Both chemical peel treatments and microdermabrasion treatments are used to resurface and exfoliate the skin. The treatments work in different ways to achieve similar results. Microdermabrasion is recommended to improve superficial skin imperfections. This includes mild acne scars, age spots or sun spots, enlarged or visible pores, and fine lines. A chemical peel, whether it is lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or other variation, is recommended for more serious skin conditions such as deep or severe acne scarring and moderate wrinkles or extensive sun damage. This means that the recovery time from a chemical peel may be longer as well. Microdermabrasion treatments come in just one strength, whereas a chemical skin peel is available in various strengths ranging from mild to medium to deep. A deep chemical peel is usually only administered by a skin care professional who may use anesthetic due to pain or discomfort involved. Microdermabrasion treatments do not hurt at all, even with several treatments. As far as recovery time involved for a chemical peel, it will depend on what acid was used and at what strength. If you are looking for something mild, a glycolic acid peel is recommended. While they require more than one treatment due to their mildness, glycolic acid peels do produce great results over time. Other face peels, such as a Jessner peel, may produce redness which lasts a bit longer and you may experience a burning sensation as they are a bit stronger due to the ingredients used. Microdermabrasion on the other hand, requires no downtime at all and the recovery takes just a few hours. When it comes to results, microdermabrasion will require several treatments to be optimally effective, sometimes up to ten or twelve treatments scheduled two weeks apart. A maintenance session of microdermabrasion treatments is then recommended every couple of months. In contrast, a deep chemical peel needs only one treatment. A medium chemical peel will require a treatment once every 6 weeks and then a maintenance treatment once every 2-3 months for a minimum of one year. Microdermabrasion and a chemical skin peel can be used on the face, chest, neck, back, and hands. Both treatments take about the same amount of time whether performed at home or in a professional skin care facility. Microdermabrasion and chemical peel treatments are both offered professionally in dermatologist’s offices and other skin care facilities but can also be performed with home versions.

At home peels, which are usually milder than deep professional chemical peel treatments typically cost between $15-$100 per treatment and home microdermabrasion kits cost anywhere from $40-$65 which include multiple treatments.

Microdermabrasion is a type of treatment for the skin in which tiny crystals are applied to the skin to remove the top layer by “sanding” or “polishing”. The microdermabrasion crystals work to remove the dead surface layer of skin cells to uncover a healthier layer of skin underneath. Personal microdermabrasion treatments work to stimulate the layers of skin underneath that dead outer layer to increase the production of elastin and collagen. This helps defy the aging process by providing a younger, healthier, and even firmer appearance. Home microdermabrasion is becoming more and more popular due to its low cost and convenience in comparison to microdermabrasion treatments given by a dermatologist or other skin care professional. People who are looking to use a microdermabrasion kit tend to ask a lot of questions about the difference in results when it comes to home microdermabrasion vs. professional microdermabrasion treatments.

Professional Microdermabrasion Treatments Professional microdermabrasion treatments administered by a dermatologist or esthetician uses a special machine which sprays aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin. Only licensed professionals are allowed to use microdermabrasion machines. Professional microdermabrasion treatments are somewhat costly and usually at least ten treatments are recommended for dramatic improvement. Another form of professional microdermabrasion known as “Diamond Microdermabrasion” does not use crystals but instead a wand with a diamond tip is rubbed against the skin. With both types of professional microdermabrasion treatments, dead skin cells are removed and immediately sucked away with a vacuum tool. Personal microdermabrasion kits systems are becoming a popular alternative to professional microdermabrasion treatments. Microdermabrasion kits are less expensive than professional treatments and are quite easy to perform on oneself. Though not as powerful as professional quality microdermabrasion machines, a home microdermabrasion kit will still produce professional quality results when used as directed. While many of the most popular skin care companies have introduced their own version of home microdermabrasion including Olay and Neutrogena, there are other brands which can produce a more spa like experience with professional results. Skin Rx offers a microdermabrasion kit, Microdermabrasion Peel Kit # 1, which contains a unique combination of microdermabrasion crystals and glycolic acid for a double peel effect to rejuvenate the skin giving professional results. A home microdermabrasion kit is easy to use. A microdermabrasion cream is applied to the face and with a special tool, it is massaged into the skin. Rinse, cleanse, and use a toner – and it’s done! It’s easy even for a beginner. The major differences between professional microdermabrasion treatments and a home microdermabrasion kit comes down to cost and technology. You may see results more quickly with professional microdermabrasion treatments but they are much more expensive than home microdermabrasion. If you use your home microdermabrasion kit as directed, you will see significant results with continued use that are comparable to professional microdermabrasion treatments offered in a spa or dermatologist office.

