The skin has its own natural renewal process, shedding damaged cells every 28 to 30 days. As you get older, this process slows down, causing the damaged cells to linger on your face longer than they should. This leads to dullness, pigmentation spots, and frequently clogged pores. While exfoliation speeds up the process, there’s only so much that home skincare can do for you.
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are both fantastic solutions for removing the damaged top layer and restoring the skin’s natural, healthy glow. These procedures share some similarities, but they differ in their technique. Read on to find the differences between the two and how they can help.
How Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels Work
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are exfoliating treatments that aim to promote skin regeneration. They remove the outermost layer of the skin to reveal the healthy, new skin cells underneath, thereby reducing dullness. However, while the results are similar, they each achieve these results in different ways.
A microdermabrasion treatment uses a specialized device (such as a diamond-tipped wand) to dislodge the dead skin cells. Dermal infusions are a treatment that gently cleans and exfoliates the skin. Along with tiny crystals, they help remove dead skin so dry or rough areas feel smoother and look healthier.
Chemical peels use targeted acids to loosen the dead skin cells’ bonds. But instead of using physical scrubbing to remove the damaged skin cells, the body removes the damaged skin on its own. The chemicals used to trigger the peeling process come in different strengths, depending on your needs.
How Do the Two Procedures Compare?
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels vary in terms of effect, downtime, safety, and use. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your choice:
Depth of Effect
Out of the two procedures, chemical peels can enter deeper layers of the skin. Medium and deep peels penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective for issues like wrinkles and acne scars, triggering a rejuvenation process.
Microdermabrasion works just on the surface. It only compares with superficial peels in terms of effect, being useful for dullness or minor texture irregularities.
Results Timeline
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels also differ in terms of when you’ll see the results, with the former bringing immediate results. Microdermabrasion removes damaged skin immediately, after which the providers infuse the skin with serums. Most patients leave the clinic with an immediate glow.
However, chemical peels have a longer waiting time for the results to show, as the skin has to peel first. The skin will likely look worse before it begins to look better.
Downtime and Recovery
In terms of recovery, microdermabrasion offers gentle skin exfoliation with fewer recovery symptoms. In fact, microdermabrasion only involves some redness, similar to a mild sunburn, which fades within a day or two.
Chemical peels leave the skin feeling tighter for the next few days, after which the flaking or peeling will start. Most clients choose to stay indoors during the peeling process, which makes it easier to perform the aftercare.
Risk Level
Both procedures are considered safe, especially when performed by an experienced provider. However, among the two, microdermabrasion is considered the lower-risk option.
Chemical peels use chemical solutions that can irritate the skin of those who are particularly sensitive. However, microdermabrasion requires more sessions, which can increase sensitivity.
Which Treatment Is Better?
The type of treatment you choose depends on your skin renewal goals. If you are looking for non-invasive skin regeneration for superficial imperfections, like dullness, microdermabrasion is the recommended choice.
However, if you have deeper, stubborn spots, age spots, and wrinkles, then chemical peels are better suited.
Exfoliate Your Skin with Dermacare!
Whether you’re looking for a gentle glow treatment or something for deep renewal, both chemical peels and microdermabrasion have their purposes. It’s up to you to decide which fits you best, based on your availability and preferences. Schedule an appointment with Dermacare Medical Aesthetics today and start your journey toward glowing skin.
For more information about microdermabrasion and chemical peels, call Dermacare Medical Aesthetics at 858-943-2443. We have practices in multiple locations where we can welcome you. Alternatively, contact us via the online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly.