Difference Between Microdermabrasion and Microneedling

In the world of in-office skin treatments, understanding the difference between microdermabrasion and microneedling matters more than most people realize. These two procedures act on entirely different layers of your skin, and that single distinction changes everything - from how much downtime you need, to what results are realistic, to how you should approach post-treatment care in the days that follow. If you have been researching which procedure is right for you, or if you just walked out of a clinic with a freshly treated face and want to know what comes next, this guide was written for exactly that moment. We break down what each procedure does to your skin at a mechanical level, what the published research actually says about outcomes, and how to plan your microneedling aftercare or microdermabrasion recovery so you heal well and avoid preventable setbacks. We also address what is emerging in recovery science, including the role of exosome-based post-procedure support and where current evidence stands on those approaches. Everything in this article is grounded in peer-reviewed studies, and where the evidence does not support a specific claim, we say so plainly. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023; Piaserico et al., 2022; Tijani et al., 2023; Latifaltojar et al., 2025)

Quick Take: Microdermabrasion vs Microneedling at a Glance

Before we get into the science and the step-by-step recovery details, here is a side-by-side snapshot. This table is designed for the person who wants the essential differences in under sixty seconds. Every row below reflects distinctions supported by the included evidence base or general clinical framing - not marketing claims.

The split-face study by Jarząbek-Perz et al. (2023) directly compared oxybrasion and microneedling when each was paired with gluconolactone application, evaluating measurable skin parameters on each half of participants' faces. This is the most directly relevant head-to-head comparison in our evidence set, and we return to its findings throughout this guide. The row labeled "Post-procedure recovery intensity" is particularly important for understanding why your aftercare choices - including what products you apply and when - differ so much between these two treatments. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023)

What Is Microdermabrasion and What Is Microneedling

Microdermabrasion: Superficial Resurfacing Explained

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation procedure that works on the outermost layer of your skin - the epidermis. A device uses either a crystal tip, a diamond-tipped wand, or in the case of oxybrasion, a stream of oxygen and saline solution to physically remove dead skin cells from the surface. The goal is superficial resurfacing: revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath without penetrating deeper tissue layers. In the split-face study included in our evidence base, the oxybrasion variant of microdermabrasion was used alongside gluconolactone to evaluate changes in measurable skin parameters. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023)

If you are wondering what it actually feels like, here is the honest version. Most people describe the sensation as mild suction against the skin combined with a light scratching or buffing feeling. With oxybrasion specifically, there is often a cool stream sensation. It is generally not painful. Some people find it mildly uncomfortable on sensitive areas like around the nose, but the discomfort is brief and typically does not require numbing cream. Afterward, your skin may look slightly pink - similar to a mild windburn - and feel noticeably smoother to the touch. That pinkness usually fades within a few hours for most people.

It is important to note that the skin changes studied in the included research are described in terms of measurable skin parameters - things like hydration, sebum levels, and skin texture metrics. The study did not make claims about collagen induction or deep structural remodeling from microdermabrasion, so neither do we. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023)

Microneedling: Controlled Micro-Injury and Why It Goes Deeper

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device fitted with fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, controlled punctures - called micro-channels - in the skin. Unlike microdermabrasion, which stays at the surface, microneedling can reach into the dermis depending on the needle depth setting. This controlled micro-injury is the entire point of the treatment. The skin responds to these tiny wounds by initiating its natural repair processes. The concept of using minimally invasive physical ablation techniques to create micro-channels is well-documented in the pharmaceutical and dermatologic literature, including as a method to enhance the transdermal delivery of topically applied substances. (Tijani et al., 2023)

Here is what the experience actually feels like. Even with topical numbing cream applied beforehand (which most providers use), you will likely feel a prickling, stamping sensation as the device moves across your skin. Some areas - the forehead, around the jawline, near the nose - tend to be more sensitive. Pinpoint bleeding during the procedure is normal and expected. Immediately afterward, your face will look and feel like you have a moderate sunburn: red, warm, and tight. This is a fundamentally different immediate experience than the mild pinkness of microdermabrasion, and it reflects the deeper level at which microneedling works.