Unlike glycolic acid and lactic acid chemical peel treatments which are Alpha Hydroxy Acids, salicylic acid is a Beta-Hydroxy Acid. Salicylic acid is the only Beta-Hydroxy acid. The difference between AHA’s and Beta-Hydroxy acid is that AHA’s are water soluble while salicylic acid is oil soluble. What this means to those using at home peels is that salicylic acid peel products are great for people with oily and acne prone skin. Salicylic acid peels are very effective in superficial skin peeling and in reducing oil & cleansing the pores. Salicylic acid has been proven effective in fighting acne as well. For those with ultra sensitive skin, using a salicylic acid facial peel is a great alternative to glycolic acid peels. Salicylic acid peel products are specially formulated to penetrate into the pores to clearing them of oil and sebum while also reducing inflammation and irritation to leave a smooth, clear complexion. As an added benefit, salicylic acid peels are able to be used more often than the other chemical peel products. Most commonly, salicylic acid peels are used to treat mild or moderate acne prone skin. Continued treatments can dramatically reduce the appearance of mild acne scars and red spots. However, salicylic acid peel products are not for people who have severe acne or deep scarring caused by their acne. Salicylic acid facial peel products are not strong enough to treat severe acne and a dermatologist or skin care specialist should be consulted before starting chemical peel treatments. Besides being a great treatment for mild acne, salicylic acid facial peel products can also treat other skin blemishes including brown spots, dull skin, and uneven skin tone. Even though salicylic acid peels are good for people with sensitive skin, you should only perform these types of at home peels about once or twice a week. Salicylic peels are not recommended for every day use due to the harsh effect it could have on the skin if used too frequently. Start with a once per week application and if you feel that you are not getting good results, try using it twice per week.

Jessner’s Peel is a combination chemical skin peel treatment which has been proven effective in peeling away the superficial layers of the skin. It is a light chemical peel which is a combination of resorcinol, salicylic acid, and lactic acid. This combination provides more significant results than these ingredients used alone to achieve better exfoliation and deeper penetration. A Jessner peel can also be used for hyperpigmentation to lighten areas of the skin and even to treat brown spots due to aging or sun damage. Jessner’s peel works well on all skin types to smooth and rejuvenate the skin and improve mild to severe acne, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and moderate wrinkles. Jessner’s chemical peel can be used on the face, neck, upper chest, and hands, as well. A Jessner's Peel is a medium depth peel, stronger than other chemical face peels on the market, which can either be done by a dermatologist or skin care professional or as an at home chemical peel. Because of the unique combination of ingredients, a Jessner’s peel can improve more extensive skin damage from acne, aging, and sun damage compared to lactic acid or glycolic acid peels. When you are ready to perform your Jessner peel, you will first need to cleanse your face with a glycolic cleanser such as

Skin Rx’s Glyco-Lactic Gel Cleanser. This will ensure that no dirt or oil is left behind on your skin so the Jessner peel will be able to properly penetrate your skin.  Once you have applied the Jessner’s chemical peel, it is normal to feel a mild burning sensation on your skin. It may help to have a fan close by which you can use to blow cool air onto your face to alleviate the burning feeling. A Jessner’s peel stays on for a short period of time as recommended on the product instructions and then it is to be rinsed off thoroughly with cool water. Over the next few days, your skin will peel or flake off to reveal healthier and smoother skin.

Lactic acid products contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids which are derived naturally from fruit. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are found in many different fruits including apples and grapes and are considered to be nontoxic because they are naturally occurring and are even found within the body after ingesting foods which contain them. Using a lactic acid skin peel gives a thorough skin exfoliation, and the treatments can remove the outer layers of skin to reveal softer, smoother, more refreshed skin underneath.  Many people use chemical home peel treatments such as lactic peels to achieve a smoother and healthier appearance. If used on a regular basis, lactic peels have been proven to be effective in removing age spots and brown spots, improving dry skin as well as oily & acne prone skin and in decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lactic acid products are specially formulated for sensitive skin. Lactic peels are a great choice if you have been hesitant to try at home peels as you are less likely to have an adverse reaction. A lactic acid skin peel provides all the benefits of a professional facial peel to rejuvenate the skin but it also provides intense moisture. If you choose lactic acid products as a component of your skin care regimen, you can expect healthier skin over time and a decrease in age spots, mild acne and fine lines. Lactic acid skin peel products are offered in varying strengths from 20% to 70%. For an inexperienced chemical peel user, lactic peels with a lower strength are a better choice or for those with super sensitive skin. Many people wanting to try at home peels like to start out with the 30% strength lactic acid facial peel. Even at 30% strength, the lactic acid is still effective enough to stimulate collagen and increase the rate of skin cell turnover. When you become a more experienced user of at home peels, you can choose to increase up to the 40% lactic acid peel. Keep in mind that you should never use lactic peels which are too strong for your skin in hopes of getting more dramatic results. You can safely and gradually increase the strength of your lactic acid products as your skin requires it based on factors such as aging and sun damage. When you become a chemical peel user to improve the health of your skin, remember that it is important to avoid sun exposure. Follow all of the instructions on your lactic acid products exactly as they are written to achieve the best results possible.

