Micordermabrasion vs. Chemical Peels

Are you finally ready to undergo a cosmetic procedure but you are on the fence about which one will best to meet your unique needs? Two of the most popular options are microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Both procedures exfoliate your skin, but in very different ways, to reveal a more rejuvenated appearance.

What is Microdermabrasion?

A microdermabrasion procedure is a non-invasive cosmetic technique that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also removes skin discoloration to reveal a healthier skin tone. Unlike other methods, with microdermabrasion, the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) is all that is affected, so the entire procedure is painless and requires little to no downtime.

The Microdermabrasion Procedure

When undergoing microdermabrasion, the physician runs a handheld instrument over your skin’s surface to remove the top layer of skin with microcrystals. The microcrystals cause minor damage to the skin’s surface which activates the body’s natural healing process and collagen production to create a younger appearance.

Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion

Diamond tip microdermabrasion is another version of standard microdermabrasion. It involves the use of either natural or synthetic diamond chips instead of microcrystals. The wand of the device also has an attached suction that sucks up the diamond chips after they are applied to the skin. Diamond tip microdermabrasion is considered a more intense procedure that is not without risks. The method can cause damage to the skin’s capillaries if not performed by a skilled medical professional.

What is a Chemical Peel?

With a chemical peel, you can choose to undergo a light, moderate, or deep procedure. A stronger peel penetrates deep into the skin’s surface, and a light peel only touches the skin’s top layer. A robust chemical peel addresses not only surface imperfections but also those found at a deeper level. A strong chemical peel can also reduce the appearance of acne scarring and age spots.

The Chemical Peel Procedure

A physician can target specific areas of your skin using certain chemicals to gain the results you seek. The compounds are placed evenly on your skin’s surface. They actively peel away the skin’s top layer to reveal a more youthful look. The amount of recovery time varies greatly depending on the chemicals used and their strength. Eventually, the skin located where the substances were applied will start to peel to reveal a younger you. With a chemical peel, you and your physician determine the strength of the peel based on your desired results.

Chemical Peel Results

A chemical peel removes fine lines and wrinkles such as crows feet from the surface. Discoloration from sun damage, also become less noticeable. Chemical peels are also effective at preventing skin cancer by lifting away the skin’s top layer.

Deciding on which cosmetic procedure meets your needs is never easy. If you are on the fence about a chemical peel or microdermabrasion, then you should consider scheduling a consultation with the medical professionals at the Vargas Face & Skin Center. You can have your skin evaluated and discuss that various procedures to help you achieve the skin results you seek.