Women are constantly looking for effective skin treatments that can enhance the appearance of their skin. And out of the thousands skin treatments available out there, the most sough-after ones are chemical peel and microdermabrasion.
Chemical peel is a more invasive procedure than the non-surgical microdermabrasion. Also, the cost of a chemical peel is relatively higher when compared with the cost of microdermabrasion. Both treatments are equally effective, only chemical peel offers results that last a bit longer.
Uses
Chemical peel involves the use of chemical solutions to smooth the texture of the skin by removing damaged outer layers of the skin (peels off dead skin cells). Chemical peel can be used to treat wrinkles, spots due to sun exposure and acne.
Microdermabrasion is a procedure that uses minimally abrasive instrument to gently sand the skin to remove damage outer layers. This type of skin rejuvenation can be used to soften wrinkles and fine lines, reduce superficial hyper-pigmentation or age spots, decreases pore size and treat light scarring and stretch marks.
Process
Chemical peel uses chemical solutions that include acids and is divided into two categories: light chemical peel and deep chemical peel. With light chemical peel, the skin is first cleaned and then the solution is applied and left for about 10 minutes. Then is washed off and neutralized. Deep chemical peel involves a pre-treatment to thin out the skin surface and then local anesthetic is used. The chemicals are applied on the skin and left on for 30 minutes to two hours. Afterward, a coat of petroleum jelly is applied which must stay on the skin for up to two days.
When it comes to microdermabrasion, there are two kinds of treatments, one that uses a handheld device and other that uses diamond-tipped wand. Tiny grains of bristle tips, crystal or diamonds are applied to the skin to peel off the top layer. With microdermabrasion, there is no use of needles or anesthetics, and the whole process takes about 60 minutes.
Advantages
With the chemical peel, the effects are long lasting and improvements can be quite impressive.
The effects of microdermabrasion are also long lasting. What make it a better solution is the fact that it works well on all skin colours and types, especially on skins sensitive to chemical. Furthermore it is a safe, non-surgical procedure and you can return to your normal activities immediately.
Disadvantages and Side Effects
Complications with chemical peel can include abnormal pigmentation, scarring and infection. In addition, it can cause skin bleaching. Also, skin pores may appear larger and some even have problem tanning evenly. Other complications include: burning, redness, and discomfort for several days.
Microdermabrasion side effects include bruising, redness, photosentivity, and skin tightness.
Cost
On an average, the cost of a chemical peel treatment ranges from $750 to $850, without the additional charges which may include anesthesia and surgical facility costs. Usually health insurance does not cover this treatment.
The cost of microdermabrasion ranges from $100 to $300. it usually depends on a number of factors, such as skin problems, number of treatments needed, area that is being treated and experience of a beauty technician.
