Chemical Peel Before Or After Microneedling
Microneedling and chemical peels are two popular skin treatments that can be combined for better results. Learn about microneedling, how it can be used with chemical peels, and more.
Microneedling and chemical peels are two of the most popular skin rejuvenation procedures in the market. While both of these treatments can help improve the appearance and health of your skin, there’s a lot more to it than just doing them one after another. So, read on to find out How to do chemical peel before or after microneedling, Why use glycolic acid after microneedling, Should you do a chemical peel before microneedling?
Chemical Peel Before Or After Microneedling
Many people find it hard to decide whether they should get a chemical peel or microneedling. Both can be used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation issues and other skin issues, but the two treatments are very different.
A chemical peel is a procedure that involves applying chemicals to the surface of your skin to remove the outermost layer. Peels come in different strengths, with stronger peels able to penetrate deeper into your skin.
A chemical peel is a procedure that involves applying chemicals to the surface of your skin to remove the outermost layer. Peels come in different strengths, with stronger peels able to penetrate deeper into your skin. This means that you can choose how deep you want your treatment to go based on how much time you have available for recovery between sessions and how much downtime you’re willing to accept.
Chemical peels range from superficial (also called beta-hydroxy acid or BHA) up through medium depth (trichloroacetic acid), medium-deep (phenol), and deep (tretinoin). Superficial treatments are less effective than deeper ones but require less downtime; they also heal faster than their more powerful counterparts because they don’t penetrate as far into the dermis where collagen is produced.
Microneedling involves using tiny needles to prick your skin, which can encourage it to regenerate itself and stimulate collagen production. This can help improve signs of sun damage and acne scarring.
Microneedling involves using tiny needles to prick your skin, which can encourage it to regenerate itself and stimulate collagen production. This can help improve signs of sun damage and acne scarring.
The procedure is done as an outpatient treatment in a clinic or spa setting. The doctor will use an instrument with many small needles attached–called a dermaroller–to create microchannels in the skin that are filled with growth factors and stem cells. These microchannels stimulate collagen production while promoting healing at the cellular level.
Microneedling has been shown to be effective for:
- Acne scars (acne keloidalis nuchae)
- Skin laxity around the jawline area (jowls)
- Stretch marks/striae distensae
Chemical peels are an excellent treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, texture concerns, pigmentation, and age spots. Because these treatments are more superficial than microneedling, they don’t typically provide much benefit for deep acne scars.
Chemical peels are an excellent treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, texture concerns, pigmentation, and age spots. Because these treatments are more superficial than microneedling or laser therapy they don’t typically provide much benefit for deep acne scars.
However if you have mild acne scarring or hyperpigmentation then a chemical peel may be right for your skin type.
Microneedling can be used on all skin types and is effective for deep acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, sun damage, stretch marks, and pigment abnormalities.
Microneedling is a safe, non-invasive procedure that can be used on all skin types and is effective for deep acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles, melasma (brown discoloration), sun damage, stretch marks and pigment abnormalities.
The treatment uses a roller with tiny needles to prick the skin into creating new collagen production in order to smooth out wrinkles or scars. Microneedling also helps decrease pore size by stimulating blood flow under the surface of your skin which causes your body’s natural process of repairing itself by producing new cells in areas where they were damaged before like after an injury or surgery has occurred on your forehead area due to having had acne there previously but now healed up nicely thanks!
Peels are a quicker treatment than microneedling but require more downtime and fewer sessions for optimal results. Microneedling is less intensive but may take longer to see results (and requires more sessions).
Peels are a quicker treatment than microneedling but require more downtime and fewer sessions for optimal results. Microneedling is less intensive but may take longer to see results (and requires more sessions).
Both treatments are effective for fine lines and wrinkles, texture issues like enlarged pores and mild acne scarring, as well as hyperpigmentation.
A chemical peel is an excellent treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, texture issues like enlarged pores and mild acne scarring, as well as hyperpigmentation.
