What To Know About Chemical Peel Or Microdermabrasion>Smoother, younger-looking skin can be achieved with either chemical peels or microdermabrasion. So then, what’s the distinction between the two? Chemical peels may be preferable to microdermabrasion if you need a speedy solution for your acne, wrinkles, or sun damage. Comparatively, chemical peels are more affordable than microdermabrasion.
When it comes to exfoliating dead skin cells from your face’s surface, microdermabrasion is far superior. Chemical peels can only get rid of dead skin cells; they can’t stop new ones from dying. While both chemical peels and microdermabrasions remove dead skin cells, the distinction between the two procedures lies in the specific type of exfoliation used. Microdermabrasion is a physical exfoliation, while chemical peels are chemical exfoliations.
Skin is one of the organs of our body that always attracts attention. Shiny, supple, clean smooth skin make people more attractive. However, there are some factors that can bring harm your skin and make you look old – sun exposure, aging, acne and so on. To remove the above unpleasant signs of skin pruning in a effective way, chemical peel and microdermabrasion procedures are suggested. Read on to learn more on chemical peel vs microdermabrasion for acne scars and chemical peel vs microdermabrasion reddit.
What To Know About Chemical Peel Or Microdermabrasion
If your complexion is looking dull, it may be time to look into exfoliation procedures that can help take your skin to the next level. Two popular choices are chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Both procedures, which can be done at home (to a degree) or by a dermatologist, help remove dead skin cells. Where they differ are the concerns they target, how they’re performed and what you can expect afterwards. To find out the key differences between chemical peels and microdermabrasion, we tapped Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel involves applying a powerful chemical solution formulated to peel off the top layers of skin. The treatment resurfaces your skin, making the texture feel smooth and the appearance look more youthful. The treatment can also reduce the look of discoloration and scars.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s likely that your dermatologist will give you a pre-peel regimen to follow for a few weeks in advance to prep your skin. Afterward, they’ll likely give you a soothing lotion or cool compress to minimize any discomfort. You can also use at-home peel pads, such as the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads, in the meantime. While not as potent, they are still effective in removing dead skin cells and promoting a more radiant complexion.
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.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
While chemical peels are a form of chemical exfoliation, microdermabrasion is a form of manual exfoliation, meaning the dead surface skin cells are physically sloughed away revealing a smoother texture and a more even tone. Unlike a chemical peel, microdermabrasion doesn’t necessitate a pre-procedure plan. During the procedure, your dermatologist will use a handheld device to gently remove the top layer of skin, which may result in a non-painful sanding sensation.
Dr. Bhanusali shares that diamond tips or crystals may be used to achieve the exfoliation and a vacuum can be used to remove the debris. According to the AAD, the entire process should take around 30 to 40 minutes for your face and 20 minutes for your neck. Afterward, your dermatologist will apply a moisturizer. For an at-home tool, look into the PMD Personal Microderm Pro. 
What Can You Expect Post-Microdermabrasion?
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.
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 Microdermabrasion For Acne Scars
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.
When you combine the two treatments, you can reduce the side effects of both and maximize your good-skin time without a lengthy recovery.
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.
Chemical Peel Vs Microdermabrasion Reddit
Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are two popular cosmetic procedures that can improve the appearance of your skin. Learn about the differences between these two procedures and how they work.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove damaged layers of skin. The solution works like an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and encouraging new cell growth. Depending on the type of peel, you can expect to see improvements in the texture and tone of your skin, as well as lightening dark spots or acne scars.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical procedure that uses tiny crystals to gently sand away layers of dead skin cells from the surface of your face. This treatment can improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, age spots and discoloration in addition to helping with sun damage.
Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are both very effective at improving the appearance of skin. However, they are different in several ways.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of skin. The solution may be applied directly to the skin or mixed with water or oil before application. Chemical peels can improve fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars and other conditions.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses an abrasive device to remove the outer layer of skin through physical exfoliation. A diamond-tipped wand is used to gently abrade the surface layers of skin using small crystals or aluminum oxide particles. This process improves fine lines, acne scars and overall texture of the skin.
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.