Microneedling and microdermabrasion sound alike. They both promise smoother skin. But they work at different depths, and that changes everything about what they can fix.
Microdermabrasion polishes the surface. Microneedling makes your skin rebuild underneath. Pick microdermabrasion for dull, rough skin or a quick glow with no downtime. Pick microneedling for acne scars, wrinkles, large pores and texture that won’t budge. If you’re treating scars, microdermabrasion isn’t worth your money.
Microneedling vs microdermabrasion at a glance
| Microdermabrasion | Microneedling | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A handheld device removes the top layer of skin | Tiny needles make small punctures, so your skin builds collagen |
| How deep | Surface only | Below the surface, set by needle depth |
| Best for | Dullness, rough texture, a brighter look | Acne scars, wrinkles, large pores, stretch marks, uneven texture |
| Downtime | None. Pink for a day or two | Redness for a few days, up to a week. No makeup for 24 hours |
| Sessions | 5 to 16, weekly to monthly | Several, 3 to 8 weeks apart |
| When you see results | Right away, but they fade | 3 to 6 months as collagen builds |
| Typical cost | About $175 per treatment (RealSelf members) | $350 median per session (med spas in our directory) |
| Darker skin | Small risk of dark spots if you scar dark | Safe for all skin tones (AAD) |
Sources: AAD on microdermabrasion, AAD on microneedling, Cleveland Clinic, RealSelf, our microneedling cost survey.
Microdermabrasion stops at the surface. Microneedling reaches where collagen is made.
Is microdermabrasion the same as microneedling?
No. Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin. Microneedling makes tiny punctures that push your skin to build collagen. They share a “micro” and a goal of smoother skin, and that’s where the overlap ends.
How microdermabrasion works
Microdermabrasion sands off the top layer of your skin with a handheld device. It feels like light sanding, not pain. A full face takes 30 to 40 minutes.
You walk out a little pink, and that’s it. Your skin looks smoother and brighter because the dead layer is gone. The catch: it only works on the surface, so the results are temporary. You need follow-up sessions to keep them.
How microneedling works
Microneedling uses tiny needles to make controlled punctures in your skin. Your skin heals them by making new collagen. That’s why it can change scars and lines, not just polish them.
It’s done with numbing cream, and most people have redness for a few days. Results build slowly, over 3 to 6 months. Here’s the full rundown on how microneedling works.
It also has more regulatory backing. The FDA has authorized microneedling devices to improve facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars in adults 22 and older (FDA).
Which is better for acne scars?
Microneedling, clearly. Acne scars sit below the surface, and microdermabrasion can’t reach them. The American Academy of Dermatology lists acne scars as one of the main things microneedling treats.
Expect several sessions, spaced weeks apart, before a big change. Deeper scars need more. See microneedling for acne scars for what to expect by scar type.
Which is better for wrinkles and fine lines?
Microneedling, because it builds collagen under the lines. Microdermabrasion can make fine lines look softer for a few days. It won’t change them.
If your main worry is sagging or loose skin, ask about RF microneedling. It adds heat for tightening.
Which is better for dull skin or a glow before an event?
Microdermabrasion. There’s no real downtime, so you can book it a few days before an event. Microneedling leaves you red for a few days, so it’s a bad pick the week of a wedding.
Which is better for dark spots and melasma?
It depends on the type of spot. Microneedling can fade dark spots and is listed by the AAD for melasma. But melasma needs a light touch, because irritation can make it worse. Read microneedling for melasma before you book.
Microdermabrasion can brighten mild surface spots. If your skin tends to leave dark marks after acne, it carries a small risk of more dark spots.
Choose microdermabrasion if
Your skin looks dull or rough. You want a quick glow. You can’t take any downtime. You’re happy to keep going back.
Choose microneedling if
You have acne scars, wrinkles, large pores or stretch marks. You want a change that lasts. You can handle a few red days.
Side effects and aftercare
After microdermabrasion
Your skin may be pink and a little swollen, like a mild windburn. That usually fades within a day. Bruising, stinging or extra sun sensitivity can happen but go away on their own. Use the moisturizer you’re given and wear sunscreen daily.
After microneedling
Expect redness that feels like a sunburn, with some tightness or swelling. It clears in a few days to a week. Wait 24 hours before makeup, keep your routine gentle and protect your skin from the sun. Full steps: microneedling aftercare.
Who should skip microneedling?
The American Academy of Dermatology says you shouldn’t have microneedling if you:
- Heal slowly or poorly, or form raised keloid scars
- Have a weakened immune system
- Are being treated for skin cancer in the area, or getting radiation
Wait if you have a tan, a skin infection or deep, painful pimples. If you’ve taken isotretinoin (Accutane), the AAD says at least one month must pass after your last pill. Many providers ask for longer, so check with yours.
Can you do either one at home?
Both have at-home versions, and both are much gentler than what you get in a clinic. At-home microneedling tools use short needles that stay near the surface. They help with glow and product absorption, not deep scars. See our at-home microneedling guide for safe depths and tools.
Can you do microneedling and microdermabrasion together?
Not on the same day. Both irritate the skin, and stacking them raises the risk of irritation and dark marks. Most providers space them at least 1 to 2 weeks apart. Ask yours for a plan that fits your skin.
Is microdermabrasion or microneedling worth it?
Microdermabrasion is worth it if you want brighter skin and will keep up the sessions. It’s not worth it for scars or deep lines. That’s the most common way people waste money on it.
Microneedling costs more per session, but it’s the one that changes texture. For most people choosing between the two for scars or aging, it’s the better spend.
How to choose a provider
Pick the person, not the price. Results from microneedling depend a lot on who holds the device and how deep they go.
- The AAD recommends a board-certified dermatologist for microneedling.
- Who’s allowed to do it varies by state. See can estheticians do microneedling.
- Ask how many sessions they expect for your goal, what depth they’ll use and what aftercare they give you.
Find a top-rated microneedling provider
We ranked the top 10 microneedling providers in New York, Tampa, Miami, Atlanta and San Diego from thousands of real reviews, with published prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is microneedling better than microdermabrasion?
For scars, wrinkles and texture, yes. Microneedling builds collagen under the surface. Microdermabrasion only removes the top layer. For a quick glow with no downtime, microdermabrasion is the better fit.
Does microdermabrasion help acne scars?
Not much. It can soften how very shallow marks look, but true acne scars sit below the surface. Microneedling is the better choice for them.
Which hurts more, microneedling or microdermabrasion?
Microneedling. Microdermabrasion feels like light sanding. Microneedling is done with numbing cream, and you still feel some pressure and scratching. See our numbing cream guide.
How long should you wait between microdermabrasion and microneedling?
At least 1 to 2 weeks, and longer if your skin is still red or flaking. Your provider should set the gap based on your skin.
What will my face look like after microneedling?
Red, like a mild sunburn, for a few days. Some people also feel tightness or mild swelling. It usually clears within a week, and you can wear makeup again after 24 hours.
ProNeedling is reader-supported and may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified provider about your skin before starting any treatment.
Kathy is a certified nutrition & health coach, long-time model, and lifelong skincare devotee. After years in the fashion industry, where your skin is your business card, she went deep on what actually works and founded ProNeedling. She tests the tools, treatments, and products we cover.