A chemical peel is an excellent treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, texture issues like enlarged pores and mild acne scarring, as well as hyperpigmentation. A chemical peel is a controlled way of removing the outer layer of your skin (epidermis) to reveal younger-looking skin underneath. The process uses either an acidic or enzymatic solution that causes damage at a microscopic level–but only where you want it! It’s important to note that while these treatments have been around since ancient times, they weren’t always performed by trained medical professionals like today’s dermatologists.
microneedling and peel together
Acne is difficult to overcome. Even after the pimples have disappeared, scars often remain a bitter reminder that we once suffered from this affliction. These scars cause the skin to look uneven, which in turn can lead to many insecurities. Home remedies or whitening creams usually do not work, so it is necessary to resort to professional dermatological treatments.
Professionals recommend treatments such as chemical peelings and micro-needling to eliminate these marks on the skin. These treatments are highly beneficial both in combination and separately. The question is, can you do a chemical peeling after micro-needling? Keep reading to find out, but first, we will explain both processes separately.
What is micro-needling, and how does it work?
Microneedling is a non-surgical procedure in which the skin receives small punctures with the help of a radiofrequency device with microscopic needles or tools like derma-rollers and derma-pens. This treatment is painless, and the micro-punctures heal almost instantly.
In microneedling, the punctures are made at the superficial level of the skin to stimulate and raise collagen production and increase elasticity in those specific areas. That promotes rejuvenation and reduction of scars, expression lines, flaccidity, and sunspots, resulting in a firmer, smoother, and younger appearance.
This treatment works on all skin types safely and with optimal results. Note that a single session is not enough, and the number of treatments required may vary for each patient, although usually between 3 and 6 sessions are performed. Even so, results show from the first session.
What is a chemical peeling, and how does it work?
Chemical peeling is a non-surgical procedure that consists of applying a chemical agent directly on the skin in the face, neck, and other body parts. With this powerful treatment, dead cells are exfoliated to stimulate new cells that will give the skin a smoother and younger appearance.
Chemical peels use a solution that “peels off” the top layers of the skin to improve its texture and appearance while diminishing acne marks, wrinkles, sun damage, blemishes, and redness.
There are superficial, medium, and deep peels, each indicated depending on the desired effect. All of them have a different healing time, and their application will depend on the evaluation of a dermatologist for each patient.
Can you do a chemical peeling after micro-needling?
Absolutely. Combining both techniques will improve the appearance of the skin internally and externally. It is recommended to perform the chemical peel first as this removes all the dead and old layers of skin.
After about 4 to 6 weeks, when the skin have recovered from the peeling, you can start micro-needling sessions to finish improving the most problematic areas.
Some people who have suffered from very severe acne do the treatment in reverse, attending the micro-needling sessions first to start the collagen production. That way, when the deep peeling is done, the skin heals better and has a more even tone.
In either case, it is essential to consult with certified skincare professionals who will recommend the ideal treatments to give your skin the aspect you have always wanted.
can i use glycolic acid after microneedling
Microneedling and lactic acid, one is a favourite treatment, the other a popular skincare ingredient. With both delivering impressive results, you are left wondering how or if you can combine these together. Before we investigate, let’s have a brief recap on what lactic acid is and how microneedling works as this will hopefully make a lot more sense, and we can see who’s paying attention in the back!
Can I use lactic acid after mirconeedling?
Not really, even though lactic acid is one of the mildest forms of AHAs, applying it to the skin after mirconeedling. This is because exfoliation is one of the main benefits of lactic acid, which will cause too much irritation. When the small needles are rolled over the skin during microneedling, the skin is triggered into thinking the surface is damaged and so kick starts the collagen production. Whilst the skin is stimulating this, it is also left weakened temporarily meaning anything applied to the skin will penetrate deeper into the skin, this can spell trouble for a product such as an acid as it will become too potent leading to irritation and other unwanted side effects.
When can I use acids after microneedling?
During the healing stages after your microneedling treatment, chemical exfoliants and similar acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid should be avoided for at least 2-3 days. This will inhibit these exfoliants from over stimulating the skin and causing flare up in redness, dryness, and irritation. You should also avoid applying other active ingredients, such as any form of retinoids as this will result in negative side effects.
