Advancements in the cosmetics industry have brought us closer to the centuries-old dream of eternal youth. People can choose between many treatments to address their aesthetic concerns based on the treatment’s technology, effects, the duration of results, and risk factors.
In this article we’ll focus on two of the most popular rejuvenation treatments – microneedling and chemical peels – and explain how they differ, so you can choose the treatment that best suits your needs.
Microneedling Overview
Microneedling is an anti-aging cosmetic treatment that involves using an FDA-approved device with short needles to create tiny wounds on the skin’s surface. This controlled injury stimulates the body’s healing mechanisms to produce more collagen and elastin and rebuild the skin. It is used for various facial and bodily concerns, including aging signs, hair loss, and stretch marks.
Chemical Peel Overview
A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment in which a medical provider applies a chemical solution to the skin’s surface layer to remove it, revealing a smoother, rejuvenated complexion. Based on the solution’s strength and depth of penetration, chemical peels are divided into the following types:
- Light chemical peels – They use low concentration acids, usually AHAs and BHAs, to exfoliate the uppermost layers and reveal smoother skin.
- Medium chemical peels – They contain trichloracetic acid (TCA) and other chemical solutions, which penetrate the epidermis and dermis. Besides exfoliation, medium peels stimulate collagen production and treat more severe skin concerns than light peels.
- Deep chemical peels – Phenol solutions in deep peels dramatically transform the skin, providing anti-aging results that last for years. Due to the treatment’s intensity, patients typically require anesthesia and a recovery period of up to several months.
Note: Learn more about the different types of chemical peels and which chemical peel is optimal for your skin concerns.
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peel: What Are the Differences?
Microneedling and chemical peels are popular because they treat multiple skin concerns and, with maintenance treatments, offer long-lasting results. While they share some similarities, the treatments’ differences play a crucial role in determining which option is more suitable for each patient.
| Microneedling | Chemical Peel | |
| Procedure | A device with tiny needles creates superficial punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and skin regeneration. | A chemical solution is applied on the skin’s surface to exfoliate and dissolve skin layers and imperfections. |
| Benefits | Fewer wrinkles and dark spots Tighter, firmer skin Decreased acne scars Reduced hair loss Improved wound healing Less visible stretch marks | Fewer wrinkles and dark spots More hydrated skin Decreased acne scars |
| Results | They appear within three to six months and last for up to a year. | Immediate results that last from one or two months to several years (depending on the chemical peel type) |
| Ideal Candidate | Healthy adults | Patients with a lighter skin tone |
| Side Effects | Redness, swelling, bruising | Redness, stinging, skin flaking |
| Cost | $300 | Light peel: $99 Medium peel: $125 |
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peel: Ideal Candidate
Microneedling and chemical peels offer various cosmetic benefits, but they are not suited for everyone.
Microneedling
Microneedling is generally safe for most healthy adults. It is suitable for people of any skin tone and type who want to rejuvenate their skin, eliminate scars and blemishes, and improve skin tone and texture. However, the following conditions may prevent a patient from getting the treatment:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Active skin infection or wound
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Bleeding disorder
- Compromised immune system
- Blood-thinning or acne medication
- Diabetes
Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are recommended for people with a lighter skin tone. The chemicals present in the peels can cause discoloration in people with darker skin tones. Ideal candidates are patients who want to treat sun-induced aging signs.
The treatment is not suitable for the following people:
- Pregnant women
- Patients taking oral birth control pills or acne medication
- Individuals with a history of scarring, cold sores, and discoloration
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peel: Procedure
Microneedling and chemical peels have distinct procedures. They are minimally invasive and involve no downtime, except in the case of deep peels.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a safe procedure when licensed medical professionals perform it in a medical setting – a clinic or med spa.
First, the medical provider applies a topical anesthetic to the patient’s skin. When the cream takes effect, the provider moves a hand-held microneedling device across the treatment area, creating tiny, superficial wounds to induce collagen synthesis in the skin’s deeper layers. The process lasts about 20 minutes.
Finally, the provider applies a serum with anti-aging ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, PRP, and growth factors, to enhance the rejuvenating effects of the treatment.
Note: Read more on how to the rejuvenate skin, and discover the best skin care products for rejuvenation.
Chemical Peel
During a professional chemical peel, the medical provider first cleans the patient’s treatment area with rubbing alcohol. In the case of a deep peel, the patient receives sedation and local or general anesthesia.