Dermabrasion is a somewhat invasive skin procedure which entails the skin being frozen and then “sanded”. A special instrument is used by a skin care professional which applies the abrasion to the skin to remove the surface layer of skin and replace it with a layer of new, younger and fresher looking skin. Dermabrasion is done by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or licensed skin care specialist. Microdermabrasion is a less invasive procedure. Microdermabrasion treatments involves using tiny crystals to remove the surface layer of skin which works to lessen the appearance of dull skin, brown spots or age spots, fine lines, minor acne scars. Microdermabrasion can be done by skin care professionals but home microdermabrasion is also an option. Dermabrasion was developed primarily for improvement of acne scars, pockmarks and other types of scaring. As knowledge of the procedure increased and technology improved, it can now also be used to treat wrinkles, age spots, and other skin defects. Microdermabrasion treatments are used only to improve the appearance of skin problems which are considered superficial. Personal microdermabrasion is effective on all skin colors and skin types to produce subtle changes and improvements over time. Even the best microdermabrasion products can not remove deeper skin problems such as stretch marks and severe acne scaring, however. Also when microdermabrasion creams are used, there is no down time like a person will have with dermabrasion treatments. One’s skin recovers fully within 24 hours of microdermabrasion treatments. Personal microdermabrasion is a great choice for the masses as it is non-surgical whereas dermabrasion carries some of the risks associated with surgical procedures because anesthetics are used and the skin bleeds and may not be right for everyone. The Procedures Dermabrasion is performed either in an outpatient center or in a plastic surgeon's office, depending on who is doing the treatments. In some cases, a patient is given medication in order to achieve relaxation during the treatment. The area to be treated will be cleansed and then a spray is applied which freezes the skin. An instrument with a high-speed rotary action with an abrasive surface is then used to remove the outer layers of the skin. Microdermabrasion treatments use special microdermabrasion creams with tiny crystals which are applied onto the skin using a gentle abrasion technique. This action removes only the dead surface layer of the skin. Personal microdermabrasion works to exfoliate the skin for total rejuvenation and skin cell renewal. Professional or home microdermabrasion kits are very effective to remove age spots and improve the appearance of fine lines to create a younger, more refreshed look and feel of the skin when microdermabrasion treatments are continued. For those who are looking to improve their skin without an invasive procedure, try a home microdermabrasion kit. Skin Rx recommends Microdermabrasion Peel Kit #1 which combines glycolic acid and microdermabrasion crystals for a “double peel” effect. This microdermabrasion kit includes everything you need for professional microdermabrasion treatments at home.

Microdermabrasion is a skin care treatment which was developed as a means to treat certain skin conditions such as large pores, acne and other blemishes, and fine lines due to aging. Many people prefer to try personal microdermabrasion before having costly cosmetic treatments because it is affordable and non-invasive in comparison. And an added benefit is that microdermabrasion systems can be used long term, so that you are continuously improving your skin. Microdermabrasion treatments do really work to loosen dead surface skin cells and exfoliate so that newer, revitalized skin can come to the surface. As a part of the normal aging process, our skin begins to lose that healthy, youthful glow. Our skin cell turnover slows down, which results in dead skin cell being accumulated on the skin’s surface. This is the reason for a dull appearance of the skin as we age which can make fine lines and wrinkles look even worse. Whether you choose home microdermabrasion or professional microdermabrasion treatments, what you get is a major exfoliation which removes the surface layer of dead skin cells to bring youthful glowing skin back to the surface. A microdermabrasion system has a special tool to gently exfoliate while being completely painless. The question for most people though is does it really work. The reality is that the majority of people who use microdermabrasion creams instantly notice a softer and smoother feel and appearance to the skin. It’s not always dramatically significant results after just one of the microdermabrasion treatments, but there is an improvement. If more dramatic results are desired, you will need to continue to perform your personal microdermabrasion treatments on a regular basis. The best microdermabrasion products contain high quality ingredients and give you a spa experience right in your own home. Skin Rx offers several microdermabrasion kits which contain everything you need to perform home microdermabrasion treatments. Microdermabrasion Peel Kit #1 contains the peel, brush, and a soothing serum for a complete treatment. Skin Rx’s microdermabrasion peel kits contain unique ingredients to offer a “double peel” through a combination of microdermabrasion crystals and glycolic acid.