If the acid you’re using is hyaluronic acid however, then this can be applied to the skin once you have completed your microneedling. This is because although it is called an acid, HA does not work the same way as it doesn’t exfoliant the skin. Instead, it is known for its humectant abilities making it an effective ingredient as it will lock in moisture, boost collagen production, and keep the skin hydrated.
Once 2-3 days have past you will be able to apply acids onto the skin, but I would suggest doing this after you have applied hyaluronic acid to avoid any irritation. It is also very important to apply a daily SPF containing a factor 50 to keep the skin protected from UV damage.
What should you not do after microneedling?
As I have already mentioned, after mirconeedling you should avoid skin ingredients such as retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C. You should also avoid anything that is heavily perfumed, and this will result in redness and increased sensitivity.
It is suggested by many dermatologists, you must leave at least 48 hours before applying any form of makeup or cleanser to the skin. You should wait an extra day before applying any active ingredients, especially ones as potent as retinol, and vitamin C.
If you have any concerns about what to use on the skin after microneedling, I strongly suggest you consult with your doctor, dermatologist, or ask the professional who performed your treatment for advice.
What serum should I use after mirconeedling?
Hyaluronic acid is the best serum to use after mirconeedling. As I have already mentioned, the clever humectant can deliver impressive, hydrating results without the risk of increasing skin sensitivity and unwanted reactions.
Because HA can bind together double its molecular weight in water it leaves the skin supercharged with hydration. The skin surface is left looking plumped and youthful whilst calming the skin after the treatment is carried out. Quite often the skin will become tight and dry after microneedling which if left can result in a lot of discomfort and leave the skin barrier weakened. This results in the skin becoming susceptible to further damage as well as kick starting the sebum production, which will then lead to excessive oil and a knock on effective of frequent breakouts, problematic skin, and no clarity for the complexion.
Is it OK to use vitamin C after mirconeedling?
No, not really, this is because vitamin C can cause irritation to the skin after you have had microneedling. You’ll find the potent powerhouse will penetrate too far into the dermis causing increased sensitivity, severe dryness, irritation, redness, and weakened skin barrier. In other words, you skin will become more damaged with existing damage becoming worse. Just like the other acids I have mentioned, for optimal results without the side effects, wait 2-3 days before applying vitamin C after microneedling.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions, you can find out more over on our Instagram and find one of our skin experts in the direct messages who are happy to help.
should you do a chemical peel before microneedling
Both microneedling and chemical peels can stimulate the dermis level of the skin to encourage production of the body’s own natural collagen. Chemical peels however are more invasive and cause more damage to the epidermis while the micro punctures caused by microneedling completely close in around 8 hours.
Both chemical peels and microneedling can be done in clinics or at home. When performing home microneedling shorter microneedle rollers of 1.0mm should be used. Longer 1.5mm microneedle rollers can be used in specialist clinics.
While some chemical peels can be purchased over the counter for home use more intensive chemical peels are usually performed by an aestehtician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon in a medical spa setting.
Various types of chemical peels are available including Alpha Hydroxy acid peels (AHAs) such as, glycolic acid peels, Beta Hydroxy acid peels (BHA) such as salicylic acid peels, retinoic acid peels and phenol-croton oil peels.
Side effects of Chemical Peels Compared to Microneedling
The type of peel used determines how deeply the peel penetrates. Deeper peels while arguably more effective are associated with more side effects. Possible side effects from chemical peels include skin scarring, photo-sensitivity, prolonged erythema, milia, skin atrophy and changes in skin texture.
Side effects from microneedling are rare and generally less severe. Most people will experience skin redness and may be sensitive to sunlight for a week after treatment. If using microneedles of 1.5mm or longer then there can be bleeding. These treatments are best only performed in a clinical environment for medical conditions such as burn scars.
Importantly microneedling is also considered completely safe for darker skin as it has not been shown to cause pigmentation issues unlike chemical peels. The potential pigmentation issues with chemical peels vary with the depth of the peel. Superficial peels are more likely to cause hyperpigmentation while deeper peels can cause hypopigmentation.
