Is a chemical peel or microdermabrasion right for me?
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are techniques that can be used to improve the texture and tone of your skin – it should be noted that there are significant differences in technique, downtime, and outcomes between these in office procedures. The best treatment option for each patient will vary, so talking to your dermatologist in person is important.
Microdermabrasion: exfoliating microscopic crystals are carefully applied over the skin surface to remove the most superficial layer of skin cells. Usually a series of treatments 2-4 weeks apart are needed to improve skin texture (wrinkles, early fine lines, acne scars) and in diminish the appearance of uneven pigmentation and brown spots. It is a very effective form of superficial exfoliation, especially when compared to at home exfoliation electronic brushes and serums. After treatment you should at home exfoliating products for 2-3 days.
The benefits of microdermabrasion:
- Works on virtually any skin type
- Each treatment is quick – you can return to work/normal activities immediately since there is no down time
- It is a very well tolerated procedure that can be performed by trained office staff
- Anesthesia/numbing medication is not required for treatment
Others points to consider:
- It is not effective for removing deeper pigmentation, deep scars or deep wrinkles
- Results are very subtle, even after a series of treatments
While microdermabrasion only treats the most superficial layer of skin, chemical peels can affect different and deeper layers of skin. When you arrive in the office for a chemical peel a precisely concentrated solution is applied to the treatment area. This solution causes damage to the outer layers of skin – this skin will flake off over 3-7 days after the office treatment. Once the outer layers of skin flake away and the healing process begins patients notice improvement in pigment and skin texture.
The degree of clinical improvement is directly related to the depth of peel penetration and strength of the peel. Chemical peels can be “very superficial,” “superficial,” “medium” or “deep.” If you have never had a chemical peel or have sensitive skin your provider may start you with a low strength peel. Chemical peels can be used for skin rejuvenation purposes, as well as treating pre-skin cancers (also known as actinic keratoses).
Superficial Peels:
- Target cells in the top layer of skin
- Examples include: Jessner’s solution, alpha-hydroxy acids, tretinoin solution, tricholoroacetic acid (TCA 10-25%), glycolic acid 70%
Medium and Deep Peels:
- Target the top and middle layers of skin
- Examples include: Tricholoroacetic acid (TCA 35-50%), glycolic acid used in combination with TCA peels, Jessner’s solution used in combination with TCA peels,
The benefits of chemical peels:
- Peels are quick in office procedures (often less than 15 minutes) that requires no numbing medication or anesthesia. Many of our Houston patients choose to do the procedure near the weekend to allow more healing time.
- The strength of your peel can be adjusted based on your needs
- Treatment sites can include the face, neck, chest, arms, hands and shins
- Multiple treatments (3-4 per year) can result in significant improvement in skin texture and dyspigmentation
Others points to consider:
- Your provider must choose a peel based on your skin characteristics and treatment goals because not all peels are safe in all skin types
- Patients experience variable degrees of downtime after a chemical peel -- for deeper peels there may be prolonged redness on the skin, whereas more after a more superficial peels, you may have increased dryness and skin flaking for just a few days
- Patients must avoid any excessive sun exposure after a peel and apply high SPF sunscreen 3-5 times a day for several days after the peel
- There is temporary discomfort and burning sensation during the treatment as in-office peels are performed without anesthesia/numbing medication.
- Chemical peels are very safe, however be aware that potential complications can include acne, milia, and long term pigment changes in the skin
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are techniques that can be used to improve the texture and tone of your skin – it should be noted that there are significant differences in technique, downtime, and outcomes between these in office procedures. The best treatment option for each patient will vary, so talking to your dermatologist in person is important.
Microdermabrasion: exfoliating microscopic crystals are carefully applied over the skin surface to remove the most superficial layer of skin cells. Usually a series of treatments 2-4 weeks apart are needed to improve skin texture (wrinkles, early fine lines, acne scars) and in diminish the appearance of uneven pigmentation and brown spots. It is a very effective form of superficial exfoliation, especially when compared to at home exfoliation electronic brushes and serums. After treatment you should at home exfoliating products for 2-3 days.
The benefits of microdermabrasion:
- Works on virtually any skin type
- Each treatment is quick – you can return to work/normal activities immediately since there is no down time
- It is a very well tolerated procedure that can be performed by trained office staff
- Anesthesia/numbing medication is not required for treatment
Others points to consider:
- It is not effective for removing deeper pigmentation, deep scars or deep wrinkles
- Results are very subtle, even after a series of treatments
While microdermabrasion only treats the most superficial layer of skin, chemical peels can affect different and deeper layers of skin. When you arrive in the office for a chemical peel a precisely concentrated solution is applied to the treatment area. This solution causes damage to the outer layers of skin – this skin will flake off over 3-7 days after the office treatment. Once the outer layers of skin flake away and the healing process begins patients notice improvement in pigment and skin texture.
The degree of clinical improvement is directly related to the depth of peel penetration and strength of the peel. Chemical peels can be “very superficial,” “superficial,” “medium” or “deep.” If you have never had a chemical peel or have sensitive skin your provider may start you with a low strength peel. Chemical peels can be used for skin rejuvenation purposes, as well as treating pre-skin cancers (also known as actinic keratoses).
Superficial Peels:
- Target cells in the top layer of skin
- Examples include: Jessner’s solution, alpha-hydroxy acids, tretinoin solution, tricholoroacetic acid (TCA 10-25%), glycolic acid 70%
Medium and Deep Peels:
- Target the top and middle layers of skin
- Examples include: Tricholoroacetic acid (TCA 35-50%), glycolic acid used in combination with TCA peels, Jessner’s solution used in combination with TCA peels,
The benefits of chemical peels:
- Peels are quick in office procedures (often less than 15 minutes) that requires no numbing medication or anesthesia. Many of our Houston patients choose to do the procedure near the weekend to allow more healing time.
- The strength of your peel can be adjusted based on your needs
- Treatment sites can include the face, neck, chest, arms, hands and shins
- Multiple treatments (3-4 per year) can result in significant improvement in skin texture and dyspigmentation
Others points to consider:
- Your provider must choose a peel based on your skin characteristics and treatment goals because not all peels are safe in all skin types
- Patients experience variable degrees of downtime after a chemical peel -- for deeper peels there may be prolonged redness on the skin, whereas more after a more superficial peels, you may have increased dryness and skin flaking for just a few days
- Patients must avoid any excessive sun exposure after a peel and apply high SPF sunscreen 3-5 times a day for several days after the peel
- There is temporary discomfort and burning sensation during the treatment as in-office peels are performed without anesthesia/numbing medication.
- Chemical peels are very safe, however be aware that potential complications can include acne, milia, and long term pigment changes in the skin