The provider applies the chemical solution with a brush, a special applicator, or a cotton ball, and leaves it on the patient’s skin for several minutes. Patients usually feel a stinging sensation. Finally, the provider removes the solution with water and a saline compress and applies a cream or ointment to soothe irritated skin.
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peel: Benefits
Both treatments address multiple skin concerns and aging signs.
Microneedling
Collagen and elastin are essential in keeping the skin firm and even. Microneedling increases the production of the skin’s building blocks, resulting in a range of benefits:
- Reduced age spots, dark spots, freckles, and blemishes
- Fewer wrinkles and fine lines
- Tighter, firmer skin
- Even and bright skin tone
- Reduced acne scars and burn scars
- Reduced hair loss
- Improved wound healing
- Reduced stretch marks
Note: Learn more about how microneedling helps reduce stretch marks.
Chemical Peel
Like microneedling, chemical peels improve many cosmetic issues and provide the following benefits:
- Reduced age spots, dark spots, freckles, and blemishes
- Fewer wrinkles and fine lines
- Plumper, rehydrated skin
- More even skin tone
- Reduced acne and acne scars
Note: Learn which is the best chemical peel for acne scars.
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peel: Results
Both treatments offer impressive results and can last a long time.
Microneedling
The results after microneedling appear gradually because it takes time to build collagen and elastin and rebuild the skin. Aging signs, scars, and other blemishes usually decrease or fade away within three to six months after the final treatment. Patients need three to six treatments for the best results. The effects of microneedling last for up to a year, and some effects, such as skin tightening, can last for years.
Chemical Peel
Chemical peels provide more immediate results than microneedling. Depending on the peel’s type and intensity, it can last from a month or two (light peels) to several years (deep peels). Patients require several light and medium treatments for the full effects. Deep peels provide dramatic results after a single treatment.
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peel: Side Effects
Both treatments are generally safe when experienced and licensed medical professionals perform them. However, they can cause mild to moderate side effects. During the initial consultation, treatment providers explain to patients what can happen.
Microneedling
Common microneedling side effects that subside after a few days include the following:
- Redness
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Inflammation
Chemical Peel
Depending on the type of peel, patients can experience:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Skin flaking and peeling
- Dry skin
- Stinging
- Blisters and crusts
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peel: Aftercare
Following the medical provider’s aftercare recommendations is essential for achieving the best results and minimizing the chances of side effects.
Microneedling
Microneedling providers typically advise patients to avoid these activities post-treatment:
- Vigorous exercise and activities that increase sweating.
- Exposure to the sun and sources of heat.
- Alcohol and smoking.
- Rubbing and applying pressure on the treated area.
- Harsh skin care and makeup.
- Laser, chemical peels, and similar cosmetic treatments.
Chemical Peel
Chemical peels also require patients to avoid the sun, strenuous exercise, and rubbing the skin. Medical providers also recommend taking pain relief medications (ibuprofen) and applying cold compresses if necessary.
Deep peels require longer and more complicated aftercare and recovery, including taking antiviral medication and wearing bandages.
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peel: Cost
Microneedling
Microneedling at Vibrant Skin Bar costs $300 per session. The total cost of the treatment depends on the severity of the patient’s cosmetic issue and the number of recommended sessions.
Chemical Peel
The medical experts at the Vibrant Skin Bar provide light and medium chemical peels. Light peels cost $99 per session, and medium peels cost $125 per session. Most patients need several sessions to achieve the desired results.
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peels: Which One Should You Choose?
Light and medium chemical peels are a great option for patients with skin concerns such as fine lines and hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. The treatment cleanses the skin, unclogs pores, and prevents acne. Regular chemical peel sessions provide patients with an even, rejuvenated complexion. This is also the preferred option for people who want to avoid needles.
Microneedling is a popular cosmetic procedure for issues caused by collagen decline, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, hair loss, and stretch marks. Patients typically need several sessions to see the effects, but the results are long-lasting. Unlike chemical peels, microneedling is safe for patients with darker skin tones.
The best way to achieve your beauty goal is to consult an experienced medical professional who will recommend a cosmetic treatment based on your medical condition and skin concern.
Conclusion
Microneedling and chemical peels are among the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures today. They treat common aesthetic issues using different technologies, and skin experts recommend one or the other based on the patient’s needs and expectations.
If you feel you could use a boost of confidence, the Vibe Tribe at Vibrant Skin Bar is here to help you glow. Let us guide you toward a smoother, brighter complexion!
