How These Two Treatments Actually Work, What Each One Fixes Best, and How to Know Which Fits Your Skin — A Guide for Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, and Frankfort
By Kabirat A. · Oxygen Med Spa, Orland Park, IL · Updated September 2026
Oxygen Med Spa — 14360 South La Grange Road, Unit D, Orland Park, IL 60462, serving Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Oak Lawn, and Frankfort. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM, closed Sunday. (708) 229-8800 · book online.
Quick answer: Microdermabrasion and microneedling both improve skin texture, but they work at completely different depths and solve different problems. Our experienced team gets this question constantly, so here’s the honest breakdown: microdermabrasion physically exfoliates the outermost layer of skin using a device that buffs away dead skin cells — quick, no downtime, good for surface-level dullness and mild texture. Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries deeper in the skin to trigger collagen production — more effective for fine lines, acne scarring, and deeper texture concerns, with some visible downtime. If you want a quick refresh, microdermabrasion is often the better fit. If you’re trying to fix something more established, microneedling usually gets you further.
How Microdermabrasion Actually Works
Microdermabrasion uses a device — typically with a fine abrasive tip or crystal-free suction system — to physically remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. It’s a surface-level treatment, meaning it doesn’t reach the deeper layers of skin where collagen is produced. Think of it as a more thorough version of exfoliation rather than a treatment that changes the skin’s structure underneath.
How Microneedling Actually Works
Microneedling uses very fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries at a deeper level, which triggers your skin’s natural healing response — including a significant boost in collagen and elastin production. Because it works at a deeper level than microdermabrasion, it can address concerns that surface exfoliation alone can’t touch.
What Microdermabrasion Is Best For
Mild dullness and uneven texture, light buildup of dead skin cells, a quick pre-event refresh with zero downtime, and general maintenance between more intensive treatments. It’s a good entry-level option if you’re not dealing with a specific deeper concern and just want skin to look brighter and feel smoother.
What Microneedling Is Best For
Fine lines and early wrinkles, acne scarring and other textured scarring, enlarged pores, and more noticeable unevenness in skin texture. Because it stimulates collagen production at a deeper level, it produces more significant, longer-lasting improvement for these concerns than surface exfoliation can achieve on its own.
Downtime: The Practical Difference
This is often the deciding factor for clients choosing between the two. Microdermabrasion involves essentially no downtime — skin may look slightly pink immediately afterward, but you can typically go straight back to your normal routine, makeup included. Microneedling involves some visible redness for a day or two, similar to a mild sunburn, which is worth planning around if you have an event coming up.
Can You Do Both?
Yes, and many clients do — often using microdermabrasion as a maintenance treatment between microneedling sessions, since the two work at different depths and complement rather than duplicate each other. For more significant texture concerns, some clients also build toward skin resurfacing treatments once they’ve established a baseline routine with these two. A consultation can help figure out whether one, the other, or a combination makes the most sense for your specific skin and goals.
How to Decide Which One to Book First
Start with your actual concern. If your skin looks a little dull or uneven but nothing feels structurally “wrong,” microdermabrasion is a lower-commitment place to start. If you’re dealing with acne scarring, fine lines, or texture that hasn’t responded to lighter treatments, microneedling is likely to get you more meaningful results, even with the added downtime. If you’re still unsure, our chemical peel options are also worth comparing at a consultation, since peels solve some overlapping concerns from yet another angle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does microdermabrasion hurt?
No, most clients describe it as a mild scratching or vibrating sensation with no significant discomfort, and no numbing is typically needed.
How many microneedling sessions will I need to see results?
This varies by concern, but a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart is typical for meaningful improvement, rather than a single treatment.
Can microdermabrasion help with acne scarring?
It can offer mild improvement in surface texture, but because it doesn’t reach the deeper skin layers, it’s generally less effective for scarring than microneedling.
Is one better for sensitive skin?
Microdermabrasion is often better tolerated by sensitive skin since it doesn’t involve needles or deeper injury, though this varies by individual and is worth discussing at a consultation.
What does each treatment cost?
Pricing varies by treatment. See our 2026 price list for current rates.
Where are you, and how do I book?
14360 South La Grange Road, Unit D, Orland Park, IL 60462. Book online or call; Monday–Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
Not Sure Which One Fits Your Skin?
The right choice depends on your specific concern and how much downtime you’re comfortable with. Book online or call (708) 229-8800.
Oxygen Med Spa · 14360 South La Grange Road, Unit D, Orland Park, IL 60462 · (708) 229-8800 · Mon–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM · Closed Sunday
