What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel rejuvenates your skin by applying chemical solutions to the skin. The chemicals react on your skin, exfoliating the top layer and causing it to eventually peel off, which causes new, smooth skin to grow.
There are three types of chemical peels, and each type has different results and healing times. You choose the peel you would like based on the results you’re seeking out.
Superficial peels use a mild acid and world best for treating discoloration. Medium-level peels penetrate the outer and middle skin layers to reduce the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and acne. Deep chemical peels go deep into the middle layers of the skin and remove damaged skin cells.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a procedure that involves using tiny needles to puncture the skin, which nonsurgically increases collagen production in the punctured areas. It is a safe and effective way to treat skin imperfections. It is also pain free and the results can completely rejuvenate your appearance.
Multiple treatments are required for optimal results.
What are the Differences?
Microneedling is suitable for any skin pigment, and is best for treating severe wrinkles. Chemical peels are better for fair-skinned patients who want to remove dark spots, freckles, or surface-level acne.
Microneedling involves using thin needles to puncture the skin and trigger the body’s natural collagen-producing, healing process. Microneedling repairs damaged layers of skin and replaces it with younger, healthier skin tissue.
Microneedling requires more than one session for optimal results – the average amount of treatments are three to six every two to six weeks.
Chemical peels resurface the skin by using a variety of chemical solutions to treat different skin issues. A medical professional will apply a numbing cream or anesthetic, especially for a deeper peel, and then a chemical solution is applied to the skin. This removes the skin’s top layer, getting rid of damaged cells in the process. This procedure stings, but new skin will grow in its place and you will feel brand new.
Light chemical peels do not require much down time, but medium and deep chemical peels can require two to three weeks of recovery time. Most patients require about four to six light peels to achieve desired results, spaced one to two months apart.
What are the Pros and Cons of Each Procedure?
Some pros of microneedling include that it is a less invasive procedure, it is perfect for all skin types, and it is really proactive in addressing deep sagging and wrinkles. Some cons include that it is not recommended for people with bacterial infections (like acne, eczema, or psoriasis), and you may not see instant results as microneedling requires multiple treatment sessions.
Some pros of chemical peels include that all portions of your skin will be treated evenly, it is perfect for treating any discoloration in the skin, and it is a one-time procedure. Some cons include that deeper peels are more invasive and require a longer recovery time than microneedling, and the procedure is more expensive than microneedling.
What is the Best Option for Acne Scars?
Both of these procedures will improve the appearance of skin. However, chemical peels work best on superficial, surface-level imperfections such as dark spots or hyperpigmentation, while microneedling penetrates deeper to improve more troublesome issues, such as acne scars, wrinkles, and sagging.
A combination of microneedling and chemical peels will deliver the best results. Microneedling will promote the healing of scarred areas, and once those treatments are completed, a chemical peel will rejuvenate your skin further.
Although microneedling is best for treating scarring, it cannot be used on any skin conditions that may involve bacterial infection. Make sure your acne is completely bacteria-free and just a scar to go ahead with the microneedling option. Otherwise, chemical peels are a great option for treating acne.
Are the Procedures Effective for Treating Fine Lines and Wrinkles?
Chemical peels and microneedling can both reduce the look of wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin. However, microneedling reaches deeper under the skin to promote long-term deep wrinkle reduction. Chemical peels are a faster procedure which only requires one treatment and can rejuvenate the skin to remove fine lines.
A combination of microneedling, targeting deep wrinkles and sagging, and chemical peels, targeting fine lines, is the best option for getting rid of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Which Procedure is Right for You?
A chemical peel is ideal for fair-skinned patients, as there is less likelihood of discoloration if the patient has a lighter complexion. It can be risky for patients with darker complexions, and is not recommended for patients with loose skin, severe wrinkles, herpes, or patients who have taken acne medication within the past six months. There can be adverse reactions during the healing process, and for those with severe wrinkles, treatments like fillers or facelifts are recommended over a chemical peel.
Microneedling is ideal for anyone with skin concerns that don’t just have to be surface-level, such as fine lines, wrinkles, textured skin, loose skin, stretch marks, scars, or sun damage. It is not recommended for patients with bacterial skin diseases like acne, psoriasis, or eczema, as the bacteria can enter the microchannels created with the needle and cause infection.
To find out the best procedure for your aesthetic goals, sit down with a medical professional to discuss desired results, skin care history, and lifestyle. Both procedures are safe and effective when done by a medical professional, however you need to be sure you qualify for these treatments. SkinTechnique is here to help you through a consultation to decide which treatment option is best for your needs.