Is Chemical Peel Same As Microdermabrasion
Chemical peel is commonly mistaken for microdermabrasion, but the two procedures are performed in very different ways. You may be familiar with the chemical peel treatment for wrinkles and damaged skin. To retexturize your skin and show a glowing complexion, try a chemical peel. Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, is a skin exfoliation process. It helps with acne, excess oil, and uneven skin texture by removing dead skin cells by peeling back the epidermis.
Chemical peels Versus Microdermabrasion: Is chemical peel the same as Microdermabrasion? Both treatments remove dead skin cells and can both rid you of fine lines and acne. Chemical peels and microdermabrasions have some things in common and a few differences. Read on to learn more on chemical peel vs microneedling and microdermabrasion and chemical peel together.
Is Chemical Peel Same As Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin care treatment that removes dead skin from the outer layer of your skin, working to improve fine lines, aging skin, and discoloration. Essentially it is a deep exfoliation through the use of a vacuum by a professional.
It is pain-free, requires no downtime post-treatment, and is completely safe.
Microdermabrasion treats the following conditions:
- Acne
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dry skin
- Fine lines
- Uneven pigmentation
- Clogged pores
- Rosacea
- Minor scars
- Skin texture problems
WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?
Like microdermabrasion, a chemical peel treats fine lines, wrinkles, breakouts, and other topical skin issues.
What differs between the two is how the outer layer of the skin is removed to find the new skin underneath. While microdermabrasion gently removes the epidermis by suction, a chemical peel uses a chemical solution to dissolve the skin off.
Chemical peels treat the following conditions:
- Acne
- Fine lines
- Crow’s feet
- Brown spots
- Sagging skin
- Wrinkles
- Blemishes
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma (patchy facial skin discoloration)
- Scars
A chemical peel works deeper than microdermabrasion, revealing newer skin underneath. Because of this, it does require a few days of peeling. Most dermatologists offer a few different levels of chemical peel in order to customize the process to each client’s needs.
We are now offering the brand new SkinCeuticals Smart TCA Peel. Ask us about this new service today!
MICRODERMABRASION OR CHEMICAL PEEL?
In short: it depends on what you’re wanting to get out of the treatment. If you want an affordable and fast option, microdermabrasion is typically a better choice. But if you want something that lasts longer, you may consider a chemical peel.
Here are a few pros and cons of each treatment for you to evaluate:
| MICRODERMABRASION | CHEMICAL PEEL | |
|---|---|---|
| PROS | Painless & affordableFaster healingGlowing complexionImproves acne, dryness, texture | Long-lasting results (1-2 months)Improves acne, scars, redness, wrinkles, pigmentationMultiple levels/typesMay reduce skin cancer risk |
| CONS | One-size-fits-allNot as targetedRequires multiple treatments | More expensiveMore painfulLonger healing time |
If you’re looking for specific treatment due to certain issues, we’ve compared the two treatments for you to review.
Microdermabrasion vs chemical peel for acne
If you have active acne, chemical peels are a better choice because microdermabrasion can irritate it or even cause more issues. Chemical peels use salicylic acid to reduce further breakouts by exfoliating the dead skin cells.
Microdermabrasion vs chemical peel for wrinkles
If you have light wrinkles, microdermabrasion or light chemical peels can help. For deeper wrinkles, a medium or deep chemical peel is the best option.
Microdermabrasion vs chemical peel for sun damage
For rough skin caused by sun damage, microdermabrasion or a light chemical peel will work. If you have severe damage or are at risk of melasma, medium or deep chemical peels are better suited.
As you can see, chemical peels will ultimately provide better, more targeted relief when it comes to specific issues. But for some people, it’s a less ideal option because of its higher cost and downtime, making microdermabrasion a better choice.
CAN YOU GET MICRODERMABRASION AND CHEMICAL PEEL TOGETHER?
Yes! In fact, they work extremely well together to thoroughly cleanse and improve your skin. While you can’t get them at the same time, you can use both to optimize your professional exfoliation treatments and target different skin issues in a way that won’t overly irritate your skin.
When you combine the two treatments, you can reduce the side effects of both and maximize your good-skin time without a lengthy recovery.
KANSAS CITY MICRODERMABRASION AND CHEMICAL PEEL TREATMENTS
We are a leader in the Kansas City area for microdermabrasion and chemical peel treatments. Our medical aestheticians are trained experts in these two spa services. Our dedication to customer satisfaction and support makes us one of the best dermatologists in Kansas City.
Microdermabrasion And Chemical Peel Together
Microdermabrasion alone provides the benefits of exfoliation but may provide faster results and increased patient satisfaction when combined with superficial glycolic acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) peels because of the significant antiaging effects of glycolic acid peels.