Here is the detail that matters most for everything that follows in this article. When needles create temporary micro-channels in the skin, the skin's ability to absorb topically applied substances increases significantly during the recovery window. This is a well-established delivery enhancement principle - physical ablation techniques like microneedling have been shown to facilitate greater transdermal penetration compared to intact skin. (Tijani et al., 2023) This means that what you put on your skin after microneedling matters considerably more than what you put on your skin after microdermabrasion. It also means that the wrong product applied to freshly needled skin can cause irritation, while the right product may be absorbed more effectively during that critical recovery window. This principle is the foundation of post-microneedling recovery protocols, including emerging approaches that use exosome-based microneedling serum formulations designed specifically for the post-procedure absorption window.

Is Microdermabrasion and Microneedling the Same

No. This is one of the most common points of confusion in skincare research, and it deserves a clear, direct answer. Microdermabrasion and microneedling are not the same procedure, they are not gentler and stronger versions of the same thing, and they should not be treated as interchangeable by patients or providers. They work through completely different mechanisms on different layers of skin, which means their recovery needs, product absorption dynamics, and complication risk profiles are fundamentally different. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023; Tijani et al., 2023)

🔍 Common Misconception: "Microdermabrasion is just a gentler version of microneedling." Reality: One removes surface cells through exfoliation. The other punctures through them to create micro-channels in deeper tissue. This is not a spectrum - it is two entirely different approaches to skin treatment. The recovery protocols, the products you should apply, and the complications you should watch for are all different because the mechanism of action is different.

Think of it this way. Microdermabrasion is like using fine sandpaper on a piece of wood - you are smoothing and refining the surface. Microneedling is like using a very fine nail tool to create tiny holes through the surface layer - you are intentionally disrupting the structure to trigger a repair response and create temporary channels. The wood analogy breaks down quickly (your skin is far more sophisticated than wood), but the directional difference holds: one is surface refinement, the other is controlled penetration. This distinction is why clinicians approach them as separate modalities within combination treatment strategies rather than variations of a single approach. (Piaserico et al., 2022; Tijani et al., 2023)

Difference Between Microdermabrasion and Microneedling

This section exists because of a terminology problem that causes real confusion - and in some cases, real anxiety. When people search for "dermabrasion vs microneedling," they are often conflating two very different levels of procedure. Here is the distinction, laid out as a clear hierarchy:

⬆️ Dermabrasion - This is a surgical-level resurfacing procedure that removes multiple layers of skin. It is significantly more aggressive than either of the other two options below, carries higher complication risk, requires longer recovery, and is performed under different clinical conditions. Dermabrasion is not covered in this article's evidence base and is not what most people searching "microdermabrasion vs microneedling" are considering. We mention it only to prevent dangerous conflation.

➡️ Microdermabrasion / Oxybrasion - This is a superficial, non-invasive exfoliation treatment targeting the epidermis only. This is the procedure studied in the split-face comparison by Jarząbek-Perz et al. (2023) and is one of the two treatments compared throughout this guide.

➡️ Microneedling - This is a minimally invasive micro-channel creation technique that can reach the dermis depending on device settings. This is the other procedure studied in the split-face comparison by Jarząbek-Perz et al. (2023) and discussed in the delivery enhancement literature by Tijani et al. (2023).

