What To Know About Chemical Peel Or Dermaplaning
Exfoliating your skin with a chemical solution is called a chemical peel, and it’s one sort of skin treatment. Acne, sun spots, wrinkles, and other skin issues can all be remedied with this technique. Dermaplaning, in which dead skin is removed from the face with a scalpel or blade, is similar.
Chemical peels require some recovery time because they are a surgical treatment. There is a significant price and quality difference between medi-spas (low cost with bad quality) and med-spas (high cost with good quality), so choosing the right medical spa for chemical peeling is essential.
In this guide, you’ll learn what to know about chemical peel or dermaplaning and how to find the right medical spa provider. Read on to learn more on Chemical peeling is a surgical procedure with some downtime. Picking the perfect medical spa for chemical peeling is important because there’s a big difference in price and results between medi-spas (low cost with low quality) and med-spas (high cost with high quality). In this guide, you’ll learn what to know about chemical peel or dermaplaning and how to find the right medical spa provider and dermaplaning regret.
What To Know About Chemical Peel Or Dermaplaning
Do you feel like your skin could use some love? Conditions such as fine lines around your eyes, wrinkles from sun exposure, age spots, and even freckles can all make your skin appear older than it actually is. Chemical peels and dermaplaning are both options you can choose to correct these issues. What is the difference between the two, and how do you know which one is right for you?
Chemical Peel
This is a chemical exfoliation process that penetrates deeper into the skin so that the top layers will begin to shed, and both stimulates collagen and increases cellular turnover. This process begins with a chemical peeling agent applied to the surface of your face. The solution is left on for a few minutes and then removed or neutralized. You will feel tingling to a mild burning sensation and your aesthetician can adjust the depth to which your peel goes: mild, medium, or deep. The peel may leave the skin sensitive and red. You may also choose to do a series of chemical peels, 1 week or 1 month apart to reach your desired results. Your skin may flake or look dry for a couple of days, and then you will see new and healthier-looking skin begin to show.
Note: This process is best for those who are experiencing hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, and skin texture issues.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is non-invasive, involving a surgical blade designed for dermaplaning gently scraped over the skin of your face to remove dead skin and even out rough or dry spots. It is painless and can be performed once per month. Dermaplaning also increases collagen & elastin production in the skin, promoting a firmer, even skin tone. It is generally painless and can be performed often, up to once per month. In addition to removing the rougher outer part of the dermis, it also helps to remove unwanted facial hair (also known as “peach fuzz”) and without the pain that often comes with tweezing and waxing. When this process is done correctly, your skin will appear smoother and younger. The treatment will take less than an hour and the effects can last for up to a month or more. It is recommended for your face only.
The difference between dermaplaning and chemical peels mainly concerns the depths that each process is able to reach. Dermaplaning removes the top layer of your skin, increasing collagen & elastin production and is great for sun damage, age spots, acne, sensitive skin, peach fuzz, fine lines & wrinkles, while chemical peels are great for deeper sun damage & age spots, tougher skin, deeper wrinkles & scarring. A chemical peel can also be applied after dermaplaning for a truly deep treatment but is not recommended for first-timers.
Chemical Peel Vs Microdermabrasion
Many of our clients ask us “What’s the difference between microdermabrasion and chemical peels?” As two of our most common procedures, both are extremely popular choices when it comes to skin care treatments.
While there are some similarities between the two, there are a few key differences that people should be aware of when looking for the right treatment for their skin, including cost, recovery, and impact.
Let’s walk through these two types of treatments so you can figure out which option is right for you.
WHAT IS 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.
You may notice downy excess body hair growing during your pregnancy but don’t be alarmed, this is quite normal and will typically go away around six months post-partum. However, what about using laser hair removal treatments during your pregnancy?
Many women find out they’re pregnant after they’ve started a course of laser hair removal and are keen to know if it’s safe to continue. We discuss the important considerations below.
HAIR GROWTH DURING PREGNANCY
If you notice hair growing on your body in some unusual places, such as your stomach, you needn’t worry about it! In fact, it’s very common to find downy, light hair growing in some unexpected places during this exciting time of your life.
This condition is known as Hirutism and many women may experience it during their pregnancy because they have higher than normal levels of androgen in their bodies, which can trigger Hirutism.
You might even notice your body hair getting darker too because this can happen due to heightened levels of melanin. This is the pigment in our bodies that is responsible for our natural colouring.