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common in some skin types and hypopigmentation post chemical peel is more common on dark skin. It is best to consult a skin care specialist before using most chemical peels. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin or suffer from any known skin conditions.
Can you do a Chemical Peel Before Microneedling?
It is not a good idea to do a peel prior to microneedling. The peel will cause extensive inflammation in the skin making the microneedling treatment very painful. It also causes unnecessary over stimulation of the fibroblast cells which need time to induct collagen after a treatment.
How long after a Chemical Peel can I do Microneedling?
This totally depends on the depth of the chemical peel used. The minimum usually recommended is 2 weeks break between treatments. Better advice however is to wait until all signs of inflammation have disappeared then leave it a further week before proceeding with micro needling.
Can I do a Peel After Microneedling?
You should never do a peel directly after microneedling as the skin may be sensitive and inflamed. It is best to wait at least two weeks until all signs of inflammation have cleared. This will depend on the length of micro needle used and the depth of the peel intended.
Combine Microneedling and Chemical Peel?
Combining invasive cosmetic treatments like this can lead to excessive inflammation and slower healing times. Both treatments also work on stimulating fibroblast cells to induct collagen so are competing for the same mechanism. When done together like this it is also hard to know which treatment is actually working.
This can lead to you continuing with both treatments at higher expense when only one may be producing all the results. Microneedling combined with chemical peels is also very uncomfortable for many people. It is normally better to do one or the other and then measure results rather than combining both and simply hoping results will be better.
Dermarolling vs Chemical Peel?
Dermarollers are the most common way of performing microneedling on the face. Unlike a chemical peel a derma roller will leave the surface of the skin or epidermis relatively undamaged. The microneedles pass through the superficial skin leaving micro-conduits that completely close in around 8 hours.
Both treatments can increase collagen production in the skin but derma rolling does so with generally fewer side effects and for most, less discomfort.
Microneedling vs Peels – Cosmetic Results?
Both microneedling and chemical peels penetrate through the epidermis to the dermis. In doing so they engage the wound healing cascade. As part of this process the fibroblast cells are stimulated to create a new layer of the body’s own natural collagen.
The big difference is in how the dermis is reached. Peels do it by completely removing the outer layer of skin. This of course carry’s increased risk of side effects as out lined above.
Microneedling reaches the dermis by creating small punctures and passing through the epidermis while leaving the overall structure of the skin relatively intact. Rolling across the skin 15 times with a dermaroller will create around 215 micro-punctures per square cm. This is enough to stimulate the production of a completely new smooth layer of skin.
The amount of new collagen produced by a chemical peel will vary with the depth of peel. Most peels are fairly good at increasing collagen production.
When using microneedling the microneedles must be long enough to penetrate through the epidermis to the dermis. As the epidermis is fairly thin, derma rollers with needles over 0.5mm in length will actively create percutaneous collagen induction therapy (CIT).
Studies have shown that micro needling can produce up to a 1,000% increase in collagen production after a single session.
Chemical Peels or Microneedling for Scars?
Both chemical peels and microneedling are used to assist scar tissue. Dermarollers with microneedles of 1.0mm should be used with normal scarring. Product selection is more difficult with chemical peels as different skin types and scars react differently to different chemical peels.
Expert advice should be sought to determine which if any peel type is suitable for your skin. If assisting scars such as acne scars or caesarean scars at home then microneedling is the safer and easier choice to.
Microneedling is suitable for both hypotrophic (sunken) and hypertrophic (raised) scars. This makes it effective at assisting pitted and boxcar scars as well as raised surgical scarring.
Is Microneedling better than Chemical Peels?
Both microneedling and chemical peels can stimulate new collagen production and assist the signs of aging and scar tissue. The advantages of microneedling are ease of use, reduced side effects and they can be used on more surfaces. Proponents of deep chemical peels argue they may be more effective for some types of severe scarring.
When choosing microneedling products look for quality as although they look very harmless you are purchasing tiny needles that must be well made and effectively sterilised.