Last Updated on April 30, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

Picture your face like a sidewalk after a long winter. Layers of dirt, a few cracks, a whole lot of rough patches.. it still works, but it’s not exactly smooth and shiny. That’s basically what happens to your skin over time: dead cells build up, sun damage creeps in, life happens.

Microdermabrasion is like pulling out a gentle but powerful pressure washer, cleaning off all that tired, dull surface junk so the fresh, healthy skin underneath can finally show up.

Now, there are two types of microdermabrasion: diamond and crystal microdermabrasion. And no, we’re not talking about fancy jewelry. We’re talking about tiny, powerful, skin tools that get the job done differently. Let’s break it down, the battle between diamond VS crystal microdermabrasion.

What Is Microdermabrasion, Actually?

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment to exfoliate skin that’s been around since the 1980s. And when they say “non-invasive,” they mean no needles, no cutting, no blood… You’re just polishing off the old layers without any scary downtime. (Huge win.)

Think of it like giving your face a deep clean with precision tools, not just scrubbing it raw with drugstore scrubs. The goal? Strip off the tired outer layer, wake up your skin’s repair system, and help you look less “I’ve-had-a-week” and more “I’m-glowing-and-I-know-it.”

Science Behind Why Microdermabrasion Works

Let’s nerd out for a second (but in a fun way): Your skin is constantly turning over — old cells die, new cells rise. But as you get older (or if your skin is stressed out), this natural process slows down. Dead cells just sit there, making you look dull, rough, and tired.

Microdermabrasion forces your skin to speed up the process. It triggers a controlled injury (very tiny and very safe), which tells your body: “HEY! We need new skin here — stat!”

Cue the flood of:

• Fresh skin cells
• Collagen
• Elastin (the stuff that makes skin snap back instead of sagging)

It’s your body’s way of healing — and looking fresher doing it. Studies show that “the technique is considered safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types and complications are minimal,” and can treat various skin concerns, like “uneven skin tone/texture, photoaging, striae, melasma, and scars, including acne scars.” 

FYI, I’m personally NOT a fan of microdermabrasion and prefer alternative treatments to exfoliate the surface of the skin, like chemical peels. Said that, I do believe in knowing as much as you possibly can about different treatments so you can make an informed choice for your specific needs.

Stop wasting your time and money on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on the image below to download “Skincare That Works” and finally get your best skin day – every day.

What’s Diamond Microdermabrasion?

Diamond microdermabrasion uses a handheld device with a diamond tip. No, not big sparkly diamonds. Think super tiny, industrial-grade diamond particles stuck to the tip like ultra-fine sandpaper. When the technician moves it across your skin:

• The diamonds scratch and buff away the dead cells to exfoliate your face
• A vacuum sucks up the dead cells at the same time. (Kinda like vacuuming up dirt from your carpet. Satisfying, right?) No loose particles flying around. Everything stays nice and clean.

What’s Crystal Microdermabrasion?

Crystal microdermabrasion is the older method. Instead of diamonds, it shoots out a stream of fine crystals – usually aluminum oxide crystal, but sometimes sodium bicarbonate crystals  (baking soda) or even magnesium oxide crystals. Here’s what happens:

• The machine sprays these crystals at your skin.
• The crystals blast off the dead skin cells.
• A little vacuum immediately sucks up both the crystals and the dead skin.

Imagine a tiny, sparkly sandstorm aimed at your face – but controlled, not wild.

Key Differences: Diamond VS Crystal Microdermabrasion

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is one of those treatments that doesn’t just make you feel cleaner. It actually resets your skin. Here’s what it brings to the table:

• Smooths rough skin texture: It buffs away the dry, crusty top layer that makes your skin feel gritty, leaving everything softer, smoother, and way easier to touch.
• Brightens dull skin: By clearing off the gunk that blocks your natural glow, microdermabrasion makes your skin look fresh, healthy, and a whole lot less tired. Hello, radiant skin!
• Fades dark spots and mild discoloration: Regular treatments help chip away at sun damage, old acne scars, and uneven patches, pushing fresh new cells to the surface faster.
• Softens fine lines before they deepen: It’s not a magic eraser for wrinkles, but by boosting collagen and smoothing the top layer, it makes fine lines and tiny crinkles way less noticeable.
• Unclogs congested pores: The combo of exfoliation and suction clears out the junk stuck deep in your pores, helping them look smaller and stay cleaner longer.
• Supercharges your skincare routine: Without a barrier of dead skin in the way, your serums, moisturizers, and treatments can finally sink in and actually do their job, not just sit there looking shiny.

Benefits of Diamond Microdermabrasion Treatment

• More precise exfoliation control: Since the diamond tip sands the skin instead of blasting it, your tech can go lighter where the skin’s delicate (like under your eyes) and a little deeper where it can handle more (like your cheeks and forehead).
• Cleaner and safer treatment environment: No flying crystals, no random dust floating around. Just a smooth, controlled polish that won’t leave you picking grit out of your hairline later.
• Better option for sensitive or reactive skin: If your skin tends to throw a fit at the slightest thing, diamond microdermabrasion is usually the safer, gentler call – no blasting foreign particles all over your face.
• More comfortable overall experience: Honestly, it just feels nicer. More like a rough massage that leaves you pink and glowy, not like you just survived a sandstorm.