The excess body hair is typically found around the stomach, nipples and the face among other unusual areas and it can also cause your hair and nails to grow too. But, don’t despair – the good news is that this extra hair won’t stay forever and will typically disappear around six months after your delivery. However, if it doesn’t go away or is getting thicker or darker past this point, it’s a good idea to follow up with your doctor.
However, if you are concerned about the appearance of this excess hair and would like to remove it then waxing, shaving, plucking or threading are usually safe hair removal options for pregnant women.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS WHEN GETTING LASER HAIR REMOVAL DURING PREGNANCY?
Most doctors and health care professionals usually don’t recommend the use of laser hair removal treatments during pregnancy, not because of concerns about the safety to the unborn baby, but because it poses a slight risk of permanent pigmentation damage to the skin. This is because, during pregnancy, the skin’s pigmentation can change due to the androgen hormones in your body.
However, due to the lack of scientific evidence, there is no clear guidance as to whether laser hair removal beauty treatments are safe to have during pregnancy. This lack of scientific and medical research into the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy means that we can’t say for certain how this treatment could impact on the health and development of a foetus.
CAN YOU CONTINUE LASER HAIR REMOVAL WHEN PREGNANT?
Some women become concerned about their excessive hair growth during their pregnancy and seek to use laser hair removal to remove it. Others have already started a course of laser hair removal before they realise, they’re pregnant and wonder if it’s safe to continue the treatment.
It will depend on the individual beauty spa’s insurance and internal policies for offering laser hair removal treatments, as to whether they decide to continue with a course of treatment when their patient is pregnant. In some cases, they may decide to postpone or delay the course of laser hair removal until the baby is born, just to be on the safe side.
At Primas Medispa London, we are more than happy to discuss your specific requirements should you find that you fall pregnant during a course of laser hair removal treatment at our spa. Contact our friendly team today to find out more about booking one of our laser hair removal packages.
Dermaplaning Regret
Dermaplaning Regret #3: Dermaplaning Irritates Your SkinAlthough you might be impressed with an initial feeling of smoothness, a few hours later, your skin can feel tight and scraped if dermaplaning has worked a little harder then your sensitive skin would prefer.
Unlike laser hair removal and other cosmetic treatments, there is little to no recovery time other than making sure you apply sunscreen and watching how much time you spend in the sun. As dermaplaning only affects the top few layers of skin, it is considered a minimally invasive treatment, involving less risk than other treatments. According to Hughes, freshly dermaplaned skin can be perfect to enhance the results of chemical peel treatments, facials and microneedling.
Is dermaplaning safe to do at home? No! Always go to a spa to do this treatment, don’t try to do it at home. In terms of the results, they last about three weeks and, because your skin is in a fragile state, your skin is at a risk of sun damage in the days following. Because of the skin’s fragility, you should avoid using retinol or tingly skin care products for a few weeks following the treatment. Those with some skin conditions (see below) shouldn’t attempt dermaplaning treatments.
Why Dermaplaning Should Only Be Done By An Esthetician
According to Hughes, dermaplaning is typically performed by a certified technician. This is because dermaplaning is a professional treatment and removes two to three weeks of dead skin cells as well as vellus hair. She explains the difference between professional dermaplaning and using a razor at home: “In the treatment, they use a surgical blade at a 45-degree angle for the main purpose of exfoliation. In comparison, facial razors are tools that feature a safety guard and sit on the skin at a 35-degree angle and were designed to be used at home. Its main purpose is hair removal and ONLY removes the hair on the surface of the skin.”
Who Benefits From Dermaplaning? Who Should Avoid It?
Every skin type could respond well to dermaplaning, and the practice can be particularly beneficial for those with:
- Acne scars and pock marks
- Dull skin
- Dry skin
- Sun-damaged skin
- Fine wrinkles
- Concerns about their vellus hair, which can thicken naturally due to age or conditions such as polycystic ovaries.
Who Should Avoid Dermaplaning?
According to WebMD and Healthline.com, you should avoid dermaplaning if you’ve recently experienced or regularly experience:
- Severe sunburn
- Active breakouts
- Sensitive skin
- Accutane or tretinoin application in the past 6 months
- Cancer, and are undergoing cancer treatment
- Keloids
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Spider veins
- Cystic acne
- Hirsutism
- Viruses such as chicken pox or shingles
6 Common Dermaplaning Regrets
Dermaplaning Regret #1: You “Wing It” And Try It At Home
It’s not hard to find an at-home dermaplaning blade but just because you can try a dermaplaning facial treatment on yourself, doesn’t mean you should.