A roundtable discussion was held with dermatologists to review methods of combining these procedures. The first method included alternating glycolic acid peels and microdermabrasion treatments every 2 weeks, enabling the patient to receive both a peel and microdermabrasion in the same month. With the second method, microdermabrasion may be used prior to the superficial glycolic acid peel to increase the exfoliation and antiaging effects of both treatments within the same visit. This second method is considered to be a more aggressive approach and usually is reserved for patients with a history of procedures. Lastly, combining treatments can be used to maintain a patient’s skin after the initial treatment stage, usually performed every other month or seasonally, depending on the patient. As with all combination treatments, safety precautions and monitoring the patient’s skin throughout treatment are crucial to success.
Unlike a chemical peel, microdermabrasion calls for little to no downtime. The AAD states that some patients may see their skin turn pink or red with slight swelling, akin to having a sunburn. During this time, you may need to apply a moisturizer and will need to be diligent about using sun protection when outdoors.
Most patients will need a series of microdermabrasion procedures to see visible results. Similar to a chemical peel, the results will also not be permanent.
What Can You Expect Post-Chemical Peel?
The reality is, all peels performed by a dermatologist will require at-home care and time to heal and for the skin to fully resurface. You may be directed to refrain from wearing makeup for a while or to apply ice packs for soothing relief. Healing varies from person to person and depends on the type of chemical peel you received, but typically lasts around a week. It’s important to note that results are not permanent. Ask your dermatologist how often they recommend coming back for the treatment.
Which Procedure Should You Get?
Both procedures can improve the appearance of dull skin, uneven tone and texture, age spots and dark spots, so how can you choose between the two? According to Dr. Bhanusali, one major difference between chemical peels and microdermabrasion is that in addition to exfoliating, peels can also help stimulate collagen production. So if you want to target aging concerns, a chemical peel might be the way to go.
Another difference, says Dr. Bhanusali, is that chemical peels are capable of penetrating the skin deeper for more dramatic results. However, microdermabrasion is less invasive than a chemical peel, so if you have sensitive skin or want a treatment with less pre- and post-care, the latter may be a better choice. As always, talk to your dermatologist for a personalized recommendation.
chemical peel vs microneedling
Nothing helps you maintain your skin’s beautiful glow like shedding the old layers of dead skin and gunk that have accumulated over time. There are some fantastic at-home products available, but even with regular use, you’ll want a professional service performed regularly. Two of the most popular non-surgical skin renewal treatments available include MICRONEEDLING and chemical peels. But if you haven’t had either treatment done before, you may wonder what’s the difference? And which one is best for you? Both provide exceptional benefits, but here is what you need to know when it comes to microneedling vs chemical peels.
What is Microneedling?
First, it is important not to confuse microneedling with microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a skin treatment using a minimally abrasive, hand-held wand that gently glides over the skin removing thick layers of old skin. Essentially it’s a more advanced form of exfoliation. Microneedling is completely different.
Clinical MICRONEEDLING uses a specialized implement consisting of several acupuncture sizes, sterilized, needles that create micro-channels in the skin, thereby creating what is medically termed a “controlled injury.” When performed by professionally trained skin health providers, microneedling is safe for the face, neck, and decollete, pretty much any area of skin on the body. As the needles puncture the skin at different depths, they cause minor surface damage (defined as a disruption of tissue integrity). These microscopic wounds induce skin cell proliferation (the remodeling of new skin). The rush of increased levels of blood and oxygen to the tissue, in turn, stimulates and increases the PRODUCTION OF COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN. In essence, it tricks the body into thinking it’s injured and needs to fix the damaged area quickly.
This surge of blood, oxygen, and proteins can help treat other skin issues as well. You may have FINE LINES OR WRINKLES due to your body’s inability to produce the necessary collagen to support these areas (often due to age, smoking, medication, etc.) such as around the mouth, eyes, and forehead. Microneedling forces a surge of skin-repairing nutrients to a perceived injury (aka, wrinkle), forming new collagen and elastin at the treated site. This increase in volume results in diminishing the appearance and smoothing out of fine lines and wrinkles naturally. This can also help resolve issues such as uneven skin texture, some types of SKIN DISCOLORATION, or if you struggle with certain TYPES OF ACNE SCARS.
DIY – Take Home Microneedling
Now, there are some DIY AT-HOME PRODUCTS you can purchase, however; when it comes to microneedling, none that we would recommend. At home roller-type puncture products are oftentimes unsafe, non-sterile, thicker needles, and more likely to cause infection or create skin injury or worse, long-term damage that may lead to permanent scarring. Other types of AT-HOME SKIN CARE can prove beneficial when used correctly, but they should never puncture the skin. Buyers beware! Most of the products available for purchase online or on Instagram will cause more harm than good. Your safest bet is to leave this type of procedure to the medical professionals.
What is a Chemical Peel?
As the name suggests, a chemical application is applied to your skin. The special combination of ingredients helps shed or peel away the outermost layers of skin. Depending on the type of chemical peel used and the strength of the chemical properties, it may penetrate deeper into the tissue, thereby removing deeper layers.
