Dermaplaning facial vs microdermabrasion: which one fits your skin best?
By Faye Aesthetics, Inc. | October 1, 2026
Costa Mesa, CA | Serving Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Westminster, Seal Beach, Newport Beach, and Garden Grove
I hear the same thing all the time after a facial: it was so relaxing and people notice an incredible difference in their skin right away. If you want immediate smoothness, peach fuzz removal, and a no-downtime glow for makeup, I’d point you toward The Refine Dermaplaning Treatment. If your goal is deeper texture correction, stubborn sun damage, or acne scarring, microdermabrasion (or sometimes a light peel) is usually the better pick.
In Costa Mesa and the Northwest Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica area, coastal sun exposure is real. So the “right” option often comes down to timing your exfoliation around beach days and being consistent with SPF afterward. I’ll walk you through the trade-offs honestly so you can book the facial treatment that actually matches your skin and your schedule.
Two exfoliation styles, two very different “wins”
A dermaplaning facial is manual exfoliation using a sterile blade to gently remove surface dead skin and fine vellus hair. That “peach fuzz” removal is a big reason makeup looks smoother and skincare tends to sink in better afterward. Our Existing FAQ says it best: dermaplaning creates instantly smoother texture and helps with product penetration and flawless makeup application. That’s the lane it owns.
Microdermabrasion is mechanical resurfacing. It focuses less on vellus hair and more on polishing the skin’s surface to help with uneven texture and some visible pigment. It’s a solid option, and when it’s the right fit, it can be a game changer, especially if you’re chasing smoother texture over fuzz-free skin.
Quick reality check: these are both exfoliating services. If you’re planning a long day in the sun around Huntington Beach or Bolsa Chica, I’ll help you schedule smart and keep your barrier happy.
The real trade-offs: smoothness, redness, series, and value
Results you see immediately
Dermaplaning tends to give that instant “my skin looks brighter and feels smoother” payoff because it removes surface buildup and peach fuzz in one go. People regularly tell me they leave with glowing skin, and first-timers often appreciate being talked through each step so nothing feels confusing or intense. Microdermabrasion can look great right away too, but it’s usually a little more about gradual texture change over a few sessions.
Downtime and comfort
If you need a low-downtime facial near me, dermaplaning is often the easier fit. Most people describe our facials as deeply relaxing, and that matters if your nervous system is already running on fumes. Microdermabrasion can cause mild redness for some people, and it can feel a little more “active” on the skin that day.
How I build The Refine Dermaplaning Treatment (75 minutes, $149)
This is not a “quick scrape and go.” The Refine Dermaplaning Treatment starts with a soothing double cleanse, then Ultrasonic Exfoliation to lift surface buildup while respecting your skin’s balance. Then I move into dermaplaning to remove that fine vellus hair and dull layer that makes makeup sit weird.
If your skin needs it, I add gentle extractions and a balancing high-frequency step to sanitize the skin and support clarity. While your mask is working, you get an arm, neck, and décolleté massage, and I finish with cooling ice globes to calm the skin and help with that “lighter” feeling in the face.
The last step is F/A 100 Miracle Skin Repair, my proprietary formula powered by 127 skin-supportive ingredients to help strengthen the skin barrier and back up your results at home.
"Got my first facial here and it was the best experience ever! Leslie was super friendly and talked me through the entire process and made sure I was comfortable. I left with glowing skin and could not be happier that I chose this place!"
, a first-time client
Cost and frequency
Dermaplaning is commonly booked every 3 to 6 weeks, especially if you love that makeup-ready finish. Microdermabrasion often works best as a series when you’re chasing texture change. I’ll be straight with you about what you’ll get in one visit versus what actually needs a plan.
A simple way to choose in Costa Mesa (especially if you’re in the sun a lot)
Pick The Refine Dermaplaning Treatment if your main goal is smoothness you can feel immediately, peach fuzz removal, and that clean canvas that makes foundation look better. It’s also a strong choice if your skin tends to feel dry or a little “blah” and you want glow without taking time to hide redness.
Lean toward microdermabrasion when your biggest complaint is texture and you’re willing to do a series. And if you surf, walk, or spend weekends outside around Bolsa Chica, timing matters. Exfoliation plus sun is not a vibe. I’ll help you plan around outdoor days and stay consistent with SPF so you keep your results.
Why people keep coming back to Faye Aesthetics, and how to book smart
I’ve been doing this for 12 years, and I still think the difference is the small stuff: a spotless space, unhurried hands, and explaining what I’m doing so you can relax. People tell me the time flies because it feels like casual conversation, and they also love when I know when to let the room go quiet. That’s the balance I aim for every appointment.
"If you’re looking for someone you can trust long-term, Faye is it. I wouldn’t go anywhere else."
, one of our regulars
Ready for smoother makeup and softer texture?
If you found me searching for a facial spa near me or estheticians near me, start with a consult so I can see your skin up close and recommend the right path. I’ll tell you if dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, or a different facial treatment makes more sense.
And if you’re here for more than skin, I also work with brows near me requests all the time, including tinted brows, eyebrow permanent makeup styles like microblading and ombre powder brow, plus lip blushing near me appointments. I even offer body sculpting services focused on skin tightening and supporting loose weight goals, depending on what you’re working on.
Find me at 2900 Bristol St B104, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | Call +17149168688 | Email fayedodgeesthetics@gmail.com
FAQs: dermaplaning treatment, microdermabrasion, and timing
How long do results from The Refine Dermaplaning Treatment last?
Most people enjoy that smoother, makeup-friendly finish for a few weeks. A common rhythm is every 3 to 6 weeks, since your skin is always renewing and vellus hair grows back gradually.
Is The Refine Dermaplaning Treatment safe for acne-prone or sensitive skin?
It can be, but it depends on what’s going on with your skin that week. If you’re acne-prone, I’ll look at inflammation level and any active, tender breakouts before I decide how aggressive we go with exfoliation. If you’re sensitive, I keep the pace gentle, watch your redness, and focus on barrier support so you leave calm, not raw.
Can I get microdermabrasion the same day as The Refine Dermaplaning Treatment?
Usually I don’t stack two strong physical exfoliations in the same visit. It can be too much for the barrier. If you want a bigger reset, I’ll map out a schedule so you get the benefit of both without overdoing it.
Will The Refine Dermaplaning Treatment remove my peach fuzz permanently?
No. Dermaplaning removes vellus hair at the surface, so you get that smooth feel right away, but the hair will grow back normally over time.
How does the price of The Refine Dermaplaning Treatment compare to microdermabrasion?
The Refine Dermaplaning Treatment is $149 for 75 minutes. Microdermabrasion pricing can vary depending on what’s included and how many sessions you’re planning. If we’re aiming for bigger texture changes, I’ll talk with you about total plan cost, not just a single visit.
What do you mean by professional dermaplaning?
I mean dermaplaning performed in a clean, controlled setting, with proper skin prep and technique, and with products chosen to support your barrier afterward. It’s meticulous work, not a rushed add-on.
Can I combine facial and dermaplaning in the same appointment?
Yes. The Refine Dermaplaning Treatment is built as a full facial and dermaplaning experience, including double cleanse, ultrasonic exfoliation, dermaplaning, and calming finishing steps so your skin looks smooth and feels supported.