What Is the Difference Between Dermaplaning, Microdermabrasion and LED?

The difference is in how each one works. Dermaplaning uses a sterile blade to lift dead surface skin and fine facial hair, microdermabrasion buffs the surface with a handheld device, and LED light therapy uses a light mask and does not exfoliate at all. Pick by the result you want: smooth, polished or simply calm.

Key takeaways

• Dermaplaning and microdermabrasion exfoliate. LED light therapy does not.
• Only dermaplaning removes fine facial hair, often called peach fuzz.
• All three are about how skin looks and feels, never a medical treatment.

What Happens During Dermaplaning?

Your esthetician cleanses the skin, holds it taut and makes short, light strokes with a sterile blade. Those strokes lift the layer of dead skin cells on the surface along with fine, light facial hair.

Skin often feels smoother afterward, and makeup can go on more evenly. Our esthetician is certified in dermaplaning. If you are worried about regrowth, our article on whether dermaplaning makes hair grow back thicker answers that.

How Does Microdermabrasion Work?

Microdermabrasion exfoliates with a handheld device that is passed over the skin in even strokes. Depending on the equipment, it buffs with fine particles or a textured tip, often with gentle suction.

The goal is a polished, refreshed surface. It does not remove facial hair. If you are deciding between the two exfoliating options, our article on choosing dermaplaning or microdermabrasion goes deeper.

What Is Included in LED Light Therapy at SALT?

Our LED Light Therapy uses a professional-grade LED mask. The visit also includes a cleanse, a serum, a moisturizer and a hand and arm treatment, and it takes about 35 minutes.

Nothing is scraped or buffed away. It is a quiet, light-based service that fits alongside a regular skin care routine. It is about comfort and how your skin looks, not a medical treatment.

Which of the Three Exfoliates, and Which Does Not?

This is the simplest way to tell them apart. Two of them remove something from the surface of your skin, and one adds a calm step to your visit instead.

• Dermaplaning: exfoliates with a blade and removes fine facial hair.
• Microdermabrasion: exfoliates with a buffing device and leaves facial hair alone.
• LED light therapy: does not exfoliate or remove anything.

How they feel is different too. Dermaplaning feels like light scraping. Microdermabrasion feels like a firm buffing, and LED is still and relaxing.

How Do You Match a Service to Your Skin Goal?

Start with the feeling you want when you walk out. That points to the right service faster than comparing names.

• Smooth skin with peach fuzz gone: dermaplaning.
• A buffed, polished feel without hair removal: microdermabrasion.
• A short, quiet visit with no exfoliation: LED light therapy.
• Not sure yet: book a Mini Facial and talk it through with our esthetician.

Our esthetician is a certified FarmHouse Fresh Skin Therapist. They will tell you plainly if another service suits your skin better.

Can Two of These Go in the Same Visit?

Sometimes. The two exfoliating services are not usually stacked on the same day, because skin needs time to settle between them.

LED light therapy is gentle and does not exfoliate, so it pairs more easily. Tell us what you are hoping for when you book, and we will plan the order and the spacing with you. For timing across the year, read how often to book a facial.

Who Should Wait or Choose Something Gentler?

Exfoliation is not right for every skin on every day. Tell your esthetician about sunburn, irritation, active breakouts, recent peels or strong active products.

In some cases we may suggest waiting, or a gentler facial instead. If you have a skin condition that worries you, please see a doctor first. None of these services replaces medical care.

What Should Your Skin Skip in the Week Before?

A little planning helps your skin arrive calm and ready. These are general pointers that most estheticians agree on.

• Avoid strong sun and sunburn.
• Pause strong active products if your esthetician suggests it.
• Keep your routine simple and gentle.
• Do not try a brand-new product right before your visit.

Before an event, plan any exfoliating service a few days ahead so your skin has time to settle.

What Results Are Realistic From Each One?

These services change how skin looks and feels for a while, not forever. Skin keeps renewing itself, and fine hair grows back.

After dermaplaning, skin often feels smooth. After microdermabrasion, it often feels polished and fresh. After LED, most people simply feel relaxed. That is why these work best as part of a steady routine rather than a one-time fix.

How Do They Fit Into a Routine at Home?

What you do every day matters most: cleanse, moisturize and protect your skin from the sun. A salon service adds steps that are hard to do well on your own.

Ask your esthetician which products suit your skin and how often to come back. You can see every skin service on our facials page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does LED Light Therapy Hurt?

No. It does not exfoliate or scrape, and most people find it relaxing. You simply rest while the mask does its work.

Which of the Three Removes Peach Fuzz?

Only dermaplaning. Microdermabrasion and LED light therapy leave fine facial hair as it is.

Are the Results Permanent?

No. Skin renews itself and hair grows back, so the smooth feel fades over time. Your esthetician can suggest a rhythm that suits your skin.

Do I Need to Take My Makeup Off Before I Come In?

No. Cleansing is the first step of each of these services, so you can arrive as you are.

Can These Services Treat a Skin Condition?

No. They are about how skin looks and feels. For any skin condition, please see a doctor.

Book a Consultation

Want help choosing? Book online or call (224) 788-8028 and tell us what you want from your skin. Ask about dermaplaning or microdermabrasion when you call. LED Light Therapy and our facials are listed under Facials + Skin Care on our Service Menu, and you can meet our esthetician on our team page.