Crystal Microdermabrasion vs. Diamond Microdermabrasion: Which is best?

The crystal microdermabrasion vs. diamond microdermabrasion debate is just starting to make an impact on the market. The skincare industry is extremely competitive, every microdermabrasion manufacturer--all vying for your business, and trying to outdo one another with the best and the latest skincare technology available to help you increase and retain your practice's clientele.

Crystal microdermabrasion has been performed successfully using aluminum oxide crystals for many years. In fact, they have been the most commonly used abrasive agent for the last twenty years. Aluminum oxide crystals, aka corundum, bauxite, and more commonly known as two highly-favored gemstones--ruby or sapphire--are the second-hardest mineral found in existence today. Aluminum oxide crystals have been used within both the dental and medical industry for years because of that strength. The characteristics of the crystals, very hard with jagged edges, make it ideal for many medical or cosmetic uses. They have been used both as dental abrasives and in conjunction with joint replacement. Many physicians agree that aluminum oxide is safe to use during skin resurfacing treatments, though there has been some controversy regarding inhalation of crystals and possible side effects. The risks of inhalation have been minimized as improvements have been made to microdermabrasion machines throughout the years.
Newer to the skincare market is diamond microdermabrasion or a “diamond peel" as it is sometimes known. In essence, this procedure involves the replacement of the typical crystal microdermabrasion wand with diamond tips. The diamond tips can be made from natural diamonds or synthetic and the tips can be either disposable or reusable. It is common knowledge that the diamond is the hardest mineral found on earth. One might wonder how something so hard can be applied to the skin safely. The procedure is not much different than a crystal microdermabrasion. The diamond tip wands are available in various sizes and degrees of coarseness so that treatments can be customized to the client's requirement. Other than this difference, the procedure is completed basically the same.

Crystal Microdermabrasion vs. Diamond Microdermabrasion--A General Comparison
Crystal:

Aluminum oxide crystals have an irregular shape, making them the more effective abrader.
Aluminum oxide crystals are an inert material and won't cause allergic reations.
Sodium bicarbonate crystals (baking soda) can be an organic alternative, but they are a lot softer and less effective. They are mostly used on patients who have hyperpigmentation as they are water-soluble--easy to wash off after the procedure.

Diamond:

More control--areas around the mouth/eye abraded more closely with no risk of stray crystals causing damage or being ingested.
There is an increased risk of infection because bacteria from exfoliated skin could remain on the tip and unknowingly be spread to different parts of the face/body.
Decreased effectiveness on irregular skin surfaces because there is not a medium, like a crystal, to fit to the irregularities of the skin.

The crystal microdermabrasion vs. diamond microdermabrasion battle is just in the early stages, and it certainly promises to be interesting.