If the desire to turn back time has you considering a cosmetic procedure, such as microdermabrasion or a chemical peel, then keep reading this article to find out the details of each treatment and which is the better treatment choice for you.
Both chemical peels and microdermabrasion are popular activities for those who seek younger looking skin. Both the procedures leave your skin feeling silky smooth and can even out your skin tone.
Let’s look deeper into the two different treatments and exactly what they entail.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical skin resurfacing procedure that removes the outermost layer of your skin that’s often mistaken for a build-up of dead skin cells.
The process involves spraying tiny grains or crystals onto the skin to help exfoliate the outer layer. Your body considers this process as a minor injury to the skin which it reacts to by activating the skin’s healing process. This then results in younger, healthier skin. Microdermabrasion also helps to enhance the production of elastin and collagen which also helps to rejuvenate the skin.
Why is mircodermabrasion so good?
The great thing about the treatment is that it’s very gentle to the skin and won’t cause changes to your skin pigmentation. This means it’s suitable for those with both fair and dark skin.
Different types of microdermabrasion
Crystal microdermabrasion: This technique requires spraying fine crystals over the skin to abrade the surface layers. Then, a vacuum is used at the same time to remove the crystals and exfoliated skin cells.
Diamond tip microdermabrasion: This technique makes use of a wand with a tip that’s made from synthetic or natural diamond chips. It’s a particle free method which allows more accuracy and control, which is probably why it’s the more popular treatment option.
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is another type of exfoliation technique, but instead uses a chemical solution rather than mechanical methods. The practitioner applies an enzyme solution to the skin in order to encourage skin cell production. This either chemically wounds the cell to encourage a renewal, or, dissolves the bonds holding skin cells together.
Chemical peels are often used to treat a variety of skin conditions including rosacea, acne, scarring as a result of acne, hyperpigmentation, lines, and wrinkles, or photo-damaged skin. They are also used to help resurface the skin for more tone and a smoother texture.
Different types of chemical peels
Chemical peels will vary depending on the depth at which they work. They are often categorised as such:
Very superficial to superficial peels: these chemical peels work on the stratum corneum only
Moderate to medium-depth peels: these peels work down to the stratum spinosum layers of the skin
Deep peels: these peels work down to the reticular dermis and papillary
The overall strength of a chemical peel solution will depend on the type of acid that is used.
Which is better: Microdermabrasion or a Chemical Peel?
Both chemical peels and microdermabrasion provide regenerative and resurfacing benefits to the skin. It depends on the type of result you desire and your skin sensitivity. Both treatments offer positive and effective results, so it’s best to consult with a dermatologist prior to initiating treatments.
Get in touch with The Derm Lab today to find out more about the microdermabrasion treatments we offer and how they can benefit your skin.
