Combining Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peel Treatments
Many patients who struggle with facial imperfections like wrinkles, scars, or fine lines look for ways to refresh the appearance and health of their skin. Microdermabrasion and glycolic acid peels are quick, economical procedures that can renew your skin with practically no downtime. However, if you are looking to rejuvenate your skin even further, combining both treatments into a micro-peel offers long-lasting results that can increase the anti-aging and exfoliating effects, providing you with smooth and healthy-looking skin.
What Is Microdermabrasion? What Is a Mild Chemical Peel?
When it comes to rejuvenating your face, both microdermabrasion and mild chemical peel treatments can remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new skin cells.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure performed using tiny crystals that are vacuumed across the surface of your skin under pressure using a small, vacuum-creating tip. This treatment can also be infused with hyaluronic acid to add extra moisture to the skin. Although this treatment will gently cleanse the skin and address acne or pigmentation, it can cause irritation for patients with sensitive skin.
Chemical Peels
Mild chemical peels, or superficial glycolic acid peels, contain alpha or beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates the outermost layer of the skin to remove damaged and dead skin cells. It can also refine the color and texture of your skin and improve acne. Just like microdermabrasion, the procedure is gentle, and you can return to your daily activities soon after.
Micro-Peel Treatment
There are two ways to combine procedures to create a micro-peel. One way is to alternate microdermabrasion and glycolic peel treatments once every two weeks. If you are considering combining both treatments at the same time, it’s best to have this done once every four weeks. When both treatments are done at the same time, it can provide better results and give you that fresh, rejuvenated appearance you have always wanted.
Post-treatment Care
Recovery time can vary from patient to patient. After your micro-peel treatment, moisturizers and sunscreen will be applied to your skin. Your skin might feel like you have a slight sunburn, and some (but not all) patients may see their skin turn pink for a few days.
Be sure to also follow these instructions:
- Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools for a few days before and after treatment
- Apply sunscreen and moisturizer as needed
- Keep hydrated, and avoid sunlight for one week after
- Do not wax the treated area for at least five days after
- Do not apply glycolic acids or Retin-A® for at least three days after
It is safe to use makeup after your treatment, as long as you apply it over the moisturizer and remove it gently. Make sure you follow your post-treatment care instructions properly and check with your plastic surgeon if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery.
To learn more about micro-peel treatments and to determine if you are a good candidate, please contact our office at (909) 291-4900 or schedule a consultation with us online today!
