Microdermabrasion Vs Chemical Peel: Which Is Right For You? - Womanology (2024)

Microdermabrasion vs chemical peel: Which is better for you? Both can give your skin a youthful appearance, but which one is right for you? Keep reading to find out more about these two procedures, their key differences and see which one might be the best option for you and help you achieve healthy skin.

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Is a chemical peel the same as microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion Vs Chemical Peel: Which Is Right For You? - Womanology (1)

Chemical peels work by improving the appearance of the skin on the face, neck, or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, which makes it blister and peel off. Then, the new skin that’s revealed after a chemical peel is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion treatment is another technique used to improve the appearance of aging skin, promoting a reduction of enlarged pores and improve fine lines.

abrasive particles to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the face and is great for superficial hyperpigmentation and mild acne scars. This procedure can also be done using various methods, including ultrasonic waves, lasers, and diamond-tipped wands.

This procedure is alsoless painful than dermabrasion, and it doesn’t change the color of your skin. This means that it can be done on both people with dark and light skin. Both treatments, however, work to improve the skin’s appearance.

Tell me about the chemical peel treatments?

Typically the peels are applied to clean skin using acidic solutions and cause the skin to peel away from its surface by exfoliating and helping to stimulate collagen production. This reveals new, healthier skin beneath and is carried out using three strengths: light, medium, and deep.

Light peels are intended to address uneven pigmentations and acne spotting and are often associated with stinging redness. The medium and deep chemical peels will treat deeper wrinkles, scars, or sun damage.

Video credit: @skinluxurybahamas

So, what’s the difference between microdermabrasion and chemical peel?

Microdermabrasion is less aggressive than chemical peel, and doesn’t remove the top layer of skin. Chemical peel removes the top layer of skin, which can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Microdermabrasion is usually done in a series of treatments, while chemical peel is usually a one-time treatment.

Different types of chemical peels

Microdermabrasion Vs Chemical Peel: Which Is Right For You? - Womanology (2)

A chemical peel differs according to its depth of operation. Dermatologists classify peels according to their chemical peel type. Hydroxy acid peels are most often used and include Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AA), Trichloroacetic acid and Glycolic acid peel.

Other acidic acids are lactic acid and tartaric acids. Beta Hydroxylic Acids and Peel are used. BHAs such as salicylic acid lessen further breakouts and can remove oil from the pores enabling better penetration into other active compounds. Chemical peels with shallow depth typically employ enzymes.

Different types of microdermabrasion

Multiple treatments can be used for microdermabrasion, including crystal and diamond tip microdermabrasion. Diamond microdermabrasion with crystals dates back a long time. Typically these techniques are applied by applying thin crystals to the skin to resorb the skin’s surface layer.

A vacuum removes all crystals and exfoliates the cells of the skin simultaneously. Microdermabrasions are typically formed of a non-toxic metal oxide and a non-toxic chemical and the practitioner removes the crystal after all sessions.

Crystal microdermabrasion may look messy and may cause skin damage. Diamond tips microdermabrasion.


Which is better Microdermabrasion or Chemical Peel?

Microdermabrasion Vs Chemical Peel: Which Is Right For You? - Womanology (3)

Micro-dermabrasions and peeling offer skin repair, re-shaping, and regeneration. They all have disadvantages. Microdermabrasion is a less aggressive way of removing the top layer of dead skin cells and is better for people with sensitive skin.

It can be done using various methods, including ultrasonic waves, lasers, and diamond-tipped wands. Lastly, microdermabrasion is also less painful than dermabrasion.

Although gentle on the skin, compared to dermabrasion, microdermabrasion reactivates the skin surface in a way.

This exfoliating act removes the outer layers and also damages skin cells by exerting pressure on the skin and triggering an immune response, thus better absorption of the products and increases cell turnover, which encourages skin regeneration.

Is microdermabrasion or chemical peel better for dark spots?

Microdermabrasion Vs Chemical Peel: Which Is Right For You? - Womanology (4)

Both procedures can make your skin look better by making it less dull, uneven in tone and texture, and getting rid of dark spots and age spots. So how do you decide which one to get?

Abig difference between chemical peels and microdermabrasion is that peels can help stimulate collagen production in addition to removing dead skin cells. So a chemical peel might be the best optionif you want to deal with signs of ageing.

Another way in which the twoare differentis that chemical peels can go deeper into the skin for more significant results.

A microdermabrasion, however,is less intrusive than a chemical peel, so it may be a better choice if you have sensitive skin or want a treatment that requires less care before and after the procedure.