The critical safety point here is that dermabrasion carries a meaningfully higher risk profile than either microdermabrasion or microneedling. Any procedure choice should take into account individual wound-healing tendencies and scarring risk. The review by Latifaltojar et al. (2025) discusses keloid formation and skin complications in the context of skin-related procedures, emphasizing that individual risk factors - including medication history, scarring tendencies, and skin type - must be evaluated before any procedure. This applies across the spectrum, but the stakes increase with procedure intensity. If you are researching dermabrasion specifically, please consult with a board-certified dermatologist rather than relying on comparative guides designed for the less invasive procedures covered here. (Latifaltojar et al., 2025; Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023)

What Happens to Your Skin During and After Each Treatment

Microdermabrasion / Oxybrasion: The Typical Flow

➡️ Cleanse 

➡️ Superficial exfoliation via device (crystal tip, diamond tip, or oxybrasion stream) 

➡️ Immediate smoothing sensation

➡️ Mild transient pinkness possible

➡️ Return to normal within hours for most people. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023)

What your skin looks like on a timeline:

🕐 At 1 hour: Mild pinkness, similar to light flushing. Skin feels noticeably smoother. Some slight tightness possible.

🕕 At 6 hours: Pinkness has typically faded significantly or resolved entirely. Skin may feel slightly more sensitive than usual but looks largely normal.

🕛 At 24 hours: Most people report skin that looks and feels normal, perhaps with a slightly more "polished" appearance. No significant visible recovery signs for the majority of patients.

This relatively quick visual recovery is consistent with what we would expect from a superficial, epidermal-level treatment. The procedure does not create micro-channels or disrupt the deeper skin barrier, which is why the recovery demands are lower and the aftercare protocol is simpler. Basic moisturization and diligent sun protection are generally the primary aftercare considerations. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023)

Microneedling: The Typical Flow and Recovery Timeline

➡️ Cleanse

➡️ Topical numbing cream applied (typically 20 to 30 minutes before)

➡️ Device passes create micro-channels across treatment area

➡️ Temporary barrier disruption

➡️ Recovery period begins immediately. (Tijani et al., 2023; Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023)

What your skin looks like on a timeline:

Individual experiences vary considerably based on needle depth, device used, skin type, and individual healing patterns. The following is a general pattern described across clinical settings, not a guaranteed timeline for every person.

🕐 At 1 hour: Redness similar to a moderate sunburn. Skin feels warm and tight. Pinpoint bleeding spots may still be visible. This looks more dramatic than it typically feels at this point because numbing cream is often still partially active.

🕛 At 24 hours: Redness persists. Mild swelling is possible, particularly around the eyes and cheeks. Skin feels sensitive to touch - even lukewarm water may sting slightly. This is often the point where patients feel most anxious about whether their skin looks "normal" for this stage. It does.

⏱️ At 48 hours: Redness begins fading noticeably. Skin may feel dry, slightly rough, or textured in a way it did not feel before. This roughness is part of the barrier recovery process, not a complication.

⏱️ At 72 hours: Most visible redness has resolved for many people. Mild peeling or flaking may begin. Skin is still recovering beneath the surface even when it starts to look more normal on the outside.

📅 At 1 week: Surface appearance is largely normalized for most patients. However - and this is the part many people miss - the deeper barrier is still in active recovery mode. What you apply to your skin during this extended healing window continues to matter.

This is when what you apply matters most. During the first 24 to 72 hours after microneedling, the micro-channels created by the needles are still partially open. This means products applied during this window may absorb more effectively than they would on intact skin. This enhanced absorption is a well-documented principle of physical ablation techniques - the temporary disruption of the skin barrier creates pathways for topically applied substances to penetrate more deeply. (Tijani et al., 2023) This is the foundational principle behind post-procedure serums and recovery products designed specifically for the microneedling recovery window, including exosome-based formulations that aim to support the skin's natural repair processes during this critical period.

What Is Normal vs What Is Not: The Red Flags List

✅ Normal: Short-lived redness and mild irritation following either procedure. For microneedling specifically, redness lasting 24 to 72 hours is within the expected range.

✅ Normal but alarming (do not panic): Pinpoint bleeding immediately after microneedling is expected and normal. Skin feeling like sandpaper at 48 to 72 hours is a normal part of barrier regeneration, not a sign of damage. Mild peeling or flaking at days 3 through 5 is your skin shedding its outermost layer as part of the recovery process. These symptoms look concerning but are typically part of the expected healing trajectory.

