What’s the Difference? Crystal Free Microdermabrasion Machines & Traditional Crystal Based Machines

Crystal-Free Diamond Microdermabrasion Machine vs. Crystal Microdermabrasion

More spas and medical clinics now prefer Diamond Peels, or Crystal-Free Diamond Microdermabrasion Machines, over the traditional Crystal machines. Is one treatment better than the other?

Standard microdermabrasion began in the U.S. market in 1996. The regular crystal microdermabrasion machines use a hand-held device on the skin to propel a flow of aluminum oxide crystals onto the face. This process also known as “sandblasting,” referring to the sand-like particles released over over the skin’s surface. While the blasting occurs, the machine at the same time sucks up excess dirt, dead skin cells and the particles themselves.

Most doctors agree that the aluminum oxide in standard microdermabrasion is safe for use, but also the fact to note is that in the skin rejuvenation industry there is a constant competition for companies selling microdermabrasion machines to come out with new technology that will have a competitive edge. Therefore companies are trying to convince the industry that diamond peeling is safer for patients and easier for doctors to use.

Instead of the original crystals, Diamond Peels use wands for microdermabrasion complete with diamond tips. These tips are either natural or synthetic. The diamond method is particle free in that no particles are released on the face.

Diamond microdermabrasion machines come with different tips for varying depths of treatment and skin types. The wands have diamond tips to polish away and suck up the dead skin cells. Many clinics prefer this method because they can control the wands more easily and there is less immediate damage to the skin.

So Diamond Peels are safe, and if so, are diamonds better than aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate micro-crystals?

Pros of Microdermabrasion Crystals:
1. Aluminum oxide crystals have been the preferred microdermabrasion material for the last 20 years.
2. The irregular shape of the crystals makes the abrasion more effective. Also the material Aluminum oxide does not cause allergic reaction, and it is not dangerous if swallowed, which is good since the treatment is done on the face also around the mouth.

Cons of Microdermabrasion Crystals:
1. More down-time and initial skin affectation.
2. For those with hyperpigmentation, sodium bicarbonate crystals are used instead of aluminum oxide. These crystals are an organic alternative to aluminum oxide but they are a lot softer and less effective in microderm abrasion.

Pros of Diamond Microdermabrasion (Crystal-Free)
1. Crystal-free tips and natural diamond tips are safer in that they don’t leave possible debris in the eyes or mouth
2. Less down-time

Cons of Diamond Microdermabrasion (Crystal-Free)
1. It is not as effective as aluminum oxide on irregular skin because there are no crystals that fit to those irregularities.
2. Bacteria can spread to other areas of skin on the face or body due to its being on the tip of the diamonds on the wand.

Summary

There are pros and cons to both types of microdermabrasion, and both have risks and positive effects. Ultimately it is good to research both and talk to your clinic or skin professional about which option is better for you.

Learn more our Diamond Microdermabrasion Machines.