What is the Difference Between Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peel?

Microdermabrasion and chemical peel treatments are similar in terms of the kinds of results that they can deliver but different in terms of their processes. During microdermabrasion, the skin is deeply exfoliated. During a chemical peel, however, a chemical process takes place on the skin that works to remove dead skin cells and layers of skin. Another difference between microdermabrasion and chemical peel procedures is where they are performed and who can perform them. While microdermabrasion can be performed at a spa, most chemical peels have to be administered by a dermatologist or physician.

There are some microdermabrasion and chemical peel treatments that can be performed at home. As microdermabrasion has become a more and more popular treatment to fight the signs of aging and help to keep the skin clear, skin care technology companies have developed systems that can be used at home. This is especially true because the effects of microdermabrasion treatments are cumulative. Also, as chemical peels have increased in popularity, companies that sell skin care products have developed peels that can be used at home. While the most expensive at home microdermabrasion systems may compare to those used in salons, at home chemical peels are usually very light.

There is a range in the intensity of chemical peels that is different than the range of intensity of microdermabrasion treatments. This is one of the key differences between microdermabrasion and chemical peel treatments. There are three kinds of chemical peel treatments, which range from light to dramatic in their results. The deep chemical peels may require weeks of recovery time and must be performed by a licensed medical practitioner.

Choosing between microdermabrasion and chemical peel treatments really means choosing between levels of results. The only exception is with light chemical peels, which have results similar to microdermabrasion treatments. A single microdermabrasion treatment will generally not deliver the same results as a medium chemical peel or a deep chemical peel. These sorts of chemical peels remove more layers of skin than is possible using a basic microdermabrasion treatment.

It is possible for microdermabrasion and chemical peel treatments to have the same results, even regarding medium or deep chemical peels, if the microdermabrasion is administered on a regular basis. In fact, many people prefer to get regular microdermabrasion treatments instead of a deep chemical peel because, over time, the results are similar. With the microdermabrasion treatments, however, there is less recovery time and less pain.