🚨 Not normal - seek medical evaluation: Pain that worsens after 48 hours rather than improving. Redness that spreads outward from the treatment area rather than gradually fading. Warmth, pus, or signs of infection. Abnormal scarring or raised tissue developing at the treatment site. Any of these signs warrant prompt evaluation by your provider. The review by Latifaltojar et al. (2025) discusses keloid formation and skin complications in the context of skin-related procedures, underscoring that patients with known scarring tendencies or certain medication histories should be especially vigilant about unusual healing patterns. (Latifaltojar et al., 2025)

Do I Need Microdermabrasion or Microneedling

This is the question that drives most of the search traffic around these two procedures, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you are trying to achieve, how much downtime you can accommodate, and what your individual skin can safely tolerate.

If your primary concern is surface-level texture refinement - dullness, mild roughness, wanting a smoother and more polished appearance - microdermabrasion or oxybrasion may be a reasonable starting point. The split-face study by Jarząbek-Perz et al. (2023) evaluated measurable skin parameter improvements when oxybrasion was combined with gluconolactone, suggesting that this approach can produce detectable changes in skin characteristics at the surface level.

If your concerns involve issues that may benefit from the deeper controlled micro-injury and enhanced product delivery that microneedling provides, microneedling may be the more appropriate choice. The same split-face study evaluated microneedling combined with gluconolactone on the opposite side of participants' faces, allowing direct comparison of skin parameter outcomes. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023)

However, there are important caveats. The included evidence base does not support specific claims about which procedure is "better" for particular conditions like acne scars, wrinkles, or hyperpigmentation in a generalizable way. If you are on isotretinoin or have a history of keloid formation, the review by Latifaltojar et al. (2025) highlights that skin-related procedures carry specific complication risks that must be evaluated on an individual basis. Do not choose between these procedures based on internet guides alone - consult with a qualified provider who can assess your specific skin, your medical history, and your realistic goals. (Latifaltojar et al., 2025)

How Long After Microneedling Can I Have Microdermabrasion

This is a timing question that reflects a smart instinct: you understand that these procedures affect your skin differently and that layering them too close together could be problematic. You are right to think about this carefully.

The evidence in our included studies does not provide a specific day-count recommendation for spacing microneedling and microdermabrasion sessions. What the evidence does establish is the conceptual framework for why timing matters. Microneedling creates micro-channels that temporarily disrupt the skin barrier (Tijani et al., 2023), and performing a second procedure - especially one involving physical exfoliation - on skin whose barrier has not fully recovered could increase the risk of irritation, sensitivity, or complications.

The combination treatment literature, including Piaserico et al. (2022), discusses the principle that clinicians layer procedures cautiously and with attention to sequencing. While that review focuses on photodynamic therapy combinations for actinic keratoses rather than cosmetic procedures, the underlying logic applies: when you combine treatments that each affect the skin barrier, the order and timing of those treatments influence both safety and outcomes. Your provider should determine the appropriate interval based on your individual healing response, the depth of your microneedling session, and how your skin has recovered. As a general principle, waiting until your skin barrier has fully recovered from microneedling before introducing any additional exfoliation procedure is the conservative and evidence-aligned approach. (Tijani et al., 2023; Piaserico et al., 2022)

Can You Do Microdermabrasion and Microneedling Together

"Together" can mean two things - in the same session, or as part of the same treatment plan over time - and the answer is different for each.

Performing both procedures in the same session is generally not standard practice, and the logic is straightforward. Microdermabrasion exfoliates the surface layer. Microneedling creates controlled injury through that surface layer and into deeper tissue. Exfoliating the surface immediately before or after creating micro-channels changes the skin environment in ways that are difficult to control and could increase irritation or complication risk. The included evidence does not describe or evaluate same-session combination of these two specific procedures.

