What Is A Hydrodermabrasion? – How It Compares To A Microdermabrasion
Exfoliation can be a useful step in a skincare routine, but not everyone needs frequent exfoliation and overdoing it can irritate the skin barrier.
There are multiple forms of exfoliation, like physical, chemical, and other services provided by skincare clinics.
Done appropriately, exfoliation can smooth rough surface texture and make dull skin look brighter, but it does not literally slow the ageing process.
You can exfoliate the skin at home with a chemical or physical exfoliant.
A physical exfoliant uses friction or an abrasive surface to loosen dead cells, such as a scrub, cloth, brush, or professional device.
Meanwhile, a chemical exfoliant is popularly found in serums with AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs.
However, what if you’re disappointed in at-home exfoliation?
If you want a professional exfoliation treatment, spas, aesthetic clinics, and dermatology practices may offer options such as microdermabrasion or hydrodermabrasion.
The most well-known exfoliation service provided by skincare professionals is microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion is a professional mechanical exfoliation treatment that removes superficial dead-cell buildup with either fine crystals or an abrasive diamond-tip handpiece, depending on the system.
Hydrodermabrasion offers a different approach by combining fluid-assisted exfoliation with suction and, in many treatments, hydrating or exfoliating solutions.
What is a hydrodermabrasion, and how does it compare to a microdermabrasion?
Both treatments exfoliate the skin, but hydrodermabrasion typically combines fluid, suction, and a treatment tip, while microdermabrasion uses an abrasive diamond tip or crystals. Hydrodermabrasion may feel gentler and more hydrating in some protocols, but neither treatment is automatically suitable for sensitive or inflamed skin.
Keep reading to compare how hydrodermabrasion and microdermabrasion work, what results they can realistically provide, and who may need extra caution.
Hydrodermabrasion Vs Microdermabrasion: Quick Comparison
- Exfoliation method: Hydrodermabrasion usually combines fluid, suction, and a treatment tip. Microdermabrasion uses either fine crystals or an abrasive diamond tip.
- Immediate finish: Both can leave the skin feeling smoother. Hydrodermabrasion often adds a more hydrated feel because treatment solutions are delivered during the service.
- Comfort: A conservative hydrodermabrasion protocol may feel gentler than crystal microdermabrasion, but suction, acids, device settings, and skin sensitivity can change the experience.
- Downtime: Both are usually low-downtime treatments, although temporary redness, dryness, tightness, or sensitivity can occur.
- Best use: Both are primarily surface-exfoliating treatments for temporary improvements in roughness, dullness, and texture. Neither should be expected to erase deep scars, wrinkles, melasma, or enlarged pores.
When To Postpone Professional Exfoliation
Neither treatment should be treated as automatically safe for every skin condition. A provider may recommend postponing or modifying treatment if the skin is sunburned, broken, infected, actively inflamed, unusually reactive, or recovering from another aggressive procedure.
If you use prescription skin treatments or have an inflammatory skin condition, ask the appropriate clinician how professional exfoliation fits into your routine before booking.
What Is A Hydrodermabrasion?
Hydrodermabrasion is a professional exfoliation service offered by many spas and skincare clinics.
It is often marketed as a gentler alternative to microdermabrasion, but the actual intensity depends on suction strength, treatment solutions, device settings, the number of passes, and your skin condition.
Instead, many systems use water or a treatment solution with suction and a specialized tip to loosen and remove superficial debris and dead skin.
Some hydrodermabrasions even use serums containing chemical exfoliants like Glycolic Acid.
Because many systems apply hydrating solutions during treatment, hydrodermabrasion may leave the skin looking temporarily smoother, plumper, and more hydrated immediately afterward.
Hydrodermabrasion may suit many skin types, but it is not automatically appropriate for everyone. Active irritation, open skin, certain inflammatory conditions, or aggressive solution strengths may require postponement or modification.
