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In a way microdermabrasion and chemical peels are very similar and many times they are combined services. Microdermabrasion is quite simply, a mechanical peel. In my practice I use diamond tip wands to gently abrade the surface of the skin and then suction to exfoliate. You may have heard of microdermabrasion using a stream of crystals. That is certainly a method still commonly used today.

Microdermabrasion is effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, age spots, acne scars, stretch marks and on other body parts requiring a smoother skin texture.

While microdermabrasion works well on superficial skin imperfections like fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, skin discoloration and some acne scarring, chemical peels come in different strengths that can penetrate much deeper. In my practice, I will only apply mild chemical peels. Deep peels sometime need an anesthetic as the discomfort can be pretty intense. Microdermabrasion doesn’t hurt a bit – feels sorta like a cat’s tongue licking you with a little vacuum cleaning, as well. Some clients say they feel a slight little tingly and warm sensation .

Both microdermabrasion and chemical peels can be used on face, neck, décolleté, back and hands. To obtain the optimum results, both are most effective in a series of 6 weekly sessions and should be maintained about every 3 months or so. I typically combine chemical peels with the microdermabrasion series.

The most commonly used chemical peels are Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid.

Lactic Acid is derived from milk and is the mildest acid used in the practice of aesthetics. It is already found in human cells so if used properly is found to be a very safe product. Lactic Acid Peels can improve many conditions of the skin such as:

Sun Damage
Hyperpigmentation
Fine Wrinkles
Mild Acne Scarring
Age Spots
Actinic Keratosis (A common sun-related skin growth frequently found on on fair-skinned individuals or people who encounter excessive sun exposure. Actinic keratoses generally measure between 2 to 6 millimeters in diameter and are usually red with white scaliness on top.
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Brown Spots

Glycolic Acid is derived from sugar cane.and is the most commonly used peel. Most over-the-counter Alpha Hydroxy Acids (or products containing AHAs) contain somewhere between 3 and 10% glycolic acid of one of the milder fruit acids. Professional strength is a much high concentration and medical grade even more so.

Glycolic Peels help to reduce the depth of surface lines, smooth out rough skin texture, help fade brown spots and assist in drying out acne/blemished skin.
The naturally-occurring "fruit acids" in these treatments will remove dead cells and help unclog pores from the skin's surface.
Removing this top layer (where most visible wrinkles are) allows the healthier skin cells to come through, giving a smoother texture to skin and a glowing and radiant appearance.
Glycolic peels help correct sun damage and can also be used to treat the hands, neck and chest from sun damage. They are also excellent for those with asphyxiated skin (dry on the surface, oily underneath), aging skin and smoker's skin.
Dry and thin skin often has a build up a dead cells that actually keep home care products from penetrating.
Glycolic peels remove the surface buildup, hydrating the skin and giving it a more plump, "thicker" appearance.
Rosacea also improves with glycolic treatments as redness and inflammation subside substantially after the treatment.
The end result of any glycolic peel is an immediate tightening and brightening of the skin.
There is no downtime whatsoever with a glycolic peel.
You can actually receive a peel on your lunch hour and return to work.