Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are two of the most popular skin treatments you will find at a medspa. You are on the right track if you are considering renewing your skin to bring about a youthful glow and radiance.
The two treatments share a few similarities. However, there are some key differences that you should know when deciding on which treatment would help you achieve the goal of refreshing your skin.
We want you to look and feel your best! Below we will tell you about the two skin treatments and the key differences to help you choose the best one.
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a popular non-invasive treatment that removes dead skin from the outer layer and resurfaces your skin’s surface. During your microdermabrasion session, a Medspa professional will spray tiny grains or crystals onto your skin to stimulate the skin’s healing process to generate younger, healthier-looking skin. Microdermabrasion isn’t suitable for all skin types or conditions, such as psoriasis, so consult a professional.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion
The benefits include improving fine lines, aging skin, collagen production, and elastin. It is a pain-free treatment done by a professional that deeply exfoliates the skin.
Microdermabrasion can treat the following issues:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Acne
- Dry skin and fine lines
- Discoloration or uneven pigmentation
- Rosacea
- Minor scarring
- Clogged pores
- Skin texture
Types of Microdermabrasion
There are various types of microdermabrasion, such as:
- Crystal microdermabrasion involves spraying fine crystals on the skin to irritate the outer layers while using a handheld vacuum to resurface the skin. Sometimes a little residue is left on the skin as this method is slightly messy but is easily removed with a damp cloth.
- Diamond tip microdermabrasion uses a wand with a tip made from synthetic or natural diamond chips. It’s cleaner and easier to control. The wand has an attached suction that makes direct contact with the skin. If not done properly, this method has a higher risk of damage to the capillaries, which are smaller blood vessels.
What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are a type of exfoliation that uses chemicals instead of a mechanical method. A special solution is applied to the skin to stimulate skin cell turnover by either dissolving the bonds that hold skin cells together or chemically wound cells to encourage skin renewal.
Chemical peels go deeper than microdermabrasion resulting in fresher, brighter skin. Most treatments are done over a few days and can be customized to meet your goals and needs. Because it’s a deeper, more targeted treatment, chemical peels typically result in more downtime for recovery.
Benefits of a Chemical Peel
There are many benefits to chemical peels such as reducing fine lines, breakouts, wrinkles, and other surface issues, including the following cases:
- Acne
- Crow’s feet
- Hyperpigmentation
- Blemishes and brown spots
- Melasma which is patchy discoloration on the skin
- Scarring
- Sagging skin
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels range from light to deeper depending on the depth at which they work, including:
- Light superficial peels that work down to the stratum corneum
- Moderate to medium peels work down to the stratum spinosum or stratum germinativum layers
- Deeper peels work down to the papillary and reticular dermis and are performed only by a physician
The chemical peel solution strength and acid type can be adjusted to the client’s needs and goals. Lighter chemical peels use enzymes and are gentler on the skin. As with any skin treatment, chemical peels can irritate the skin, and you can talk with your professional aesthetician to determine how often you should have a treatment.
What is the Difference Between Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels?
The difference between microdermabrasion and chemical peels is how the outer layer of skin is removed to renew the surface. Microdermabrasion uses a gentle suction for skin removal and is noticeably different immediately. A chemical peel uses a chemical solution, and the results usually take a few days, while microdermabrasion results are visible immediately.
Pros and Cons of Microdermabrasion
- Affordable
- Pain-free
- Leaves your complexion glowing in radiant
- Greatly improved dryness, texture, and acne
- It’s not a customizable treatment
- It’s not as targeted as a chemical peel
- It requires multiple treatments
Pros and Cons of Chemical Peels
- Results are long-lasting, approximately one to two months
- Greatly improved acne, wrinkles, scars, pigmentation, and redness
- It may reduce the risk of skin cancer
- Multiple treatment options
- It’s more expensive
- It can cause discomfort or mild pain
- It takes longer to heal
Results Comparison Between Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels
- For acne, chemical peels are best because they reduce the risk of further breakouts, while microdermabrasion may irritate the skin.
- For wrinkles, either is effective unless the wrinkles are deeper, and then chemical peels are the best choice.
- For sun-damaged skin, either will work unless you have more severe sun damage, such as melasma; a deeper chemical peel will be necessary.
Get the Skin You Dream of With Dulce Lash and Skin
Both options will leave your skin looking amazing by resurfacing and regenerating your skin. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and it is best to consult with a medspa professional about your goals and skin condition to design a personalized treatment just for you.
At Dulce Lash and Skin, we offer basic skin care and complete luxury treatments, amazing lashes to medspa procedures, and gentle body waxing. We have five convenient locations: Bellevue, Seattle, Puyallup, Mercer Island and Issaquah.
All of our aestheticians are highly skilled and will help you create a personalized treatment plan to address all of your skin care needs. Get the glow you want and refresh your look when you book your appointment with Dulce Lash and Skin.