Microdermabrasion can feel too abrasive for some reactive skin, so a provider may choose a gentler hydrodermabrasion protocol instead. Sensitive skin still needs individual assessment.
HydraFacial Vs. Hydrodermabrasion
Are Hydrafacials and Hydrodermabrasions the same service?
Hydrodermabrasion is a broad treatment category, while HydraFacial is a branded treatment system. A clinic may use terms such as HydroFacial for a different water-based exfoliation service, so the name alone does not tell you the exact device, serums, or steps being used.
Some spas or clinics will list HydraFacials/HydroFacials that are carried out by hydrodermabrasion technology.
Some clinics use HydroFacial as a general label for wet or water-assisted exfoliation, while others reserve specific names for particular devices or protocols.
In practice, hydrodermabrasion describes the water- or solution-assisted exfoliation approach used by several facial devices, including some branded facial systems.
However, the exact steps, tips, serums, suction settings, and add-ons can differ substantially between a branded HydraFacial and a generic hydrodermabrasion service.
Before booking, ask exactly which device, exfoliating tip, suction level, and treatment solutions the provider uses rather than relying only on the service name.
Hydrodermabrasion can have different terms, so it’s always good to double-check.
Process Of A Hydrodermabrasion
A hydrodermabrasion can offer some of the same short-term surface-smoothing benefits as microdermabrasion, although the experience and products used differ.
However, their most significant differences are the devices used to exfoliate.
For example, microdermabrasion may use fine crystals or a diamond-tip handpiece, while hydrodermabrasion usually combines a fluid solution with suction and a treatment tip.
A hydrodermabrasion service may take roughly 30 to 60 minutes, although appointment length varies by device and any add-on treatments.
The length of the service will vary by clinic, and if you pair a hydrodermabrasion with other treatments.
Once you are prepped for your hydrodermabrasion, it’s time to get to work.
A hydrodermabrasion also uses a specific device, like microdermabrasion, to exfoliate the skin.
The device may deliver water or a treatment solution while using suction and a textured tip to lift superficial debris. The immediate result is often a cleaner, smoother, more hydrated-looking surface.
Then your esthetician, dermatologist, or licensed skincare professional will wrap up your service by moisturising the skin or following it up with another treatment.
Benefits Of A Hydrodermabrasion
We know that hydrodermabrasion and microdermabrasion use different technologies to exfoliate the face.
However, they both provide similar benefits for the skin.
One potential advantage of hydrodermabrasion is that some protocols can feel less abrasive than crystal microdermabrasion while also applying fluid to the skin during treatment.
Hydrodermabrasion removes superficial dead skin and can temporarily improve smoothness and brightness, but it should not be presented as a treatment that slows ageing.
For example, hydrodermabrasion may temporarily make pores and fine dehydration lines look less noticeable by exfoliating and hydrating the surface. Deeper wrinkles and enlarged pores are not permanently changed by the treatment.
Some devices use suction or massage-like passes that may temporarily increase surface circulation, but claims about meaningful lymphatic drainage depend on the specific technique used.
Because some protocols can be less abrasive than microdermabrasion, hydrodermabrasion may be considered for certain sensitive or oily skin types. Active inflammatory acne, broken skin, or very reactive skin should be assessed before treatment.
Superficial exfoliation may temporarily brighten dull or uneven-looking tone, but hydrodermabrasion should not be expected to erase acne scars, permanently shrink pores, or treat melasma on its own.
How Often Can You Get A Hydrodermabrasion?
You may notice some slight improvements in your skin immediately after a hydrodermabrasion.
How often you repeat the treatment should depend on your skin response, the strength of the protocol, and your provider’s recommendation rather than the idea that more sessions automatically create better results.
The most predictable results are short-term improvements in surface smoothness, brightness, and hydration. Longer-term changes are less certain and depend on the concern being treated, the protocol, and how your skin responds.
So, how often can you get a hydrodermabrasion?
