What Is The Difference Between Microdermabrasion & A Chemical Peel?

Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are cosmetic procedures that have similar effects and uses. Both procedures basically remove the topmost surface of your skin, allowing new skin to grow in its place. You might undergo a chemical peel or microdermabrasion for a variety of skin problems, but you should first discuss all treatment options with your doctor.

Identification

Microdermabrasion involves the use of a brush that turns rapidly and essentially "sands down" the surface skin, MayoClinic.com explains. Microdermabrasion is basically the same as dermabrasion, only it removes less skin surface. The brush also has a tiny vacuum that removes the dead skin layers, stimulating new skin growth that's healthier, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Chemical peels also remove the outermost skin layer, but they do so through the application of a chemical solution. Different chemical solutions and skin-penetration depths are used in chemical peels, depending on the desired effects, notes the University of Michigan Health System.

Types

Although microdermabrasion is usually very standard, chemical peels vary in type and chemical solutions. There are three major types of chemical peels -- superficial, medium and deep peels, says the University of Michigan Health System. A deep peel uses a chemical solution containing phenol and is most often used on the face just one time. Deep chemical peels penetrate several layers of skin, resulting in the equivalent of a second-degree burn. Trichloroacetic acid, or TCA, is used in medium peels, which are less intensive than deep peels, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Superficial peels use alphahydroxy acids, or AHAs, such a lactic or glycolic acids that remove only the fine outer layer of skin.

Effects

Microdermabrasion is most often used for treating skin blemishes, sun damage and other minor skin flaws, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You might also undergo microdermabrasion to exfoliate your skin and unclog pores, MayoClinic.com notes. These actions are beneficial if you have acne or wrinkles. Chemical peels are also used to treat acne and wrinkles. Chemical peels could also help if you have areas of abnormal skin pigmentation; sun-damaged, rough or dry skin; or blemishes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Deep chemical peels are usually reserved for more severe skin problems such as precancerous growths, deep or coarse wrinkles and pronounced skin blotches.

Considerations

In many cases, dermabrasion and superficial or medium chemical peels are performed several times to achieve or maintain the desired effects, MayoClinic.com says. Unlike microdermabrasion, anesthesia is sometimes used when you undergo medium or deep chemical peels. After a deep peel, you might even have to take pain medication, corticosteroids to control swelling or antiviral and antibiotic medications to prevent infections, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Both microdermabrasion and chemical peels can cause redness or pinkish spots in the treated skin areas, but this usually lasts longer after a chemical peel than microdermabrasion.

Warning

Microdermabrasion is considered non-invasive and causes few adverse effects, MayoClinic.com says. Chemical peels, on the other hand, carry with them several serious health risks, including blisters, skin discoloration, scaling, infections and even scarring. You may experience redness, irritation, dryness and flaking after a superficial peel, but medium and deep peels can cause permanent scarring and skin lightening, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Deep chemical peels can be especially dangerous if you have heart problems or heart disease. You'll also need to protect your skin from sunlight or avoid sun exposure altogether after a chemical peel, sometimes for several months.