The women in Minnesota may be wondering which treatment is best for you, a chemical peel or microdermabrasion . What is the difference? A microdermabrasion procedure offers the skin a ‘rosy glow’ by removing the first few layer of Stratum corneum in the epidermis, but will not significantly change the appearance of the skin surface. This procedure may gently improve fine wrinkles or mild skin discoloration. Chemical peels will improve the skin’s appearance from slightly to significantly, depending on which peel you select. Chemical peels remove the damaged uppermost layers of skin. This procedure usually has more noticeable results. We often tell the women in Minneapolis and St. Paul areas that mild chemical peel is comparable to microdermabrasion, but chemical peels that are a medium level and above have a slightly more traumatic effect on the skin surface and more effective than microdermabrasion. However, chemical peel is a little more expensive than microdermabrasion.

Both procedures take about 30 minutes to complete and are effective on the face, neck, chest, back and hands. Chemical peels are available in different strengths: mild, medium and deep. Side effects of chemical peels include burning, swelling, and permanent changes to the color of the skin.

microdermabrasion does not vary in strength. A mild tingling and warm sensation are likely to be felt during microdermabrasion. There is really no downtime from a microdermabrasion.

A microdermabrasion is great for maintaining healthy skin and is suggested once a month. A chemical peel is best in a series of every 2-4 weeks and will help especially with sun damage or brown spots on the skin. Ideally, you should consider have both procedures and alternating them. A consultation with your skin therapist will be able to help you determine the best treatment plan for your skin type.