Well, it will depend on your esthetician, dermatologist, or skincare provider carrying out these treatments.
They know what your skin can handle and the characteristics of its current state.
Intervals vary by clinic, device, skin condition, and solution strength. Some providers schedule treatments a few weeks apart, but there is no universal 2-4 week rule.
Some aesthetic centres offer monthly maintenance, while others recommend less frequent sessions.
However, everyone’s skincare journey is different, so check with your provider.
Side Effects Of Hydrodermabrasion
Both hydrodermabrasion and microdermabrasion are generally considered low-downtime cosmetic treatments, but side effects can still occur.
A hydrodermabrasion often has little downtime, but temporary redness, tightness, stinging, dryness, or irritation can occur, especially when exfoliating acids are used.
A microdermabrasion may leave you looking a little pink.
Traditional crystal microdermabrasion can feel more abrasive than a conservative hydrodermabrasion protocol, but treatment intensity is not determined by water versus crystals alone. Suction, acids, device settings, and technique all matter.
Many people return to normal activities soon afterward, but follow your provider’s instructions if the skin is red, sensitive, or treated with stronger exfoliating solutions.
However, you may need to provide some extra care for your skin.
Like any skincare treatment, you’ll want to avoid direct sunlight and keep a consistent skincare routine.
Aftercare is necessary following any skincare treatment, and we will touch on it later on.
Results
What should you expect after receiving a hydrodermabrasion?
You may notice immediately after treatment that your skin looks more hydrated, smooth, or plump.
You may also notice more brightness because superficial buildup has been exfoliated and the skin has been moisturized.
Repeated treatments may help maintain a smoother-looking surface, but claims that hydrodermabrasion meaningfully diminishes ageing signs over the long term are not guaranteed.
However, your results will only be as good as your skincare routine out of the office and how frequently you get a hydrodermabrasion.
It can be a relatively gentle service when settings are conservative, but it is not automatically suitable for every sensitive or actively inflamed skin condition.
Downtime is often minimal, but temporary sensitivity can occur. Whether another treatment should be added the same day depends on what was used and how your skin responds.
What Is A Microdermabrasion?
We’ve spoken about microdermabrasion earlier, but what exactly is microdermabrasion?
We know it is an exfoliation treatment that uses microcrystals to sweep dead skin from the face, for starters.
It’s an accessible and minimally invasive service.
Healthline describes microdermabrasion as using a special applicator with an abrasive surface to remove part of the outermost skin layer.
The overall purpose of microdermabrasion is to promote a healthy skin texture.
Like hydrodermabrasion, microdermabrasion is mainly used to improve superficial roughness and dullness. It is not a stand-alone treatment for inflammatory acne, deep scars, significant wrinkles, or persistent pigmentation.
However, there are multiple types of microdermabrasion. Crystal systems propel fine particles across the skin, while diamond-tip systems use an abrasive handpiece with suction.
Types Of Microdermabrasion
Most microdermabrasion services will use microcrystals or a diamond-tip handpiece to slough away dead skin.
The two common approaches are crystal microdermabrasion and diamond-tip microdermabrasion.
Each has its own purpose and functions for exfoliating.
A diamond-tip microdermabrasion will gently eliminate dead cells from the skin’s surface with the help of suction.
Suction strength can be adjusted, but delicate areas still require careful technique to avoid bruising or excess irritation.
However, the more pressure that’s applied, the more abrasive the exfoliation.
A crystal microdermabrasion will exfoliate the skin with the help of microcrystals.
Instead of suctioning dead skin, this microdermabrasion will gently smooth away cells from the outer surface layer with fine crystals.
A key difference is that hydrodermabrasion uses fluid-assisted exfoliation rather than traditional loose microcrystals. Diamond-tip microdermabrasion is also crystal-free, so “crystal-free” alone does not separate every device type.
Hydrodermabrasion systems generally use water or treatment solutions with suction; the exact fluids and device mechanics vary by brand.