As part of a broader treatment plan, however, the concept of combining different modalities in a sequenced approach is well-established in dermatology. The review by Piaserico et al. (2022) discusses combination-based strategies and the principle of using "pretreatment" steps before primary procedures to optimize outcomes. While that specific review addresses actinic keratosis treatment, the strategic logic - that different modalities can complement each other when properly sequenced - applies across clinical dermatology and aesthetic medicine. (Piaserico et al., 2022)

The key word is "sequenced." These treatments can potentially complement each other when spaced appropriately within a treatment plan designed by your provider. They are not meant to be layered simultaneously. If a provider suggests both procedures in a single visit without a clear clinical rationale, it is reasonable to ask questions about why and what evidence supports that approach.

How Long Between Microdermabrasion and Microneedling

This question is closely related to the spacing question above, but it often comes from readers planning their treatment calendar in the opposite direction - they have had microdermabrasion and are wondering when they can safely schedule microneedling.

The good news is that because microdermabrasion is a superficial procedure that does not create micro-channels or disrupt the deeper skin barrier, the recovery window is generally shorter. Your skin typically returns to its baseline state relatively quickly after microdermabrasion (as reflected in the minimal downtime noted in the Jarząbek-Perz et al. study), which means the waiting period before a subsequent procedure is usually shorter than the reverse scenario. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023)

That said, the specific interval should still be determined by your provider based on your individual skin response. Factors that matter include how your skin reacted to the microdermabrasion session, whether you have any lingering sensitivity or irritation, and the depth of the planned microneedling treatment. The principle from the combination treatment literature remains relevant: sequencing matters, and cautious spacing is always the safer approach when combining barrier-affecting procedures. (Piaserico et al., 2022)

What's Better for Acne Scars Microdermabrasion or Microneedling

This is one of the most frequently searched questions in this entire topic area, and we want to answer it responsibly. The evidence base included in this article does not contain studies that directly compare microdermabrasion and microneedling specifically for acne scar treatment outcomes. The split-face study by Jarząbek-Perz et al. (2023) evaluated general skin parameters - not acne scar reduction specifically - when comparing oxybrasion and microneedling combined with gluconolactone.

What we can offer is mechanistic reasoning within the limits of our evidence. Microdermabrasion works at the epidermal level - the very surface of the skin. Most acne scars involve textural changes that extend into the dermis, which is deeper than microdermabrasion typically reaches. Microneedling, by contrast, can reach the dermal level depending on needle depth settings, which is why it appears more frequently in dermatologic discussions about scar-related treatments. Microneedling also appears in the literature as one component of combination treatment strategies for conditions involving pigmentation changes, such as refractory melasma. (Yao et al., 2024)

However, stating that microneedling is definitively "better" for acne scars than microdermabrasion based on the studies included here would be an overclaim. Limited or no data in the included sources directly supports that specific comparative conclusion for acne scars. If acne scarring is your primary concern, this is a conversation for a dermatologist who can evaluate your specific scar type (ice pick, boxcar, rolling, hypertrophic), depth, and skin characteristics to recommend the most appropriate treatment approach - which may involve microneedling, other modalities, or a combination strategy. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023; Yao et al., 2024)

Safety Considerations and Who Should Be Cautious

Both microdermabrasion and microneedling are generally considered safe when performed by trained providers on appropriate candidates. However, "generally safe" is not the same as "safe for everyone in every circumstance," and this section addresses the specific risk considerations highlighted in our evidence base.

The review by Latifaltojar et al. (2025) examines keloid formation and skin complications in patients treated with isotretinoin who undergo skin-related procedures. This is directly relevant because isotretinoin (commonly known by former brand names like Accutane) is widely prescribed for acne, and many of the people searching for microdermabrasion vs microneedling information are doing so because they want to address acne-related skin concerns. If you are currently taking isotretinoin or have recently completed a course, the risk of complications including abnormal scarring may be elevated, and your provider needs to know your full medication history before performing either procedure. (Latifaltojar et al., 2025)

Beyond isotretinoin, general risk factors that warrant discussion with your provider before either procedure include a personal or family history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, active skin infections or inflammatory conditions in the treatment area, certain autoimmune conditions, and use of blood-thinning medications (particularly relevant for microneedling, where pinpoint bleeding is expected). The principle that any procedure choice should account for individual wound-healing risk and scarring tendencies applies to both microdermabrasion and microneedling, but the stakes are proportionally higher with microneedling because it penetrates deeper. (Latifaltojar et al., 2025)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is microneedling more painful than microdermabrasion?