“Dermaplaning should always be done by a certified dermaplaning technician in order to avoid injury and adverse reactions,” Hughes says. “You will want to make sure that you research certified technicians that were trained with proper techniques. Make sure to read the reviews and discuss the treatment with them before you start.”
Without the proper training, sanitizing knowledge, or knowing how to angle the tool, you’re at risk of damaging the delicate skin on your face, which may prompt an infection, irritation, scratches or even scarring.
YouTuber Natalies Outlet mentions her own bad experience after dermaplaning with an old blade, describing the results as feeling like “ingrown hairs.” “I had bumps for months,” she says in her video.
Dermaplaning Regret #2: Your Breakouts Worsen
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the sliding motion of dermaplaning can make breakouts worse by spreading bacteria around. In time, this can even cause more breakouts and agitate existing acne. We always recommend avoiding dermaplaning if you’re living with acne, active breakouts or using acne treatments like Accutane or Isotretinoin. However, if you think your skin is clear enough to attempt the practice, ensure you’re working with a professional to keep dermaplaning tools far away from any broken skin or blemishes.
Dermaplaning Regret #3: Dermaplaning Irritates Your Skin
Although you might be impressed with an initial feeling of smoothness, a few hours later, your skin can feel tight and scraped if dermaplaning has worked a little harder then your sensitive skin would prefer. We always recommend talking to your dermaplaning professional or dermatologist before the treatment to discuss whether it’s right for you.
However, if your skin only occasionally suffers from sensitivity, consider an oil planning treatment that applies a layer of facial oil to the skin before dermaplaning to reduce any friction. And always remember, your treatment should be slow, careful and very light on the skin to avoid scratches and irritation.
Dermaplaning Regret #4: It Reignites An Old Cold Sore
Unfortunately, dermaplaning the wrong area can awaken an old cold sore site, reactivating the herpes simplex virus on the skin. To avoid this, visit a doctor to secure an oral anti-herpes medication or antibiotic to prevent any outbreaks, and always let your skin specialist know about your cold sore history prior to your treatment.
Dermaplaning Regret #5: Neglecting Your Skin After Treatment
As dermaplaning has removed a layer of older skin to expose a new one, a restorative routine is necessary in the weeks following your treatment. According to SELF.com, the skin cells in the epidermis take about 14 days to turn over, so follow your dermaplaning facial treatment with a routine that replenishes the skin barrier to maintain smooth, healthy skin in the long term.
This means a focus on:
- Hydrating serums and hyaluronic acids to add moisture to the skin
- Moisturizing in the weeks following the treatment
- Sunscreen, as your skin is even more susceptible to UV damage
- Avoiding skin care products that make your skin tingle
- Avoiding retinol
- Gentle cleansing
Laser for hair removal and skin treatments have been approved by the FDA since the late 1990’s. Since this time no studies have proven that laser hair or skin procedures are unsafe for pregnant or non pregnant women.
There have been studies on pregnant rats that have shown negative effects, but incidental human exposure to laser procedures during pregnancy has not proven harmful. However, because there are no long-term studies and due to the delicate nature of pregnancy it has been recommended by most professionals that laser hair removal be postponed until after the birth of the baby. As a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) I would have to agree with this recommendation. It is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health and welfare of mom and baby!
Should I Do Laser Hair Removal When Pregnant?
Some may think that the suspension of the hair removal process would cause a lessened effect on hair removal but this is not necessarily so. The hair follicles that have been killed as a result of laser treatment will never grow hair again. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding do tend to increase hair growth but waiting until after the birth of the baby to begin or continue treatments will not effect the results. Laser hair removal during breast feeding is fine as long as it is not done on the areola or breast tissue.
As far as skin treatments are concerned the same is true during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Numbing agents are commonly used with laser skin treatments. These medications do travel through the skin to our blood supply and have been found in breast milk, so it is best to postpone laser skin treatments until after you have stopped breastfeeding. For optimum results postponing laser treatments until after pregnancy and breastfeeding is recommended especially with the edema and skin changes that are associated with this time.