Process Of A Microdermabrasion
The process of microdermabrasion is similar to that of hydrodermabrasion.
Your microdermabrasion will either use the diamond-tip handpiece or the microcrystals to exfoliate the skin.
Overall, it will be a simple and minimally invasive treatment.
A microdermabrasion appointment may take roughly 30 to 45 minutes, though timing varies by treatment area, device, and whether other services are included.
However, it can vary for many reasons.
For example, you may have paired a microdermabrasion with another treatment, or your skincare provider has tailored the exfoliation to your skin’s needs.
Healthline notes that the provider uses a handheld device to abrade the targeted surface, with moisturiser and sunscreen commonly applied afterward.
Benefits Of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion and hydrodermabrasion can produce overlapping short-term cosmetic results, especially smoother texture and a brighter-looking surface.
It’s crucial to remember that these services have a similar exfoliation process but use different devices to get the end result.
A microdermabrasion can smooth superficial roughness and remove some of the outer dead-cell buildup.
The immediate result may be a smoother, brighter-looking complexion. Any improvement in discoloration is usually modest and depends on how superficial it is.
Microdermabrasion can suit many skin types, but it is not appropriate for every skin condition or level of sensitivity.
However, it can be a little harsh if your skin is sensitive or you are dealing with blemishes.
To find out if microdermabrasion will work for your skin, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist.
How Often Can You Get A Microdermabrasion?
How frequently you get a microdermabrasion will be determined by a few factors.
For example, these timelines will vary by clinic or the state of your skin and its needs.
We mentioned that everyone’s skin journey would be different and tailored to your requirements.
Like hydrodermabrasion, the interval between microdermabrasion sessions should be individualized. Some providers use a several-week schedule, but the skin should be fully calm before another treatment.
It’s crucial to note that this is just an average wait time, and you should always check with your dermatologist for their advice.
If you choose repeated sessions, track whether your skin is actually improving rather than assuming a fixed series is necessary.
Long-term effects vary by concern and are generally subtler than the immediate smoothing seen after treatment.
You may notice a few differences immediately after your service, like a radiant or firm complexion.
Side Effects Of Microdermabrasion
We mentioned earlier that microdermabrasion and hydrodermabrasion services are pretty popular because they require little to no downtime.
Because microdermabrasion mechanically abrades the surface, temporary side effects such as redness, tenderness, dryness, or sensitivity can occur, especially with stronger suction or more aggressive passes.
Because the Diamond-tip device incorporates suction into the exfoliation process, your skin could look red or feel a little sore.
However, these symptoms will usually disappear quickly.
Downtime is usually minimal, but some people experience temporary redness, tenderness, dryness, or sensitivity.
However, you’ll want to follow up your microdermabrasion with the proper skincare routine to maintain your results.
You might want to avoid the sun immediately after the service because your fresh skin can quickly get irritated by the rays.
Results
What results should you expect from a microdermabrasion?
You may notice that your skin feels smoother and freshly exfoliated after treatment. Any plumping or hydration effect often depends on the moisturising products applied afterward.
You may notice that superficial roughness feels smoother after the outer dead-cell layer has been exfoliated.
Your skin may even have an intense glow from the moisturising creams and SPFs that your skincare provider applied after your treatment to protect your skin.
You might see some redness or soreness if suction was involved.
One microdermabrasion treatment may temporarily improve smoothness and brightness, although results vary.
Repeated treatments may maintain surface smoothness, but they should not be framed as guaranteed anti-ageing treatment.
Hydrodermabrasion Vs. Microdermabrasion
Hydrodermabrasion and microdermabrasion aren’t necessarily the same service, but they offer similar results.
Their application methods are very much alike.
Therefore, it can also be challenging to distinguish between the two services.
Both are generally low-downtime exfoliating treatments. Combining them with other procedures should be decided case by case because stacking exfoliation can increase irritation.