If you have dark spots on your face, talk to your doctor about microdermabrasion, or a chemical peel. Microdermabrasion is a good choice for people with sensitive skin or who are pregnant or nursing.

Microdermabrasion vs chemical peelfor hyperpigmentation

There are many factors to consider when choosing between microdermabrasion and chemical peel for hyperpigmentation.

Microdermabrasion is less aggressive than chemical peel, and it doesn’t remove the top layer of skin, whereas a chemical peel removes the top layer of skin, which can help improve the appearance of dark spots.

microdermabrasion vs chemical peel side effects

Microdermabrasion Vs Chemical Peel: Which Is Right For You? - Womanology (5)


Superficial peels often result in little more than redness and minor swelling, while deeper peels may require a week or more of recovery time. During this time, you should avoid sun exposure and other activities that could irritate the skin.

The same side effects can be said for microdermabrasion. In addition to redness and swelling, the skin may be dry and flaky for a few days if you have sensitive skin.

Microdermabrasion vs chemical peelfor acne scars

Choosing a microdermabrasion or chemical peel is influenced by skin types, skin problem and desired results.

If active acne is something you’re experiencing, then a peel is better than microdermabrasion because microdermabrasion physically damages the skin, which can irritate lesions attributed to acne and cause even more infection. Chemical peels also penetrate deeper into the skin, but also require more downtime and aftercare.

A salicylic acid chemical peel will instead dry up excess oil, softly remove dead skin cells and stop sebum from being made, which will help prevent future breakouts. Salicylic acid is safe for all skin colours.

Acne scars

Microdermabrasion Vs Chemical Peel: Which Is Right For You? - Womanology (6)

Atrophic scars and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation are two types of acne scars that can be treated with both procedures.

Microdermabrasion doesn’t help much with atrophic acne scars, but it can help reduce PIH over time. For faster results, a medium chemical peel can get rid of PIH in just one session. Also, microdermabrasion can be done more frequently than chemical peels, and requires less aftercare.

Microdermabrasion is typically once a month to gain deep exfoliation and to achieve skin that glows and is healthy.

Chemical peels are usually done every four to six weeks. Microdermabrasion may need to be done more frequently if you have very oily skin. On the other hand, chemical peels can be done more frequently if you have very dry skin.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which treatment for acne prone skin is right for you is to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or aesthetician who can assess your individual needs.

Can you do chemical peels and microdermabrasion together?

You shouldn’t do chemical peels and microdermabrasion on the same day, as this can irritate the skin. You can, however, do them close together. For example, you could do a microdermabrasion one week and a peel the following week.

Microdermabrasion may need to be done more frequently if you have very oily skin. Peels are usually done every four to six weeks. You should not do chemical peels and microdermabrasion on the same day, as this can irritate the skin.

Doing too much of either treatment can cause skin damage, so it’s important to only undergo treatments as recommended by your skin care professional.

What should you expect during and after your treatment?

Chemical peels are usually performed by dermatologists or plastic surgeons and during the procedure, the outermost layer of skin is removed.

The peel solution is typically applied with a brush or other handheld device, and it works by breaking down the bonds between the cells in the outermost layer of skin. The treatment typically takes less than an hour, and it can be done on an outpatient basis.

Recovery time after a chemical peel varies depending on the depth of the peel.

Price comparisons between microdermabrasion and chemical peels

Price comparisons between microdermabrasion and chemical peels can be tricky because there are many variables to consider. For example, microdermabrasion can be done at home with a variety of over-the-counter kits, while chemical peels typically require a visit to a dermatologist or skincare professional.

In addition, the depth and intensity of microdermabrasion and chemical peels can vary widely, which can impact price.

A superficial microdermabrasion may cost around $75, while a deep microdermabrasion can cost up to $200. Chemical peels also range in price from $75 for a superficial peel to $600 for a deep peel. As a result, it’s important to consider all factors before making a decision about which treatment is right for you.

What if neither treatment is right?

If you have sensitive skin but don’t want a microdermabrasion or a chemical peel then there’s alternative treatment solutions to try. Hydra-dermabrasion is a procedure just like microdermabrasion using a mixture of water and oxygen and isn’t irritating for sensitive skin.


Creams


Hyperpigmentation also be managed via topical skin lightener treatments containing substances like hydroquinone arbutin and Vitamin C. Ablative laser resurfacing uses heat to remove upper layers of skin reducing fine skin and wrinkles.

When it comes to Microdermabrasion vs Chemical Peel, it really just depends on your skin type, what kind of results you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend.

Microdermabrasion Vs Chemical Peel: Which Is Right For You? - Womanology (2024)

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