Is Chemical Peel Better Than Facial

Chemical peels can address fine wrinkles, acne, and pigmentation disorders, while facials hydrate the skin’s outer layer and remove dead skin cells. When it comes to medical-grade rejuvenation, deep chemical peels go above and beyond the surface. Because they stimulate cell renewal, they leave skin looking radiant and revitalized.

An ordinary-sounding name belies the seriousness of a medical operation that necessitates the presence of a doctor and the deliberate opening of skin wounds: the facial. Chemical peels, on the other hand, employ medically prescribed solutions with acids like glycolic acid to exfoliate the epidermis and remove dead skin cells. You can get a chemical peel for more than just wrinkles and age spots. You can choose to treat your entire face or target certain areas (like blemishes). Treatment’s effects are typically felt right away and only improve with time.

Facial vs. chemical peel – which is better? When it comes to rejuvenation, there are many treatment options available. Even places like your dermatologist will offer the two for comparison for you. But how do you decide which one is effective? Does it matter if the dermatologist does it or if its a salon treatment? We’ll take a look at both and compare. Read on to learn more on diamond peel vs facial and chemical peel vs microdermabrasion.

Is Chemical Peel Better Than Facial

Yearning for a luminous, glowing complexion? The dry winter months are especially harsh on our delicate skin, exacerbating the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, pigment irregularities and sun damage. Fortunately, there are skin care treatments that restore a youthful appearance by exfoliating dead cells, cleaning out pores, hydrating and nourishing.

In the world of skin rejuvenation, two of the most popular – and pampering — treatments are facials and chemical peels – both of which are available in the NYC aesthetic plastic surgery office of Dr. B. Aviva Preminger.

If you’re over 30, you’ve probably discovered that maintaining a radiant, healthy complexion takes more than just a good cleanser and sun screen. Periodic facials and the occasional peel should be a mainstay in your skin care regimen. With regular treatments every 6-12 weeks, you’ll notice fewer acne breakouts, a smoother texture, and brighter skin that looks ageless.

Chemical peels and clinical facials can be used in conjunction with microdermabrasion to reverse the effects of aging and sun damage.

BENEFITS OF FACIALS

Facials are one of the most effective treatments for keeping skin moisturized, cleansed and exfoliated. Using anti-oxidant rich serums and natural fruit enzymes, facials can help re-balance the skin and re-hydrate from the inside out.

At Preminger Plastic Surgery, our specially formulated facials are an indulgent, relaxing way to nourish and refresh stressed out skin, helping to:

• Improve skin texture
• Remove acne-causing bacteria
• Extract blackheads
• Rebalance skin tone
• Stimulate cell regeneration
• Minimize the appearance of fine lines
• Restore the skin’s natural protective barrier
• Refresh lackluster or dull skin

CHEMICAL PEELS

Chemical peels use natural acids to exfoliate or strip away the damaged surface layer of skin. Depending on the concentration and type of acid used, recovery times can range from 20 minutes to 10 days, as the dead cells peel away, revealing fresh, dewy skin underneath. Most people note a slight to moderate tingling sensation during the treatment, which is often used to:

• Reduce the appearance of fine lines
• Address sun damage, freckles and sun spots
• Help diminish the appearance of acne scars
• Improve texture
• Correct hyperpigmentation or dark patches

Some of our most requested chemical peels at Preminger Plastic Surgery include:

• Mandelic Acid Peel for sensitive skin prone to redness
• Anti-aging TCA Peel for a youthful glow
• Eye & Lip Peel to correct smoker’s lines and crow’s feet

Generally speaking, chemical peels are better for more advanced skin problems or signs of aging, as facials tackle more superficial issues. When used together, both skin treatments promise lovely, younger-looking skin.

WHICH FACIAL SKIN TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Only an experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist can determine which treatment is right for your skin type. People with darker complexions, acne-prone or extremely sensitive skin are at risk for developing inflammation, hyperpigmentation, blotchy discoloration and broken capillaries with aggressive or inappropriate treatments.

Diamond Peel Vs Facial

Diamond peel is highly similar to the regular microdermabrasion. But, the difference is that diamond peel uses a diamond-tipped instrument of different sizes and coarseness while the traditional method uses a sandblasting device to spray aluminum oxide crystals on the skin.

Diamond peel is one of the facial treatments many women turn to today – and with good reasons. It’s an affordable solution to most of their skincare problems, providing instant results with minimal downtime. But, as with any other skin treatment you’re considering to go through, it’s only proper to know what is involved in the procedure.

In this article, Skin MD outlines everything you need to know about diamond peel. It presents a rundown of the benefits of the treatment along with the potential problems that may arise, among others.

Introducing Diamond Peel Treatment

Diamond peel is a non-invasive, mechanical procedure that removes dead skin cells, dirt and excess oil on the skin surface. It improves the appearance of your skin, by revealing younger and radiant skin underneath in an instant. It is an effective procedure particularly if you’re struggling with:

• Fine scars
• Enlarged pores
• Sun damage
• Slight wrinkles
• Acne breakout
• Uneven complexion
• Non-inflamed whiteheads

The Evolution Of Diamond Peel

The term diamond peel was derived from the natural or synthetic diamond chips attached to a handheld pen-like instrument used in the treatment. It is in turn attached to a suction pump that vacuums the exfoliated dead skin cells away.

However, before this version of the machine was introduced, the first generation of the diamond tool used fine carbon sand particles that are blasted onto the skin at very high air pressure. But, the downside is that it is prone to cause eye irritation as the crystals would accidentally get into the eyes.

Today, the procedure no longer uses a sandblasting tool, but an instrument with an abrasive diamond tip to loosen dead cells, dirt and excess oil on the skin surface. It is now a painless and non-invasive procedure to improve your skin.

Is Microdermabrasion The Same As Diamond Peel?

Diamond peel is highly similar to the regular microdermabrasion. But, the difference is that diamond peel uses a diamond-tipped instrument of different sizes and coarseness while the traditional method uses a sandblasting device to spray aluminum oxide crystals on the skin.

It only means that diamond peel can address delicate problem areas such as lip wrinkles and crow’s feet which the traditional method often avoids to keep stray crystals from getting into the eyes and mouth.

Diamond Peel Procedure: What To Expect

While there isn’t any special preparation required before the Diamond Peel treatment, it would be important to have an initial evaluation with a dermatologist to have your skin properly assessed.

If you’re convinced to undergo this procedure, here’s what you need to prepare for:

1. Cleansing – The session for diamond peel typically starts by cleansing the face to prepare it for the treatment. It is often done with a cleanser and sponge.

2. Massage – Once the face is cleaned, the face will be massaged to stimulate blood flow and to relax the muscles.

3. Steam – After the scrub, the face will be steamed for about 15 mins. to moisten up the skin and open up the pores.

4. Treatment – For the actual treatment, the diamond peel rod will be run over every inch of the face which will feel like a faint brushing. Here, you will satisfyingly feel the dead skin falling off.

5. Cold Compress – To allow the opened pores to subside, a cold compress is applied. This also minimizes the redness and swelling after the diamond peel treatment.

6. Post-Treatment Cream – To restore the skin’s natural balance, a post-treatment cream is applied. It can also fight the dryness the diamond peel treatment may cause.

How Does Diamond Peel Really Work?

The diamond peel procedure benefits you in two ways: First, it exfoliates the top layer of the skin to reveal a healthy, radiant skin underneath. Second, it stimulates blood circulation that literally gives you a pinkish glow. It can last from 30 to 45 minutes with no downtime. It can also be done on the breasts, abdomens, and buttocks to help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

The Benefits Of Diamond Peel

In addition to these benefits, diamond peels are also effective in:

Increasing Collagen Production – skin improvement is achieved in diamond peel primarily because it stimulates the production of collagen – the protein that is essential in combating loss of elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Lessening Blackheads, Whiteheads, and Acne –  moreover, since pore tightening is another benefit of the treatment, it also lessens the odds of the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads and of acne breakout.

Improving Skin Condition – overall, a diamond peel is designed to keep your skin from being oily, keeping it clear, smooth and healthy looking.

Who Should Get Diamond Peel?

Both men and women of any age are qualified to undergo diamond peel. But, with an exception for those with active acne lesions, open skin or irritated skin. It is particularly recommended for those with:

• deep holes
• acne scars; and
• dark areas.

Diamond Peel: Side Effects

Having this wealth of benefits, it’s surprising that the risks of diamond peel are minimal and are only likely to occur when the treatment is carried out by an inexperienced dermatologist. The worst symptoms one may experience include:

• Mild redness
• Itchiness
• Sensitivity

Contraindications:

While diamond peel is generally a safe treatment, people with fresh burns, wounds, warts infection, pustular rash or signs of herpes should not undergo the procedure or any other peeling treatment to avoid the worsening of their condition. Likewise, it is not ideal for people with diabetes and immunity problems to stay away from possible complications in case cracks and peels result in skin breakage.