Side Effects of Diamond Microdermabrasion

• Temporary redness and mild skin sensitivity: Even though it’s the gentler option, you’re still sanding off a whole layer of skin, so expect a little flushed, tight feeling for a few hours afterward.
• Possible minor bruising if suction is too strong: If the vacuum setting gets a little aggressive (especially around delicate areas) you might notice a tiny bruise, but it usually fades fast.
• Might not be aggressive enough for very thick, damaged skin: If you’ve got tough, weathered skin, you might need a few sessions to really chip away at the deeper damage – diamond tips don’t bulldoze through in one go.
• Increased sun sensitivity post-treatment: Fresh new skin = extra delicate. Sunscreen isn’t optional after microdermabrasion. It’s mandatory unless you want sunspots and regrets..

Benefits of Crystal Microdermabrasion Treatment

• Stronger exfoliation for thicker or oilier skin types: The high-speed crystals hit harder and dig deeper, making it perfect if your skin usually laughs at regular exfoliators.
• Faster treatment over large areas: Crystal machines can blitz through bigger areas (full face, chest, even back) without your tech having to constantly stop and adjust.
• Customizable crystal flow and intensity: Your esthetician can tweak how many crystals are hitting your skin and how hard they’re vacuumed back up, making it easy to adjust mid-treatment if needed.
• Better for deeper texture issues and acne scarring: If your skin has deep scars, heavy sun damage, or that rough texture you can feel even without looking – the extra punch from crystals usually delivers faster visible results.

Side Effects of Crystal Microdermabrasion

• Increased risk of redness, irritation, and dryness: Because the treatment is rougher by nature, your skin might look and feel a lot more “raw” afterward, especially if you’re already sensitive or dehydrated going in.
• Messy treatment with residual crystal dust: Even with the best machines, you’ll probably find tiny crystals hanging out in your hairline, eyebrows, and maybe even your ears, it’s like finding sand at the beach two days later.
• Potential inhalation of fine crystal particles: If the machine isn’t well-maintained or the room isn’t ventilated right, there’s a tiny risk you could breathe in some of those fine crystals. Not exactly ideal if you have asthma or sensitive lungs.
• Higher chance of post-treatment flaking or peeling: Your skin might start shedding lightly a day or two after your session. Nothing scary, but definitely more obvious than with diamond microdermabrasion, especially if you skip moisturizer.

Who Are Good Candidates for Diamond Microdermabrasion?

Diamond-tip microdermabrasion is the softer option, so it’s great for:

• Sensitive skin types
• People with fine lines and minor discoloration
• People who want to treat around the eyes or lips
• People who want a little glow-up without downtime

​NOT IDEAL FOR:

• Active acne breakouts (it can irritate them)
• Very thick or rough skin that needs heavy-duty sanding

Who Are Good Candidates for Crystal Microdermabrasion?

A crystal, traditional microdermabrasion treatment is a little harsher, so it’s better for:

• Oily skin or thick, tough skin
• People with deeper acne scars or rough texture
• People needing a more intense exfoliation

NOT IDEAL FOR:

• Sensitive skin (can be too aggressive)
• People with rosacea, eczema, or broken capillaries

Quick Note on Home Microdermabrasion Devices

You’ve probably seen at-home microdermabrasion gadgets on Amazon or TikTok. They are NOT the same.

Professional machines:

• Have medical-grade suction
• Use sterile diamond tips or precise crystals
• Are used by trained techs who know exactly how much pressure to apply

Home devices:

• Are much weaker
• Can cause scratches, irritation, or broken blood vessels if used wrong
• Don’t really penetrate deep enough to get the true benefits

Bottom line: Great for maintenance, not a substitute for professional treatments.

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

One microdermabrasion session is like eating a salad once. You’ll feel better, but you won’t transform. Most people need 4-6 sessions, spaced 2-4 weeks apart, for best results After that? Maintenance sessions every couple of months to keep your skin happy and bright.

Diamond VS Crystal Microdermabrasion : What’s The Best Type For You?

It depends on your individual skin type and skincare goals. Here’s the quick diamond vs crystal microdermabrasion cheat sheet:

And if you’re still not sure? Ask your skincare pro! Good clinics will customize based on your skin type.

Final Verdict: Diamond VS Crystal Microdermabrasion

Both are amazing for boosting your glow, smoothing texture, and giving your skincare a huge boost.

• If you want gentler, more precise, less messy: Diamond is your friend.
• If you want stronger, deeper exfoliation for thick or oily skin: Crystal might be better.

Just remember:

• Slather on that sunscreen afterward like your life depends on it (because honestly, it kinda does). Any type of exfoliation must skin more susceptible to the damage of sun exposure. 
• Go to a trained skincare professional
• Listen to your skin