Most chemical peels work by removing the top layer of skin, the epidermis. Some stronger, deeper peels may even work down to the dermis. As with microneedling vs chemical peels, CHEMICAL PEELS initiate a repair response, stimulating the body to create new skin. CHEMICAL PEELS are used to treat an array of skin concerns and range from gentle more superficial peels, to medium-depth peels and even some deep peels. They each contain beneficial ingredients specifically designed to treat various skin concerns such as; fine lines, rough texture, uneven skin tone, sun damage, acne scars, and a plethora of other skin issues you may be struggling with.
There are several safe at-home options available. DIY peels intended for home use consist of much lower potency, are usually made of fruit acids and are much less effective than the ones performed in a clinical setting. Even so, you need to be careful when using a chemical peel at home, as even these products can cause damage if left on the skin too long or if your skin type is intolerant to the ingredients. To avoid damaging delicate, new skin, please remember to apply an APPROVED POST-PROCEDURE SUNSCREEN, regardless of the peel being performed at home or professional in the office.
Microneedling vs Chemical Peels
Both of these procedures can be used to rejuvenate skin to a more youthful appearance or treat damaged skin. Both cause a controlled form of trauma to the skin, initiating a response in the body to immediately begin repairing the damaged areas. However, there are some differences you need to know about. First, a chemical peel will remove layers of the skin. Microneedling doesn’t remove any skin. A CHEMICAL PEEL is like exfoliation on steroids, with microneedling, there is no exfoliation of the skin. So if you want to target the entire face, improving your skin’s natural, healthy glow, then you may lean more towards a chemical peel. Just FYI, chemical peels are not suitable for certain skin types.
Professional microneedling treatments can target areas of your skin in a deeper way. If you have moderate wrinkles of the forehead lines, crow’s feet, around the mouth and cheek area, or perhaps other problem areas, microneedling may be a more suitable option. It has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin than most chemical peels. Microneedling is safe and effective for almost every skin type.
Your skin tone may be a determining factor as to which procedure will be safest for you. In general, microneedling is relatively safe for any skin type. If however, you are darker complected, you should avoid certain types of CHEMICAL PEELS. Certain chemical peels may result in either hyper or hypo-pigmentation of the skin. This is the uneven lightening or darkening of areas after having a peel. More often this occurs in areas of the skin that did not receive the peel (around the eyes and mouth), there may also be some slight gradient discoloration. If you have concerns, we highly recommend you speak with your skin care professional. They will discuss in detail the levels of chemical peels, ingredients, and anticipated reactions.
How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
In-office chemical peels, which are administered by a licensed professional, are designed to help exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin, promote radiance, stimulate collagen and target the appearance of hyperpigmentation. “A chemical peel uses chemical agents to resurface the skin by inducing a controlled wound and removing a specific layer of the skin, whether that’s superficial, medium or deep,” says Dr. Levin. “As a result, the peel promotes growth of a healthy, fresh, new top layer of skin, helps the appearance of different types of pigmentary conditions and improves the appearance of pores, texture, fine lines, wrinkles and more.”
Dr. Howe explains that the chemical solution used in the in-office treatment typically contains peeling agents such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). “Chemical peels exfoliate our skin by loosening attachments between skin cells,” he says. “While naturally occurring exfoliation takes place when enzymes called proteolases break up the bond between skin cells (called the desmosome), a chemical peel breaks up the desmosome by the direct action of the acid.”
Why Do Some People Peel but Not Others?
Peeling of the skin can happen post-chemical peel, however, it’s not a requirement. Your likelihood of peeling relies on a few factors: the concentration of the acid, the type of acid, how long the solution is left on for and the amount of solution applied. “Light glycolic peels often produce little in the way of visible desquamation, but salicylic acid or TCA peels are more likely to cause more visible shedding,” says Dr. Howe. “Patients will also peel less after their skin has been naturally exfoliated, like if they’ve recently peeled from the sun.”
Dr. Levin agrees that the type of peel and the strength of your peel are major factors in how much peeling you’ll experience. She adds that how you care for your skin post-peel can also determine how much and how long your peeling lasts. “Immediately after the peel your skin will likely feel tight, it might be a little red and any visible peeling will be fluffy or light,” she says. This typically lasts around five days. “But if you’re using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, it’s going to enhance the healing process and the results as well as the down-time.”
Did My Peel Work If I Didn’t Peel?
Rest assured, your peel is still working even if you don’t see peeling. “Visible peeling results from the peeling agents action on the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin), but peeling agents also exert influence deeper in the skin,” Dr. Howe says. While surface layer peeling may not ensue, the dermis and epidermis are still undergoing changes. “Peels can reduce visible pigmentation by their action on the basal layer of the epidermis and they stimulate collagen production by their activity in the dermis.” What’s more, it’s important to give yourself time to see results — they won’t be immediate. “You don’t judge the success of a peel by how much you peel, but by the end result the peel will produce,” says Dr. Levin. “Depending on the type of peel, I tell my patients they’ll start to see results as early as seven days after their peel or up to two weeks after their peel.”