Although a nonsurgical cosmetic treatment likely won’t give you the same dramatic results as a surgical facelift, noninvasive procedures can be very effective at targeting:

• wrinkles and deep creases
• loss of facial volume
• skin tone and texture

With that in mind, here are some of the key benefits of nonsurgical cosmetic treatments.

Benefits

• More affordable. Compared with surgical facelifts, nonsurgical or minimally invasive procedures are a fraction of the cost. On average, a surgical facelift costs around $8,000. A Botox treatment costs about $500, and a chemical peel will run you around $550.
• Less recovery time. In general, the recovery time is significantly less. With some procedures, you can be back at work the same day.
• In and out of the doctor’s office quickly. Many nonsurgical treatments take less than an hour to complete.
• Less discomfort. Compared with a surgical procedure, nonsurgical treatments typically have minimal aftercare. In many cases, you can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication.
• Fewer risks overall. Because you don’t need general anesthesia or large incisions, fewer risks are typically involved with nonsurgical cosmetic procedures.

According to Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, board-certified dermatologist of Westlake Dermatology, skin laxity is only one component of aging. She explained that loss of volume in your face is also an important cause of premature aging.

“A surgical facelift won’t fix many of the fine lines and crepe-y skin texture that develops with age. That is where fillers and skin resurfacing devices like lasers come in,” she says.

What treatments work best?

The treatment that works best for you will depend on what you most want to change. Some of the most popular requests include:

• tighter skin
• fewer wrinkles
• more radiant skin

All these can be addressed without going under the knife. Depending on your concerns, your dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help you decide on the type of nonsurgical procedure that will work best for you.

Let’s look at some of the possible options.

Wrinkle and frown line reduction

When it comes to reducing the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines, injectable therapies such as Botox and other botulinum toxin injections are the clear winner.

Injectables such as Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin are derived from botulinum toxins, which are safe in small amounts. These treatments work by temporarily blocking nerve signals and muscle contractions in the areas where they’re injected.

Considered safe and effective, these treatments help improve the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines, especially in areas around the eyes and between the eyebrows. They may also slow down the formation of new wrinkles or crease lines by preventing the contraction of some facial muscles.

The risks of Botox and similar neuromodulator injections include:

• redness
• swelling
• bruising
• occasional headaches
• eyelid drooping
• in rare cases, toxin spread from the injection site

Botox results last around 3 to 4 months, and the average cost of a Botox procedure is about $500.

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. 

When you combine the two treatments, you can reduce the side effects of both and maximize your good-skin time without a lengthy recovery. 

Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing can help improve the texture, smoothness, and appearance of your skin.

Chemical peels

If you want to improve your skin texture or have pigment issues, chemical peels may be a good option.

“There are a great variety of peels on the market, some suitable for all skin types while others — more potent ones — are typically reserved for skin with less pigment to avoid the risk of complications after treatment,” Dhingra said.

The cost of a chemical peel is about $530.

The most common side effects, which typically last a few days, include:

• redness
• mild swelling
• dryness
• stinging

Less common but more serious side effects can include:

• scarring or blistering
• infections
• skin discoloration

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is often used as a superficial exfoliation to renew overall skin tone and texture. It’s considered a safe treatment for most skin types and colors.

This minimally invasive treatment is done in the doctor’s office and typically takes about an hour, with little to no downtime afterwards.

Microdermabrasion can help improve the appearance of:

• wrinkles and fine lines
• sun damage
• hyperpigmentation or age spots
• acne scarring
• enlarged pores
• stretch marks

A typical microdermabrasion procedure costs about $190.

Common side effects, which often go away a few hours after the procedure, include:

• redness
• mild tenderness
• slight swelling

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is another nonsurgical treatment. It’s often used for:

• age-related skin issues
• sun damage
• acne scars
• uneven skin tone

Your doctor will determine the type of laser — ablative or nonablative — depending on your needs. An ablative treatment removes the outer layers of the skin, while nonablative laser treatment stimulates collagen production beneath the skin’s surface without removing the top layer.

It may take several treatment sessions, but results typically last for several years. Laser skin resurfacing can cost anywhere between $1,600 and $2,600.

Healing typically takes several days, and the most common side effects include:

• burning
• bumps
• rash or redness
• swelling