Dermaplaning vs HydraFacial: Which Facial Is Right for Your Skin?

TL;DR: A dermaplaning facial uses a fine blade to remove dead skin and peach fuzz, leaving skin smoother and brighter. A HydraFacial cleans, extracts and hydrates using gentle suction and serums. Dermaplaning is quick and affordable ($85 at Skinfinity Aesthetics), while HydraFacial suits congested or acne-prone skin (4 sessions for $525). Your skin type decides which is better, and the two can be combined.

You want that fresh, glowing skin. But when you look at a clinic menu, the options blur together. Dermaplaning facial, HydraFacial, Aquapure, peels. Which one actually fits your skin?

Dermaplaning and HydraFacial are two of the most popular facials people ask about at my Mississauga clinic. They’re often compared because both promise smoother, brighter skin with little or no downtime. But they work in very different ways, and they suit different skin types.

In this guide, I’ll explain what each treatment does, how they compare side by side, which is better for your skin type, and what they cost. I’ll also be honest about the evidence. Dermaplaning has very little formal research behind it, and HydraFacial has a few small studies. So I’ll tell you what’s proven and what’s based on clinical experience.

What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a non-surgical treatment where a trained provider uses a fine blade to remove the top layer of dead skin along with fine facial hair, often called peach fuzz. The result is smoother, brighter-looking skin that may absorb skincare products better.

According to Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, dermaplaning can help with dryness, fine lines, uneven texture, spots and sun damage. Many people notice a difference the day after treatment.

Let’s clear up the biggest worry right away. Your hair will not grow back thicker or darker. Ohio State calls that idea a misconception. The fuzz does return within a few weeks, because hair removal from dermaplaning is temporary.

Treatments should be spaced at least a month apart, which lines up with your skin’s natural renewal cycle.

What Is a HydraFacial?

A HydraFacial is a multi-step facial that cleanses and exfoliates, uses suction to extract dead skin and oil, and infuses the skin with hydrating and antioxidant serums. It’s designed to deep clean pores and hydrate at the same time, with no downtime.

The research is limited but encouraging:

• Skin structure: In a 2008 study of 20 women, six hydradermabrasion treatments (the technology behind HydraFacial) increased skin thickness and antioxidant levels compared with applying the same serum by hand.
• Acne: In a 2022 study of 20 adults with mild to moderate acne, the share of patients with clear or almost clear skin rose from 20% to 65% after six HydraFacial Clarifying Treatments.

To be fair, these are small studies, and the acne study was open-label, meaning everyone knew they were being treated. Still, they suggest HydraFacial does more than just make skin look good for a day.

If you’d like a deeper look, I’ve written about what a HydraFacial is and whether it’s worth it and the skin concerns a HydraFacial treats.

Dermaplaning vs HydraFacial: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s how the two treatments compare:

The short version: dermaplaning is about removing (dead skin and fuzz), while HydraFacial is about cleaning and hydrating.

Which Is Better for Your Skin Type?

It depends on your main concern. Dermaplaning is usually better for dull skin and peach fuzz, while HydraFacial is usually better for clogged pores and acne-prone skin. Dermaplaning isn’t recommended for people with rosacea, keratosis pilaris or cystic acne.

Here’s how I usually guide patients:

• Dull or dry skin: dermaplaning gives an instant glow and helps your moisturizer absorb better.
• Peach fuzz or makeup that looks patchy: dermaplaning, since it removes the fine hair that catches foundation.
• Blackheads, congested pores or mild acne: HydraFacial, which has some evidence for acne and doesn’t use a blade on active breakouts.
• Sensitive skin or rosacea: HydraFacial is usually the gentler choice. Dermaplaning should be avoided with rosacea.
• Open wounds or lesions on the face: wait for either treatment until the skin has healed.

If you’re comparing HydraFacial with a regular spa facial too, see my guide on HydraFacial vs a regular facial.

Can You Combine Dermaplaning and HydraFacial?

Yes, for the right skin. In my practice, dermaplaning first removes the dead skin and fuzz, and a HydraFacial afterward can then cleanse and hydrate more evenly. I don’t combine them for anyone with active acne, rosacea or very sensitive skin.

There isn’t published research on the combination itself, so this is based on clinical experience rather than a study. At your consultation, I’ll look at your skin and tell you honestly whether one treatment, the other, or both makes sense.

How Much Do Dermaplaning and HydraFacial Cost in Mississauga?

At Skinfinity Aesthetics, here are our current prices, before HST:

A few things to know:

• Consultation: your first visit is a $25 consultation, so we can match the treatment to your skin.
• Packages save money if you plan to keep up regular facials.
• HST is added on top.

You can see more about our facial treatments on the HydraFacial in Mississauga page.

Side Effects and What to Expect

Both treatments are gentle, but here’s what’s normal.

After dermaplaning: expect possible redness, irritation or temporary discoloration. Redness and itching should fade within a day or two. Wear sunscreen afterward to protect your freshly exfoliated skin.

After a HydraFacial: in my experience, most people have little or no redness and can go straight back to their day.

Want the fuzz gone for good? Dermaplaning only removes facial hair temporarily. If you’d prefer a longer-lasting result, laser hair removal is the permanent-reduction option.

The Bottom Line: Dermaplaning or HydraFacial?

Choose dermaplaning if your main goals are brighter skin, smoother texture and removing peach fuzz. It’s quick and affordable.

Choose a HydraFacial if you have clogged pores, blackheads, mild acne or sensitive skin. It cleans and hydrates without a blade.

And if you want both glow and a deep clean, the two can work well together for the right skin.

Not sure which fits your skin? Book a $25 consultation through our HydraFacial in Mississauga page. I’ll look at your skin and recommend the facial that makes the most sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hair grow back thicker after dermaplaning?

No. Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center calls this a misconception. The fine hair returns within a few weeks, but it doesn’t grow back thicker or darker.

Is dermaplaning or HydraFacial better for acne?

HydraFacial is usually the better choice. In one study, clear or almost clear skin rose from 20% to 65% of patients after six treatments. Dermaplaning isn’t recommended for cystic acne.

How often should you get dermaplaning?

Space dermaplaning treatments at least a month apart. That gives your skin time to renew between sessions.

Is dermaplaning safe for sensitive skin?

It depends. Mild sensitivity is usually fine, but dermaplaning isn’t recommended if you have rosacea, keratosis pilaris or cystic acne. A HydraFacial is often the gentler option.

Can I get dermaplaning and a HydraFacial on the same day?

Often, yes, if your skin is healthy and not sensitive. This is based on clinical practice rather than published research, so we’ll check your skin at your consultation before combining them.