However, consult with your skincare provider to find out how you can incorporate a hydrodermabrasion or microdermabrasion into your regimen.
Similarities
No matter if you opt for a hydrodermabrasion or a microdermabrasion, they will both exfoliate the outer layer of your skin.
Both can remove superficial dead-cell buildup and temporarily improve smoothness and brightness.
They have a similar application method.
Both use a specialized handheld device, but microdermabrasion abrades the surface while hydrodermabrasion typically combines fluid delivery, suction, and exfoliation.
Their short-term cosmetic benefits can overlap, but they are not identical treatments and the evidence for specific outcomes differs.
Both may temporarily soften the look of fine dehydration lines by smoothing and hydrating the surface, but neither should be expected to erase wrinkles.
Some acne-prone skin may tolerate these services, but active inflamed acne can be irritated by aggressive exfoliation. Neither treatment reliably removes acne scars, melasma, or enlarged pores.
Differences
The biggest difference is the exfoliation method. Hydrodermabrasion typically combines fluid, suction, and a treatment tip, while microdermabrasion uses either loose crystals or an abrasive diamond-tip handpiece.
There are different types of microdermabrasion, including diamond-tip and crystal microdermabrasion. Diamond-tip systems use an abrasive surface rather than loose crystals.
Hydrodermabrasion typically uses a fluid solution with suction and a treatment tip to loosen superficial debris and dead skin.
Hydrodermabrasion can incorporate saline, hydrating serums, or exfoliating treatment solutions, depending on the device and protocol.
Hydrodermabrasion can feel gentler than some forms of microdermabrasion, but the difference depends on device settings, suction, exfoliating acids, and technique.
Neither treatment is universally appropriate for all skin types. If your skin is reactive, a provider may choose a gentler hydrodermabrasion protocol or recommend skipping mechanical exfoliation altogether.
Can You Combine These Services With Other Treatments?
Because both treatments exfoliate the skin, combining them with other services requires care. Strong peels, retinoid-based treatments, lasers, microneedling, or other aggressive procedures may need to be separated rather than stacked.
The safest combination depends on the total irritation load, your current skin condition, and how strongly each service exfoliates.
To find out which services are best to pair with a hydrodermabrasion or microdermabrasion, consult with your skincare specialist.
Choose a properly qualified provider who can assess your skin, explain the device and products being used, and adjust or postpone treatment if your skin is irritated.
Some add-ons can be combined safely, while others are better scheduled separately. Let a qualified provider assess the total irritation load on your skin.
For example, you may want extra hydration, calming products, or a separate evidence-based treatment for pigmentation, acne, or wrinkles.
Should You Get A Hydrodermabrasion?
Hydrodermabrasion may suit many skin types, but not every skin condition.
People with sensitive skin may prefer a conservative hydrodermabrasion protocol, but active irritation, dermatitis, infection, or broken skin can be reasons to postpone treatment.
It may feel less abrasive than crystal microdermabrasion because fluid and suction are central to the process, although diamond-tip microdermabrasion is also crystal-free.
Instead, hydrodermabrasion generally exfoliates the surface with a treatment tip, fluid solution, and suction.
Your skin may feel smoother and more moisturized immediately afterward, depending on the serums used.
It can be an option to discuss if you want professional exfoliation but find traditional microdermabrasion too intense.
Should You Get A Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion can work for many skin types, but the treatment should be adjusted or avoided when the skin is highly sensitive, inflamed, injured, or affected by certain conditions.
It may suit someone looking for a more traditional mechanical exfoliation approach, provided the skin can tolerate it.
If your skin generally tolerates mechanical exfoliation well, microdermabrasion may be worth discussing with a qualified provider.
Downtime is often short, but you may notice redness, tenderness, dryness, or sensitivity after microdermabrasion, especially with stronger suction or more aggressive passes.
This is because the Diamond-tip involves a suction to sweep away dead skin and is slightly abrasive.
