What Is Dermalinfusion? Editors Put the Skincare Treatment to the Test

The promise of great skin is an elusive one. After all, aside from noticeable issues like acne or pigmentation, your complexion can always be better, plumper, smoother, softer, or brighter—it's a forever changing scale. So when our editors were invited to test out Dermalinfusion, a new skincare treatment that promises all of the above (with little downtime—aka, exiled to stay out of the elements until your skin heals from all of the prodding and exfoliating), we were skeptical. 

Dermalinfusion uses a sleek, diamond tipped wand to non-invasively exfoliate skin—on the face, around the eyes and lips typically not treatable with other treatments, neck, chest area, and arms. The wand is a complete multi-tasker: In addition to exfoliating, it vacuums up debris while simultaneously infusing your skin with customized serum, based on your skin type or goal. For example, a serum might include salicylic acid for acne and hyaluronic acid for moisturization. Afterward, expect some slight redness, but otherwise skin should look brighter and fuller.

The whole process takes about 30 minutes, and experts recommend regular treatments for optimal glowy effect, however at upwards of $300 a pop (prices vary by location), it may be a squeeze for some people.

It's said to be the next generation of microdermabrasion and goes further by infusing the skin with serum immediately after exfoliation so the product penetrates even deeper, though some experts highlight a key difference. "We're in the category of microdermabrasion, but I hate making the comparison because it's leaps and bounds [apart]," says Sona Tolani, chief marketing officer at Envy Medical. "We aren't using loose crystals and blasting the skin; we're using medical-grade diamond tips [to] abrade the top layer, extract the dirt and debris, and infuse the skin with serum." One study listed on the Envy Medical website reportedly found that Dermalinfusion volumizes the skin by 70 percent and lasts for up to three days.

Though our three editors reviewed Dermalinfusion based on a single 20-minute session, Tolani notes that it's not a "one-and-done" treatment. "Right away you're going to have more hydrated skin, brighter, more even skin tone," she says of the immediate results, and long-term, you'll notice a reduction in fine lines, sun damage, stretch marks, and scarring. If you have acne scarring or problem skin, she recommends doing four-to-six treatments, roughly one month apart. Curious? Here's what happens when three editors with three different skin types and concerns tried Dermalinfusion. 

Normal-Oily Skin

Skin Type: "I thought I had dry skin up until recently when a dermatologist told me I actually have normal to oily skin; she mentioned this change is common when you hit your early/mid-twenties."

Areas of Concern: "I get the occasional hormonal breakout and also have slight pigmentation from the sun. But I love my freckles so I don't really want to laser them off."

Expectations vs. Reality: "It was super relaxing and soothing. It hurt a lot less than an extraction would, so that was a pleasant surprise."

Results: "It was incredibly effective! My skin felt so smooth and clean afterward. My skin had also looked like a mess (for my standards at least) because it was especially oily in some areas and then really, really dry in others. I also prematurely picked at some hormonal breakouts, and after the treatment, those problem areas were a lot smoother/less red." 

"It's definitely worth it for a special occasion—I'd pay for it if my skin was looking particularly beat and if I were going to an important event later that day/ the following day. I already set aside all of my grooming budget for laser hair removal and mani/pedis, so facials aren't as much of a priority for me on a regular basis. I think it's a nice treat when you need to give your skin a hard reset every few months."

Dry-Normal Skin

Skin Type: "My skin tends to be dry around my chin and mouth but oily in the T-zone. I try a lot of new products and treatments and don't usually struggle with breakouts or reactions in the aftermath."

Areas of Concern: "I have very congested pores in my nose and chin, which really bother me. The general texture of my skin is always a bit rough, too, so I'm always searching for products that will help plump and hydrate."

Expectations vs. Reality: "The treatment was much quicker than I'd expected—I had a consultation with aesthetician Cynthia Rivas and did the full treatment in about 30 minutes. The tool felt like a mini vacuum and was surprisingly painless and pleasant. Apart from slight puffiness, my skin was totally fine afterward, so I could have easily done it the day of a big event."

Results: "There was a visible difference immediately after the treatment. Rivas showed me the once-clear water chamber that contained the dirt and debris sucked from my skin during the treatment which was terrifying—that alone would motivate me to book a follow-up. That afternoon, my skin was plump and my lips looked like I'd had injections. Two days later, the texture of my cheeks and neck was very different. Both were plump, soft, and clearly well-hydrated. I'm getting married [in 2020] and would definitely book a treatment the day before the ceremony to look my best."

Sensitive Skin

Skin Type: "My skin is a combination of oily and dry. It's also typically reactive to new products and treatments, which can impact my willingness to try new skincare treatments and routines."

Areas of Concern: "I have redness and blackheads around my T-zone and enlarged pores. I also have fine lines starting to show on my forehead."

Expectations vs. Reality: "I didn't have too many expectations except for trying something new and hoping it would improve the texture of my skin. Dermalinfusion was very painless and straightforward. It felt a little like microdermabrasion, but I liked that they were simultaneously infusing your pores with serum."

Results: "I had some redness after the treatment, which was to be expected with my skin type, but it felt hydrated and smooth. My pores felt cleaner. I would have to do it a few more times to see if I really notice a difference long-term, but I wouldn't be opposed to [trying it] again."

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