re choosing Microneedling, it synergizes very well with Botox to further smooth skin textuire, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Cost and candidacy insights from leading associations
Budgeting for a year of care can clarify decisions. The ASPS 2025 trends article highlights representative patterns such as three microneedling sessions vs. six dermaplaning sessions per year. The ABCS reports common per-session ranges around $300–$700 for microneedling and $75–$150 for dermaplaning. Your local pricing varies based on device, add-ons (for example, PRP), and provider expertise, but these benchmarks help you project total investment and cadence.
Combination treatments can amplify results. Dermaplaning before a light chemical peel or HydraFacial can allow serums to glide on more evenly. Microneedling can be paired with medical-grade topicals under supervision, and many patients explore PRP add-ons for a more advanced approach. Chemical peels (including options like the ZO Stimulator Peel) can target dullness and discoloration, while your maintenance plan may alternate resurfacing methods strategically throughout the year.
- Delay dermaplaning when active pustular acne is present—your provider will advise when it’s safe to resume.
- Reschedule microneedling if your skin is irritated or compromised on treatment day.
- Discuss any medical conditions, medications, or recent procedures with your clinician to tailor timing safely.
When you prefer medical oversight and seamless coordination of aesthetics with wellness, our Jacksonville team brings physician-directed planning to every visit. Explore how a customized plan—potentially blending microneedling, dermaplaning, HydraFacial, or a gentle peel—can fit your skin, schedule, and budget with flexible options like Cherry payment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will dermaplaning make facial hair grow back thicker?
No—vellus hair typically grows back at the same texture and rate. Dermaplaning lifts away fine “peach fuzz” and dead skin cells, but it doesn’t change the nature of the follicle. Expect hair to return softly, usually over several weeks, consistent with your normal growth cycle.
How many microneedling sessions do I need for acne scars?
Treatment plans are personalized, but the ABCS 2025 Aesthetic Trends report summarizes comparative data showing 3–6 microneedling sessions are commonly used for scar improvement, with meaningful reductions in scar depth reported across those series. Your exact number depends on scar type, skin response, and goals.
Can I combine dermaplaning and microneedling in the same visit?
Sequencing is provider-dependent and should be based on your skin’s current status and tolerance. Many clinicians prefer to stage treatments or pair dermaplaning with lighter procedures (such as superficial peels or HydraFacial) to preserve barrier comfort. Your board-certified provider will determine the safest, most effective order and timing.
Transform Your Skin and Get Personalized Care at Coastal Health & Medical Spa
Both options can play powerful roles in a modern skin plan: microneedling to remodel from within and dermaplaning to perfect the surface. The best outcomes come from matching the right tool to the right moment in your skin journey, not to mention undergoing proper aftercare and proper preparation if you opt for microneedling as your treatment of choice (and the same goes for preparing for dermaplaning as well)!
- If acne scars or crepey texture top your list, lean toward microneedling’s collagen stimulation.
- If instant glow and makeup glide matter today, dermaplaning delivers on the spot.
- If you can accommodate 1–3 days of redness, a microneedling series can be worth the wait.
- If you prefer zero downtime, monthly dermaplaning is a reliable rhythm.
- If both goals matter, your provider can stage and combine treatments over the year.
Ready to move from research to results? Connect with our physician-led team for a personalized plan that goes beyond a one-size-fits-all “dermaplaning vs microneedling” debate. Book your free consultation, explore monthly specials, and ask about first-visit injectable savings and flexible financing at Coastal Health & Medical Spa.
