Chemical peels vs Microdermabrasion and Laser treatments

Chemical peels

The biggest difference between chemical peels and microdermabrasion lies in is how dead skin cells are removed from the skin. A chemical peel is just that, it comes in a chemical form and exfoliates your skin using a chemical solution to dissolve the connection that holds dead skin cells together. The dead skin cells then peel off resulting in new healthier skin underneath.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, is a form of physical exfoliation also considered a type of ‘skin polishing’ that vacuums away dead skin cells. A machine with a closed vacuum device and diamond tip is applied to the skin surface. The machine makes use of a combination of the gentle abrasion of the particles with suction to remove the uppermost layer of dead skin cells. This is when the superficial layer of skin is gently abraded and removed.

This treatment stimulates the production of good cells and boosts collagen giving your skin a youthful appearance and glow. Microdermabrasion also reduces acne, scarring and smooths fine lines. This is a non-invasive treatment, pain free and requires zero downtime.

Laser skin resurfacing

A chemical peel treatment utilises a chemical solution that is applied directly onto the skin. The solution is then neutralised and washed away. Within the healing stages the outer layers of skin will start to peel off. Laser resurfacing on the other hand, is used to remove dead skin one layer at a time. Both procedures have diverse side effects. For example, depending on the type of chemical peel (superficial, medium, deep) varying degrees of peeling, redness, swelling and burning may be experienced. Some patients may see abnormal pigmentation and even infection as unwanted side effects.

Patients who opt for laser resurfacing may also experience redness, swelling, acne flares, cold sores, itching, scarring, hyperpigmentation and even bacterial infections as potential side effects. If your main aim is to treat sun damaged skin, acne and wrinkles, then a chemical peel is the treatment for you. However, if you have severe problems with facial wrinkles, blemishes and scars then laser skin resurfacing will be your best option.

Laser treatments are precisely administered and are highly targeted, meaning, it’s possible to leave the healthy skin alone and just target the scars and acne directly. A laser will ensure faster and more effective results in the sense that it can produce more collagen.