Microdermabrasion vs Peel

Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are a form of skin care that are classified as cosmetic surgery. The reason for this is because the treatments use chemicals which are considered a danger to health.

Under the strict conditions of the salon or clinic the professional aesthetic technician, plastic surgeon or dermatologist performs skin care treatments using these chemicals but in such a way as to avoid the associated danger.

It is for this reason alone that you should seriously consider a professional treatment rather than a home treatment!

The microdermabrasion peel takes a different approach to remove the top layers of the skin. A microdermabrasion machine is used to "sandblast" the skin, usually this involves the use of crystals but it is becoming more common for professionals to use crystal free machines which are considered safer.

This treatment is relatively new to the world of aesthetics but has become the most popular skin care treatment in the salon today. The reasons for this are multiple, it can remove blemishes, correct skin discoloration, smooth fine lines, lessen the severity of deeper wrinkles, fade acne scars and even help fight against active acne.

Both salon treatments produce similar results.  The microdermabrasion skin care treatment can be compared to the milder chemical peels and both are considered extremely safe, when carried out by a suitably trained professional. Astounding results can be gained after only a few sessions but the results are progressive and a number of regular treatments is strongly advised.

It is extremely important that you maintain a good daily skin care regime during your treatment period and your salon will advise you on the most suitable products for your skin type.

The real differences between these popular skin care treatments are the immediate effects. Following both procedures it is common to experience mild irritation which can last for a few days, in rare cases the skin can sting for a while but most only suffer from increased redness of the skin (often for only a few hours).

These differences increase as the concentration of the chemicals used in a chemical peel increase, concentrations over 35% are, usually, only used in extreme cases because of the increased risk of scarring and the longer recovery times.

The most incredible results are gained by using the strongest chemical peels. These peels can remove freckles, precancerous growths, blemishes and can improve skin that has been damaged by over exposure to the sun. Deeper wrinkles can be removed together with other signs of aging.

While the results are spectacular there are several down sides to be considered. Such a strong peel should only be carried out by a quality cosmetic surgeon and great care should be taken in deciding where to go.

With the AHA peel the skin is, usually, fully healed within a couple of days, with microdermabrasion the recovery can be a few hours. However, with the stronger chemical peels, the skin takes far longer to recover, commonly several months. The stronger peels are also cause the most discomfort!

Important Notes:

Following a chemical peel or microdermabrasion it is VERY important to protect the skin from direct sunlight.

Always seek the advice of professionals before deciding upon a change in your skin care regime, a word with your family doctor is also strongly advised.

Andrew Kelly has, over the last 10 years, been working with a number of very well known U.K. skin care companies, beauty salons and skin care web sites in the promotion of microdermabrasion and microdermabrasion products.