If you’re looking to improve your skin texture and tone, or simply pamper yourself, you may be trying to decide whether microneedling vs a chemical peel is the best facial treatment for you. Before deciding, you’ll want to know what each facial treatment entails and what they help to treat.
Microneedling vs Chemical Peel
Before learning more about the effects of microneedling vs chemical peel, let’s learn more about what to expect with each treatment.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure used to improve the texture of the skin. The texture of the skin is improved by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, and pore size using the Bellus Medical’s SkinPen.
Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin using Bellus Medical’s SkinPen. As the skin heals the small injuries caused by the SkinPen, the body naturally produces collagen. Collagen keeps the skin plump and youthful, so increasing collagen production helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Results are not instant, but appear as the body repairs the affected area. Maximum results are obtained after a series of microneedling treatments.
Chemical Peels
Similar to microneedling, a chemical peel is used to improve the appearance of the skin. During a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to the skin to exfoliate it and eventually cause the skin to peel. The new skin is typically smoother, often with better color and tone. There are three basic types of chemical peels: superficial or lunchtime peel, medium peel, and deep peel. The superficial/lunchtime peel and medium peel are offered in-office at Vujevich Dermatology Associates.
During a superficial or lunchtime peel, a mild acid is used to penetrate the outer layer of the skin, gently exfoliating it. This type of chemical peel is used to improve mild skin discoloration, rough skin, and acne. A medium peel uses glycolic or trichloroacetic acid to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin. Medium peels are used to reduce the appearance of age spots, mild skin discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, and freckles. It can also be used to treat some precancerous skin growths and smooth rough skin.
What Should I Expect During a Microneedling or Chemical Peel Appointment?
Although a microneedling procedure and chemical peel have somewhat similar results, the procedures do differ.
Prior to a microneedling procedure, the skin is cleansed and has a topical numbing medication applied to the area to be treated, which sits for 20-30 minutes. Once numbed, the skin is cleansed again. Once the skin is prepped, a cool gel is applied to the skin. The microneedling pen is then passed over the area to be treated. The actual treatment typically takes about 15 minutes.
Prior to a chemical peel, Retin-A or a similar topical medicine should be applied nightly, but stopped 48 hours prior to your appointment. At the beginning of your chemical peel appointment, a special astringent is used to clean the skin, which helps the peel penetrate the skin. The peel solution is then applied to the face in an even layer. A mild burning or stinging sensation may occur, but can be alleviated by a fan. Once the peel has set for the required length of time, a cold compress is applied, followed by cleansing and sunscreen.
Microneedling vs Chemical Peel Aftercare Routines
Proper aftercare following a microneedling procedure or chemical peel can help extend the effects of the procedures. Following both a microneedling procedure and chemical peel, avoiding sunscreen is an important step in your aftercare. However, you only need to avoid the sun for a few days following microneedling, while you may need to avoid the sun for up to two weeks following a chemical peel.
Makeup should be avoided for up to 24 hours following microneedling and a superficial chemical peel, while makeup needs to be avoided for five to seven days following a medium chemical peel. Excessive sweating should be also avoided following microneedling and a chemical peel until the skin is fully healed. Overall, the main points of aftercare are similar when comparing microneedling vs chemical peel, with a few differences in length of time required for healing. Following your procedure, your dermatologist will provide you with a chemical peel and microneedling aftercare guidelines.
How Long Does it Take to Heal After Each Treatment?
Twenty-four hours after a microneedling procedure, you can return to your normal skin care routine, as well as begin wearing sun protection again. The skin may look sunburned for 1-3 days following the procedure and may not peel until a week after the procedure. Maximum results may not be obtained until multiple sessions have been completed.
The time it takes to heal following a chemical peel will be based on the type of peel performed. Superficial peels can take up to seven days to heal. Medium peels can require up to two weeks to heal. While the skin will be red and swollen immediately following a medium peel, the swelling will become worse in the first 48 hours. A follow up appointment is needed following a medium peel to assess healing.
Is Microneedling or a Chemical Peel Better for Dark Spots?
While both microneedling and chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, your skin tone will be a determining factor in which procedure is better for you. Overall, chemical peels are more effective to treat dark spots, but chemical peels are more effective on people with fair skin tones.
Is a Chemical Peel or Microneedling Better for Acne?
Both chemical peels and microneedling can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars. However, many people find that microneedling combined with a chemical peel is the most effective treatment for reducing acne scars.
Microneedling Combined with a Chemical Peel
Although you’ve been considering whether a microneedling vs chemical peel treatment is best for you, it may be time to consider combining the two procedures for optimal results. Microneedling penetrates deeper layers of the skin to treat scarred areas, while a chemical peel can be used to rejuvenate the skin even more. Combining these two procedures leaves you with clearer, younger-looking skin.
How Long After Microneedling Can I Get a Chemical Peel?
It is best to wait at least two weeks to get a chemical peel following a microneedling procedure. However, you may need to wait longer until all signs of inflammation have cleared. It’s best to discuss your goals and plans with your dermatologist as your dermatologist can help you plan your treatments appropriately.
If you are still considering whether a microneedling vs a chemical peel treatment is right for you (or even both) you can contact our offices for more information or to discuss cosmetic dermatology treatments available atVujevich Dermatologist Associates.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.