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?
Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that involve using acids to exfoliate the skin.
The acid removes a uniform amount of damaged skin cells across the treatment area. When done appropriately, this allows the skin to heal, with minimalTrusted Source scarring or color changes.
Chemical peels can affect two layers of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the visible outer layer, and the dermis sits just beneath. This deeper layer contains nerve endings, sweat glands, and hair follicles.
All chemical peels remove a controlled amount of skin cells from the epidermis. A stronger peel may also remove a small part of the dermis.
Dermatologists may use chemical peels to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or to address:
- acne
- enlarged pores
- scarring
- redness
- rosacea
- hyperpigmentation
During a chemical peel, a dermatologist applies an exfoliant acid — first to the thicker areas of skin, such as the chin, nose, and cheeks, and then to the thinner areas around the eyes and mouth.
After the chemical peel, the dermatologist may use cool saline compresses to remove any remaining exfoliant.
They may recommend various ways to help the skin heal, such as applying a weak vinegar solution or unscented emollient to the face for a few days after the treatment.
The process can cause swelling and peeling, which may take 1–2 weeksTrusted Source to go away, depending on the depth and intensity of the peel. It is important to keep the face dry and not shower or use face wash for the first 24 hours. Also, do not use makeup until the skin has healed.
Types of chemical peel
There are three types of chemical peel, based on how deeply they exfoliate the skin:
- superficial peels
- medium-depth peels
- deep peels
The right choice depends on the type and shade of a person’s skin and what issue they are hoping to address.
Superficial peels
Dermatologists recommend superficial peels if skin issues only affect the top layer of the skin, the epidermis.
Because superficial peels do not penetrate the deeper layers, they carry a lower risk of side effects and the skin tends to recover more quickly.
Superficial peels take 1–7 days to heal. It is important to wear sunscreen during this time.
Because superficial peels are the gentlest type, a person may need up to five sessions to see the results they want. People may be able to have superficial peels every 2–5 weeks.
Medium-depth peels
Dermatologists may recommendTrusted Source medium-depth peels for:
- fine wrinkles
- sun-damaged skin
- minor hyperpigmentation
- minor acne scars
Medium-depth peels take 7–14 days to heal. They cause swelling that worsens for 48 hours after the treatment and may cause blisters.
The dermatologist provides a solution that a person should use to help their skin heal. It is also important to avoid sun exposure during the recovery time.
The dermatologist may also prescribe an antiviral medication, which a person takes for 10–14 days. People can wear makeup after 5–7 days but must avoid total sun exposure until the skin heals fully.
Deep peels
Dermatologists do not usually use deep chemical peels. For issues affecting the deeper layers, laser therapy often provides better resultsTrusted Source.
However, a dermatologist may recommend a deep peel if a person has:
- moderate to severe sun damage
- moderate to severe wrinkles
- moderate to severe hyperpigmentation
Due to their strength, deep peels take 14–21 days to heal. A person needs to:
- Recuperate at home.
- Take antiviral medication for 10–14 days.
- Wash the skin with a special solution between four and six times a day.
- Apply an ointment for 14 days, then use a thick moisturizer.
- Avoid makeup for at least 14 days.
- Avoid sun exposure for 3–6 months.
Types of acid
Chemical peels can contain different types of acid, includingTrusted Source:
- Alpha-hydroxy acids: Some examples include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid. At-home exfoliating treatments often contain these acids.
- Beta-hydroxy acids: Salicylic acid is one example, and it is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin and enlarged pores.
- Trichloroacetic acid: Dermatologists typically use this in medium or deep chemical peels.
- Phenol: This powerful chemical agent is useful in deep peels.
Some chemicals in peels cause the skin to develop a white coating, which the dermatologist may refer to as “frosting.”
Frosting signals the end-stage of a peel. Its presence and extent helps the doctor tell whether the peel has been sufficiently effective.
There are three levelsTrusted Source of frosting:
- patches of white coating over red skin
- a general white coating with redness underneath
- a complete coverage of white coating with almost no redness
Side effects
The side effects of a chemical peel can be mild. However, some people develop lasting adverse effects, such as:
- redness that lasts for months
- temporary dark patches of skin
- permanently lightened patches of skin
- scarring
The best way to avoid these is to visit an experienced dermatologist and follow their aftercare instructions carefully.
Risks by skin color
Many dermatologists use the Fitzpatrick scale when deciding on a type of peel to recommend. This scale classifies skin by six types:
- white skin that always burns and never tans
- white skin that usually burns and does not tan easily
- darker white skin that may burn slightly and tans
- moderate brown skin that rarely burns and tans easily
- darker brown skin that very rarely burns and tans very easily
- black skin that does not burn and tans very easily
People with skin types 1, 2, or 3 have a lower riskTrusted Source of a chemical peel changing the color of their skin or causing scarring. This means that any type of peel may be safe.
People with skin types 4, 5, or 6 have a higher risk of a peel causing severe skin discoloration or scarring. For this reason, it is crucial to visit a dermatologist who has experience with chemical peels and skin of color.
In general, superficial peels are safeTrusted Source for people with brown or black skin. However, the risk increases with peels of greater depth.
A dermatologist should have plenty of experience and use extreme caution when giving a medium-depth peel to someone with brown or black skin. They should not recommend or perform deep peels, due to the high risk of skin discoloration and scarring.
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.
How Long After A Chemical Peel Can I Do Microdermabrasion
As with most skin improvement treatments, it’s best to not have had sun exposure or spray tans for at least a week prior to your session. If you’ve had laser skin treatments or chemical peels, you should wait at least three weeks before having a microdermabrasion.