How to Compare Chemical Peels to Microdermabrasion

Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are two popular skin treatments that improve the appearance of the skin. If you choose a chemical peel, you may choose between light, medium and deep. Microdermabrasion simply removes the dead skin cells and the top layer of the skin, while making it feel very smooth.

Instructions

1. Compare the light, medium and deep levels when considering a chemical peel. The light peel removes the top layer of skin. You may experience a slight pinkness of the skin, and your skin should return to its natural color later in the same day or the following day. A medium peel removes more skin than a light peel, and recovery takes a week or longer. Results will last longer, however, and the procedure will reduce wrinkles. A physician performs a deep chemical peel in an operating room and is quite expensive. In addition, recovery time can last from 3 to 6 months.

2. Understand that microdermabrasion is the process of spraying fine crystals on the skin to remove the dead skin cells. The skin will appear rosier, lighter and brighter. The results last only a short time, but the cost of the procedure is considerably less than that of chemical peels.

3. Try home chemical peel and microdermabrasion kits so you can get an idea of what the results may be like. Understand that a home kit won't get the same results that you will get from a professional, but you will get a good idea of how your skin will react. Remember that a chemical peel will more dramatically change the appearance of your skin, is more expensive and has a longer recovery time. However, many people enjoy the results they get from microdermabrasion treatments as well.

Tips & Warnings

• You can only have one deep chemical peel treatment in your entire lifetime.

• Don't have both procedures done within 7 days of each other. You will need more time before having a microdermabrasion treatment if you had a medium or deep peel. Otherwise, you risk serious damage to your skin.