About Chemical Peels:
Updated January, 2020
Chemical Peels are one of the most popular spa treatments available and they can do wonders for the skin in the right situations. As a former medical spa owner, I oversaw our nurses and aestheticians performing a number of different types of peels including glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, AHA, and more.
Peels work by removing dead skin and causing the skin to react with the chemicals used to provide the desired result, which might be reducing acne or skin oiliness, reducing fine lines, smoothing out the skin, etc. The percentage of ingredients and the ingredients themselves vary widely by brand and by the aesthetician.
Each person has their own special "formula" they use to mix the chemicals into a combination that will work best for the customer, but this also allows for error and potential damage to the skin. Anytime you place strong chemicals on the skin, there's always a chance things can go wrong, and for people with darker skin, a chance that they will get hyperpigmentation (lighter areas of skin).
About Microdermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion works in a completely different way to achieve very similar results. It's an all natural treatment that does not use any harsh chemicals and is done the same way every time, no matter who does the treatment.
This reduces errors and cuts down on the chances that something will go wrong. Microderm treatments use either a diamond tip or fine crystal particles to manually exfoliate the skin, removing the top layer of dead skin cells with a gentle stroke across the face.
Especially with the diamond tip, there is no reaction with the skin and its a safe and easy way to get a deep exfoliation. Beneath the skin, the body reacts to the treatment by producing new collagen and elastin, which we lose as we age.
This results in the face becoming plumper and firmer over time, a glowing complexion, and the smoothing of acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.
So what's the real difference between a Chemical Peel and Microdermabrasion?
They are basically working on the same skin conditions but in drastically different ways. The main difference is the use of harsh chemicals with a peel, while microdermabrasion is an all natural treatment that is dermatologist recommended.
Starting microdermabrasion at a young age, even once a month will keep the skin young and fresh and will prevent the usual signs of aging. While we don't have anything against chemical peels, we do believe that there is a better, safer, and all-natural way to fight the effects of aging, and that is with microderm treatments.