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Microdermabrasion vs. Microcurrent

Microdermabrasion and microcurrent are technological methods used to treat certain skin conditions. The advancement in modern technology has made these non-surgical treatments less invasive and almost painless with effective results. Microcurrent therapy was originally devised to relieve pain and help injured tissue heal and treats many more ailments.

  1. Microdermabrasion

    • This is a non-invasive treatment used to reduce large pores, revitalize dull skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and eradicate acne scars; stretch marks and age spots. The procedure involves a machine made of a compressor and pump, which combines abrasion through the use of aluminum oxide crystals with suction to peel away the dead skin cells and used crystals. Alternate treatments include the use of a diamond wand to abrade the areas closer to the eyes and mouth more accurately. It is a reasonably quick treatment; for example, the full face would take approximately half an hour.

    Benefits

    • Microdermabrasion is less invasive and less painful than other skin treatments such as laser resurfacing. It is effective on all skin types and tones with little or no side effects. Post-treatment, skin is left looking radiant. Some people may suffer temporary redness. Home kits are available, which are a cost-effective alternative.

    Microcurrent

    • This form of therapy uses microcurrent technology to give gentle electrical impulses to the skin to stimulate healing. It can relieve pain, help regenerate injured skin tissue and encourage lymphatic flow. It can also be used as a non-surgical face-lift to tighten and lift sagging skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, enhance blood circulation, soften skin, treat rosacea and acne and reduce stretch marks and cellulite.

    Benefits

    • Microcurrent therapy is a quick and pain-free treatment because the sensory receptors in the body are not stimulated, so nothing can be felt. According to "Microcurrent Stimulation and Microcurrent Therapy," microcurrent therapy may help "stimulate and rehydrate collagen, increase the uptake of nutrients within cells, and significantly stimulate the excretion of waste products in the body," thus aiding general health maintenance. It treats a whole range of skin conditions and body problems.

    Cost Comparison

    • As of 2010, microdermabrasion treatments in spas and salons vary between $75 and $200. Medical microdermabrasion is performed by dermatologists and varies between $100 and $300 per treatment. According to the Microcurrent Information Resource Center, the average cost of microcurrent therapy is just under $100 for an hour session.

    Result Comparison

    • According to the Skin Abrasion website, many who have tried microdermabrasion report their skin is left smoother and revitalized. Individual results depend on the severity of a person’s skin condition, as the treatment cannot reach deeper layers of the skin. Microcurrent technology offers treatment for a wider range of different skin and muscular problems.

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