Have you ever thought your natural face looks rough right after using an Instagram filter?
Well, if your skin is getting dull, it may be time to check into exfoliating treatments that may help you achieve a more youthful appearance. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are two standard options.
Both treatments help eliminate dead skin cells and may be done at home (to a degree) or by a dermatologist. The issues they address, how they’re carried out, and what you may anticipate after that are where they vary. To learn more about the distinctions between chemical peels and microdermabrasion, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep on reading for our full breakdown of the differences between chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
In the simplest of terms, a chemical peel is a procedure that includes the application of a robust chemical solution. It’s designed to remove the top layers of skin.
The treatment resurfaces your skin, smoothing out the texture and giving it a more youthful appearance. Discoloration and scarring may also be reduced with this therapy.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, your dermatologist will most likely prescribe a pre-peel regimen to follow for a few weeks. It’s essential before the procedure to prepare your skin.
After that, they’ll probably use a soothing lotion or apply a cold compress to relieve any pain.
You may use at-home peel pads in the interim if an in-office treatment isn’t feasible owing to COVID-19. Nevertheless, they help eliminate dead skin cells and create a more luminous complexion, although being less powerful.
Chemical Peel: Types to Choose From
Basically, chemical peels come in three different varieties.
There’s the light or superficial Peel. A light chemical peel is intended to address skin discoloration at the surface level. For minor chemical peels, dermatologists employ weak acids.
Then, we have the medium peel. Medium peeling is used to address aging symptoms such as dark spots, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Finally, we have the hardcore deep peel. This is appropriate for more severe problems. Those can be thorough scars and deeper age spots; deep peeling is needed.
What Should You Expect After a Chemical Peel?
All peels done by a dermatologist will need at-home maintenance and time for the skin to heal and completely resurface.
You may be told to stop wearing cosmetics for a time or use ice packs to relieve the pain. Healing time varies from person to person and is determined by the chemical peel used, but it usually lasts around a week. It’s essential to keep in mind that the effects aren’t lasting.
Inquire with your dermatologist about how frequently you need to return for treatment.
What Are the Side Effects of Chemical Peels?
In terms of recovery time, superficial mild chemical peels would likely leave you peeling for a day or two following the operation.
Microdermabrasion involves minimal downtime and may even be performed during one’s lunch break. However, medium-strength chemical peels may cause peeling and redness for up to a week.
Depending on the type of chemical peel a patient has, the pain level connected with the procedure varies. Chemical peel treatments cause mild stinging or irritation on the face, according to patients.
There is no pain or downtime with mild chemical peels. The stinging sensation lasts just as long as the chemical peel solution is applied to the affected region.
More potent treatments of chemical peels will almost certainly need some pain medication to keep the patient as comfortable as possible.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Chemical peels are a kind of chemical exfoliation, while microdermabrasion is a type of manual exfoliation. Dead surface skin cells are physically sloughed away, exposing a smoother texture and more even tone. Microdermabrasion, unlike a chemical peel, does not need a pre-procedure plan.
Your dermatologist will use portable equipment to gently remove the top layer of skin during the treatment, which may provide a non-painful sanding feeling. Exfoliation may be accomplished using diamond tips or crystals, and debris can be removed with a vacuum.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the whole procedure should take 30 to 40 minutes for the face and 20 minutes for the neck. Your dermatologist will next apply a moisturizer to your skin. For a tool that can be used at home, you’ll want to check out this brand.
Microdermabrasion Types and Kinds
There are three kinds of microdermabrasion.
First, we have the diamond tip microdermabrasion. This procedure uses a handpiece with a diamond tip to remove dead skin cells from the skin.
Next, we have hydradermabrasion. In this procedure, a dermatologist employs a mix of crystal spray and skin infusion in this innovative procedure.
Finally, we have crystal microdermabrasion. This one involves using a handpiece to exfoliate your skin by gently rubbing crystal mist on it.
What Can You Expect After a Microdermabrasion Treatment?
Microdermabrasion, apart from a chemical peel, requires little to no downtime. According to the AAD, some patients’ skin may become pink or red with minor swelling, similar to a sunburn.
You may need to use a moisturizer during this period, and you should use sun protection whenever you are outside.
To achieve noticeable improvements, most patients will need a series of microdermabrasion treatments. The effects, like those of a chemical peel, will not last forever.
Microdermabrasion vs. Chemical Peel: Unlocked
You might be new to the world of scientific skincare and dermatological procedures, or you’ve been making laser appointments for the longest time. Regardless, you’ll want to know about microdermabrasion and chemical peels before setting up an appointment.
Hopefully, our guide has shed some light on the procedure and its different types. And, if you liked reading our article, then you’ll love checking out our lifestyle and health sections for all the additional tips and tricks.