Yes, microneedling typically involves more discomfort than microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion produces a mild scratching or suction sensation, while microneedling involves needle penetration that usually requires topical numbing cream beforehand. The deeper mechanism of microneedling accounts for this difference. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023)

Can I wear makeup after microdermabrasion or microneedling?

After microdermabrasion, most patients can return to their normal routine, including light makeup, relatively quickly due to minimal barrier disruption. After microneedling, avoiding makeup for at least 24 to 72 hours is generally recommended because the micro-channels are still partially open and applying cosmetics could introduce irritants or bacteria during the recovery window. (Tijani et al., 2023)

Which treatment has more downtime?

Microneedling has significantly more downtime than microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion typically causes mild pinkness that resolves within hours, while microneedling can produce visible redness and sensitivity lasting 24 to 72 hours, with full barrier recovery extending beyond that. (Jarząbek-Perz et al., 2023)

What should I put on my skin after microneedling?

During the first 24 to 72 hours after microneedling, your skin's micro-channels allow enhanced absorption of topically applied products. Gentle, recovery-focused formulations - including emerging exosome-based serums designed for the post-procedure window - may be applied during this period. Avoid active ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, or vitamin C until your barrier has recovered. (Tijani et al., 2023)

How many sessions of each treatment are typically needed?

The included evidence base does not specify an optimal number of sessions for either procedure in a general cosmetic context. The split-face study by Jarząbek-Perz et al. (2023) evaluated outcomes from their specific protocol, but generalizing a universal session count would not be supported by the data. Your provider should recommend a treatment plan based on your individual goals and skin response.

Can microneedling make acne scars worse?

When performed appropriately on suitable candidates, microneedling is not typically associated with worsening acne scars. However, patients with active acne, keloid tendencies, or certain medication histories may face elevated complication risk. The review by Latifaltojar et al. (2025) emphasizes the importance of individual risk assessment before any skin-related procedure, including evaluation of scarring tendencies.

Are exosome products safe to use after microneedling?

Exosome-based post-procedure formulations are designed to be applied during the recovery window when skin permeability is enhanced. The delivery enhancement principle is supported by research on physical ablation techniques and transdermal absorption (Tijani et al., 2023). As with any post-procedure product, choose formulations specifically designed for use on compromised skin barriers and consult your provider if you have concerns.

References

Jarząbek-Perz, S., Dziedzic, M., Kołodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2023). Split-face evaluation: Gluconolactone plus oxybrasion versus gluconolactone plus microneedling. The effects on skin parameters. Skin Research and Technology, 29(6), e13353. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13353

Latifaltojar, R., Pour Mohammad, A., & Goodarzi, A. (2025). Keloid formation and any skin complications in patients treated with isotretinoin and undergone any skin-related procedures. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 24(2), e16680. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16680

Piaserico, S., Mazzetto, R., Sartor, E., & Bortoletti, C. (2022). Combination-based strategies for the treatment of actinic keratoses with photodynamic therapy: An evidence-based review. Pharmaceutics, 14(8), 1726. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14081726

Tijani, A. O., Dandekar, A. A., Karve, T., Banga, A. K., & Puri, A. (2023). Transdermal delivery of naloxone hydrochloride using minimally invasive physical ablation techniques. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 642, 123159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123159

Yao, H., Shen, S., Gao, X., Feng, J., Song, X., & Xiang, W. (2024). Definition of refractory melasma and its treatment: A review. Lasers in Medical Science, 39(1), 118. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-024-04066-3