Microdermabrasion, Dermabrasion, And Acid Peels

Microdermabrasion and chemical peels both do basically the same thing for your skin, and that is to exfoliate the skin. They remove the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal fresher, smoother skin and both stimulate faster cell turnover to keep your skin fresher.

Microdermabrasion is a mechanical means of exfoliation, that is, it uses a scrubbing action to remove the dead skin cells, while the chemical peel penetrates and exfoliates the skin chemically.

Comparing the Three

Microdermabrasion is more subtle than Dermabrasion and can be used on more skin types. You should consult with a physician when considering either one.

Chemical peel/Dermabrasions are procedures that will abrade or eliminate the superficial layers of skin and thus, will produce a regeneration of the epidermis that will make the skin plumper and less wrinkled. This will also help with dyschromias and little changes in the pigmentation of the skin.

Chemical peels and Microdermabrasion are done as an outpatient procedure. It will take two to three weeks, depending on the depth of the peel and the desired results, to complete the healing process.

Glycolic Peel vs Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion Peel Kit offer professional results in the areas of: buffing, polishing, refining, deep cleaning of pores, and reduction of surface imperfections. Skin Laboratory offers professional strength Glycolic Acid solutions in Glycolic/35 and Glycolic/50.

Glycolic Acid (pharmaceutical strength) offers professional results in the area of: diminishing lines, removing imperfections and darkness, decreasing acne, blackheads and oil production, increasing collagen production, smoothing, firming and evening skin tone.

Neither has any major risks or side-effects and both have limited effectiveness. They can help diminish or even remove superficial scarring and wrinkles, age spots, stretch marks and uneven skin texture. For deeper skin imperfections, you may need a more invasive procedure.

See warning below if using a chemical peel and microdermabrasion together.

Microdermabrasion After a Chemical Peel

Microdermabrasion is not recommended if you’ve had chemical peeling (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, TCA, Jessner or any other kind of peel) in the last 14 days because the two exfoliating procedures combined are too aggressive and might affect your skin’s ability to recover. This applies to over the counter system and professional treatment.