Is It Time For A Chemical Peel Or Microdermabrasion?

Both microdermabrasion and chemical peels address common skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines and rough texture. But how do you know which is right for you? It depends on whether you're willing to wait for results and how often you want the procedure done.

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes a diamond- or bristle-tip head that lightly buffs the skin, that will leave the skin clearer and more even in tone after a few treatments. Your aesthetician may recommend microdermabrasion treatments every few weeks or before every facial to remove dead skin cells and allow other facial products to work more effectively. There's no downtime, but you'll see improvement in sun damage, dryness and even minor acne scars.

A chemical peel, on the other hand, will require a few days of recovery since the chemicals in the peel, such as betahydroxy or salicylic acids, glycolic acid or lactic acid, will cause a layer of dead skin to peel off and then heal to reveal more dramatically rejuvenated, glowing skin. The chemicals come in varying strengths that require longer downtime the stronger they get. To maintain results, mild peels can be done once a month; medium peels every few months; and deep peels only once in your lifetime.

Some experts recommend alternating between less-intense microdermabrasion and chemical peels, depending on their client's tolerance. What is your microdermabrasion and/or chemical peel regimen?

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9 comments | Post a comment
Lissa
I recently tried a new medium depth peel, the Radiant Peel. The esthetician explained it as a "cocktail" of peeling chemicals. All ingredients where either for superficial peeling or slightly deeper. I think what made it medium was that they did three passes on my face. Down time was minimal and I did see improvement. It did burn more than I expected. I would recommend stepping up to a medium depth peel if the superficial peels are not giving you the results you want. But please, go to a doctor's office for this procedure.
Posted November 12, 2012 7:06 PM EST
1
Claudio Pinto
I normally recommend a chemical peel long before i choose a microdermabrasion. Chemical peels come in a wide variety of concentrations and target many different skin types and conditions. The days of chemical peels being procedures that one must hide at home for weeks are long gone. Now with that being said, I like to offer microdermabrasion in between treatments of for those patients who have been on retin-a treatments and their skin needs a boost and I want to help remove all the dead skin so they are not tempted to picking and I can start to reveal all the healthy skin thats underneath. Chemical peels are a lot more effective than microdermabrasion and patients will be happy they are getting a more effective treatment.
Posted November 12, 2012 6:33 PM EST
2
Kat Sanchez Medical Aesthetician
JANINE B... You would actually do great with chemical peels, light chemical peels. the retin-a helps prep your skin for the peel (as a microderm would). You should stop using the retin-a 1 week prior to a peel and continue 1 week after the peel.
Posted August 30, 2012 12:00 PM EDT
3
Crystal Reynolds Medical Aesthetician
As a medical aesthetician at Body Couture Anti Aging Center I always recommend alternating microdermabrasions with chemical peels. A microdermabrasion is a great way to prepare you skin before a chemical peel by exfoliating a layer of dead skin cells it allows the chemical peel to penetrate better and work faster. When doing a series of peels I find that adding a microdermabrasion in the middle of the series helps boost the results of the peel leaving skin smooth and glowing.
Posted August 28, 2012 12:45 PM EDT
4
ani
yes janine, i am a retin-A user and did have a fraxel lazer peel. BAD IDEA I didn't tell the doctor and got a lot of damage to deal with. I have spent the last four years bleaching my spots and am almost normal. My skin will never be the same! My suggestion if you are going ahead with a peel, stop the retin-A treatment for three months.
Posted January 22, 2012 1:01 PM EST
5
Cindy
Yes I will opt for a skin peel, I love doing skin peel, I do not like glycolic as it always irritate my skin, I start using the "Bio Gorgeous peel" from I'm Fabulous Cosmetics and I love it because it is natural.
Posted January 20, 2012 9:19 AM EST
6
janine b
I have yet to read an article/blog about chemical peels or microdermabrasion that addresses the possible concerns for retin-A users. I regularly use a strong prescription strength retin-A and my Clarisonic Brush and have therefore stayed away from peels, etc for fear of damaging my skin. I am intrigued by chemical peels, microdermabrsion and even lasers but worry about how safe that would be considering the level of exfoliation i regularly get from my Retin-A. Anyone..........?
Posted January 20, 2012 7:28 AM EST
7
WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS:

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Dr. Kenneth Beer
Dermatologist - West Palm Beach, FL
The decision to get a chemical peel or microdermabrasion is a personal one. Choosing between the two really just means determining what it is the patient wants to change about their skin. I tend to favor chemical peels, and offer several types of peels in my practice. Not only can chemical peels give you that coveted glow by exfoliating the outer layers of the skin, but they also stimulate collagen production to plump the skin over time and help to reduce the appearance of brown spots caused by sun damage. However, sags, bulges, and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may require other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures such as laser skin resurfacing or a soft tissue filler. A dermatologic surgeon can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for each individual case.
Posted January 19, 2012 6:27 AM EST
8
camping_diva
For the last year or so, I have alternated weekly microdermabrasion treatments with a six minute facial with a 30% solution of glycolic acid. Then, after four weeks, I take a break for two or three weeks. I have noticed a significant decrease in jawline acne,pigmentation and fine lines. My question for the experts is this: If I am no longer seeing superior results with this treatment, should I consider a stronger chemical peel? How often should strong chemical peels be performed?
Posted January 18, 2012 6:23 PM EST
9

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