If your skin could use a little rejuvenation, chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments are two options that you might want to consider. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments cannot actually reverse the natural aging process of the skin, but both treatments can help skin appear more youthful.

The outer layers of your skin typically have been damaged from years of exposure to the elements, including wind and sun. Many people also have scarring on the outer layers of their skin. Both chemical peels and microdermabrasion remove the damaged outer layers from your skin, revealing the more youthful and attractive skin underneath.

While the end result is the same with chemical peels and microdermabrasion, the procedures do not accomplish their goals via the same methods. Typically, chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments are performed either by dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, or highly skilled beauticians.

Professional treatments are performed in medical offices and clinics or salons. Some microdermabrasion treatments are even available in do-it-yourself formulations, allowing you to wipe away layers of dead skin yourself, in the privacy of your own home. Chemical peels, however, cannot be performed at home.

Microdermabrasion

While both chemical peels and microdermabrasion involve actually removing layers of skin, microdermabrasion does not penetrate as deeply in the skin as chemical peels. Microdermabrasion focuses specifically on taking away the outermost layer of skin. The process of removing the top layer actually stimulates the growth of a new layer of skin.

The active ingredient in microdermabrasion treatment is aluminum oxide, which is primary exfoliating ingredient in any microdermabrasion product. The aluminum oxide crystals slough away the top layer of skin and clean the pores, revealing the fresh skin underneath. You are left with a brighter, more youthful complexion.

Microdermabrasion is an excellent option for restoring a more youthful appearance to your skin. It is even a viable option for many people who have skin conditions that prevent them from being good candidates for chemical peels.

Chemical Peels

As the name implies, chemical peels remove layers of the skin via the use of chemicals. The chemicals commonly used in the chemical peel procedure include alphahydroxy acid, trichloroacetic acid, and phenol.

The professional performing your chemical peel treatment uses the chemicals at his or her discretion. The amounts of chemicals used might vary, and the person doing the procedure has to exercise sound judgment in working with the chemicals.

Plastics surgeons often perform chemical peels as part of the facelift procedure. Chemical peels also have non-cosmetic applications as well. Chemical peels are at time used to remove problem acne and the resulting scarring. Chemical peels can also be used to remove skin cells that are feared have the potential to become cancerous if left to develop on their own.

Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion

Many people have experienced positive results from both chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Both procedures are very widely used and are popular methods of restoring a more youthful appearance to the skin.