Dull skin that won’t glow no matter how religiously you follow your skincare routine? Breakouts, rough texture, or uneven tone that just won’t budge? You’re not alone — and that’s exactly where treatments like LED Light Therapy and Microdermabrasion come in.
But how do you figure out what your skin actually needs? One promises calming, deep cellular recovery. The other offers instant resurfacing. This blog breaks down how each treatment works, who it’s best suited for, and what to expect — so you can make the right call for your skin concerns.
LED Light Therapy Vs Microdermabrasion: At A Glance
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LED Light Therapy |
Microdermabrasion |
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Treatment Areas |
Face, neck, chest, and back — commonly used for acne-prone or inflamed skin |
Face, neck, décolletage, back, upper arms, and backs of hands |
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Ideal Candidates |
Suitable for all skin types, especially those with acne, inflammation, dullness, or rosacea |
Best for individuals with rough texture, fine lines, or clogged pores |
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Preparation |
No preparation needed |
Two weeks prior: avoid injectables, sun exposure, waxing or facial laser treatments One week prior: stop depilatories; No chemical peels 2 days prior to the treatment |
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No. of Sessions / Frequency |
Best results seen with a course of 6-10 sessions; 2 sessions weekly |
Best results with a course of 4-6 treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart |
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Results |
Calmer skin, reduced inflammation, and improved overall tone with continued use |
Refreshed, smoother-looking skin with improved texture, reduced congestion, and enhanced absorption of skincare products. Fine lines and surface blemishes appear less visible. |
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Side Effects |
None to minimal; some may experience slight flushing post-treatment; possible eye strain with improper preparation |
Temporary redness, mild sensitivity, or tightness for up to 24 hours |
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Aftercare |
Minimal — sunscreen and hydration recommended |
Avoid actives for 2–3 days; use gentle skincare and sun protection |
How It Works
LED Light Therapy: LED Light Therapy uses different wavelengths of light to trigger natural healing and regeneration within the skin. Blue light targets acne-causing bacteria while yellow light is known for its soothing and rejuvenating properties.
When absorbed by the skin these light waves influence cellular activity, encouraging repair, calming irritation, and improving skin tone. . The treatment is non-invasive, painless, and requires no downtime.
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion gently buffs away the outermost layer of the skin using a device with a diamond tip wand to gently exfoliate the skin’s surface while a vacuum suction simultaneously lifts away dead skin cells and stimulates circulation. This exfoliation removes decongested pores and stimulates the skin’s natural renewal process. As the skin heals, it produces fresh new cells, improving overall texture, tone, and clarity. It also helps skincare products absorb more effectively.
Since the treatment focuses only on the epidermis, it’s considered safe for most skin types and requires no anaesthetic.
How to Choose Between the Two?
It all comes down to your skin goals. LED Light Therapy and Microdermabrasion aren’t competing treatments, they simply address different needs.
If your main concerns are inflammation, dullness, or sensitivity, LED Light Therapy is a calming and reparative approach that works below the surface. It’s great if your skin is prone to redness, irritation, or breakouts, or if you’re simply just working to improve your skin tone and collagen support without triggering discomfort.
On the other hand, if you’re struggling with congestion, rough texture, or skin that just doesn’t feel like it’s absorbing your skincare products properly, Microdermabrasion could be a good skin reset. It physically exfoliates the surface and removes dead skin buildup to allow your products to penetrate more effectively.
Final Thoughts
You don’t always have to pick one over the other. These treatments can be combined strategically as part of a skin programme. For example, Microdermabrasion can be used to prep the skin, followed by LED Light Therapy to soothe and accelerate recovery. The result? A one-two punch that refreshes your skin from the surface down.
If you’re unsure what your skin really needs right now, that’s where a professional consultation makes all the difference. A trained Skin Therapist can assess your skin condition in real time and guide you toward a treatment — or combination — that’s tailored to your unique concerns.