Microdermabrasion can maintain a smoother-looking surface, but it does not stop ageing or guarantee a younger-looking complexion with repeated use.
Temporary smoothing may make pores look less obvious, and very superficial discoloration may look slightly brighter, but deeper pigmentation needs targeted treatment.
Aftercare
After either treatment, the goal is to keep the routine simple while the skin settles.
Gentle daily skincare between appointments can support skin comfort and help you avoid undoing the short-term smoothing effect with irritation or sun damage.
Keep expectations realistic and focus on gradual improvements in comfort, hydration, and surface texture.
One thing that is crucial to incorporate into your routine is sunscreen.
Regardless of what treatment you choose, you need to protect your skin from the sun.
Without sun protection, UV exposure can contribute to irritation, pigmentation, and photoaging regardless of which exfoliating treatment you choose.
Aftercare matters because freshly exfoliated skin can be more reactive, but repeated procedures are not a substitute for a solid daily routine.
Repeat treatments only as often as your skin tolerates and your provider recommends. A monthly schedule may suit some people, but it is not a universal requirement.
Hydrodermabrasion
The aftercare for a hydrodermabrasion should fit your skin type and concerns.
However, regardless of your skin type, you should focus on keeping your skin moisturised.
If the skin is dehydrated, it can also lead to fine lines on the face.
It’s crucial to incorporate sunscreen, especially if your hydrodermabrasion uses a chemical exfoliant like Glycolic Acid to get rid of dead skin.
Some exfoliating acids can increase sun sensitivity and irritation risk, so daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is especially important after treatment.
Microdermabrasion
The aftercare for a microdermabrasion is similar to that of a hydrodermabrasion.
You’ll want to focus on hydration and suncare to protect the skin from the sun and reap all the benefits from your treatments.
We’ve mentioned how microdermabrasions can be a little more abrasive than hydrodermabrasions.
You can also use a gentle moisturizer with ceramides or other barrier-supportive ingredients if your skin feels dry or tight.
Ceramides can support the skin barrier, but they do not create an imperfection-free complexion.
Consult A Derm/Skin Care Professional
Always consult your esthetician or dermatologist for advice, especially if you’re regularly performing microdermabrasion or hydrodermabrasion treatments.
They can also help tailor a simple post-treatment routine and advise when to restart stronger actives.
Final Thoughts
Overall, microdermabrasion and hydrodermabrasion are professional exfoliation services that usually involve little downtime, although temporary sensitivity can occur.
Both can cause temporary redness, dryness, or irritation, and their short-term smoothing results can overlap.
The main difference is the exfoliation method: hydrodermabrasion uses fluid-assisted suction, while microdermabrasion uses either loose crystals or an abrasive diamond tip.
Microdermabrasions incorporate Diamond-tip or microcrystals to sweep away the outer layer of the skin.
Meanwhile, hydrodermabrasion typically uses fluid, suction, a treatment tip, and optional serums or exfoliating solutions to exfoliate the surface.
Hydrodermabrasion can be gentler when conservative settings and non-irritating solutions are used, but sensitive or inflamed skin still needs individual assessment.
Either treatment may be scheduled every few weeks for some clients, but frequency should be based on skin recovery and your provider’s assessment.
You do not need indefinite treatments to maintain healthy skin. Repeat sessions only if the results are worthwhile and your skin tolerates them.
Lastly, both treatments share some short-term cosmetic benefits, especially smoother texture and brighter-looking skin.
They may temporarily soften the appearance of fine surface lines and pores, but they should not be expected to treat deep wrinkles, scars, or persistent pigmentation by themselves.
Both remove superficial dead-cell buildup, which can leave the complexion looking smoother and brighter for a time.
If either treatment suits your skin, think of it as an occasional surface-refreshing option rather than a permanent fix for texture or discoloration.
When choosing between hydrodermabrasion and microdermabrasion, prioritize your skin’s current condition, your tolerance for exfoliation, and the experience of the provider performing the treatment.
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