A question that many women ask during pregnancy is whether or not glycolic acid is safe to use while pregnant. The simple answer is “yes”. If you want to use glycolic acid, pregnancy is a perfectly safe time to use it. Glycolic peels for pregnant women are a great choice for those suffering acne during pregnancy. Safe acne treatments during pregnancy are often researched due to the fact that anything which enters the mother’s body or skin could possibly affect the unborn baby as well. The great thing about glycolic acid products is that they contain naturally derived ingredients. Glycolic acid is an AHA, or Alpha-Hydroxy-Acid which are acids that occur naturally in fruits. It is also occurs naturally in the body when you ingest or eat certain fruits. Glycolic acid products at concentrations 10% or less are not able to penetrate the skin deep enough to reach the blood stream, so it is 100% safe for acne during pregnancy.  Even for higher concentrations of glycolic acid which can penetrate through the skin and possibly into the blood stream, it is said to be of no harm due to the fact that it’s an acid which is naturally occurring in the body anyway. Experienced estheticians and dermatologists continue to use professional strength glycolic acid products to improve the skin from acne related conditions and skin discolorations from pregnancy. Skin Rx Clinic offers several high quality glycolic acid products that are safe to use for acne during pregnancy. Try Glycolic Facial Polish which contains 10% glycolic acid, anti-oxidants, and vitamins to exfoliate and smooth the skin. To improve the overall texture and condition of the skin from acne and other blemishes, fine lines, large pores, and sun damage, try 15% Glycolic Smoothing Gel.

If you suffer from acne, you know that it’s a problematic, ongoing, and even embarrassing condition of the skin. Often, acne is treated with glycolic acid products which have been proven to be quite effective. Glycolic acid is a fruit derived, natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Glycolic acne treatments work because the glycolic acid is able to penetrate the layers of the skin to peel away the top layers which results in new skin cell formation. Today, many over-the-counter glycolic acne treatments are available in the form of home glycolic peels and other glycolic acid products. Glycolic acid for acne is a great choice for those who have tried everything else with no results. The best glycolic acid penetrates skin cells and stimulates the regeneration of healthy collagen and elastin to promote healing from the acne. Glycolic acid also works by exfoliating the skin of sebum and debris. Glycolic acne treatments can unclog the pores to prevent reoccurring acne breakouts. Glycolic Acne Treatments Glycolic acid for acne is a great, natural way to treat the skin. Glycolic acid breaks apart the “glue” which bonds dead skin cells to the face and allows newer, revitalized skin to be revealed. The result is softer, acne-free skin which can be achieved with professional strength glycolic acid when used as directed. Using glycolic peels is a more effective and intense form of glycolic acne treatments. These chemical peel treatments work to renew the skin with just a few treatments and provide more dramatic and significant results compared to other glycolic acid products such as glycolic cleansers and creams. When glycolic peels are performed in regular increments, the damaged skin is renewed more effectively than when used sporadically. If you have sensitive to normal skin, a 30% concentration of glycolic acid is our esthetician’s best recommendation which can be used until your skin is accustomed to the treatments. Later, you should be able use a higher concentration to provide even better results. Skin Rx recommends Glycolic Peel Kit #1 which includes 30% Glycolic Acid and everything you need to perform a professional strength glycolic acid peel at home.

Out of all the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) used in skin care, glycolic acid products provide the most effective results in skin rejuvenation. AHA’s are excellent skin exfoliators, which work to remove dead skin cells gathered on the skin’s surface to uncover softer, smoother, and younger-looking skin. Additionally, glycolic facial peels are an effective anti-aging treatment which can also increase collagen production, improve elasticity, improve skin tone & texture, and decrease enlarged pores. The amazing thing is that AHA’s are naturally derived from sugar cane, milk, or fruit. As far as anti-aging, continuous positive results since these types of products were introduced onto the market showing improvement in fine lines and wrinkles has proven that glycolic acid can stand the test of time. Even age spots or sun spots that can make a person look severely aged can be significantly improved with the use of glycolic acid products. Glycolic peels work to exfoliate and peel the top layer of skin, which gives it a smoother texture by encouraging the growth of healthy skin cells. When used in combination with a percentage of hydroquinone, age spots and other discolorations can be completely erased. As the glycolic acid removes the dead surface skin cells, the hydroquinone can better penetrate the skin so newer skin cells are not pigmented. The bottom line is that glycolic acid products do make a difference. In a relatively short period of time, a noticeable improvement can be seen in skin texture and with continued use it can even prevent wrinkles from appearing prematurely. When used on a recommended schedule, glycolic acid is a proven way to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and produces significant improvement on sun damaged skin. The best glycolic acid can now be used at home, even professional strength glycolic which was previously only available through a medical spa or dermatologist. Skin Rx offers glycolic acid products in strengths up to 40% for the home user. For the first time glycolic treatment users, Skin Rx Clinic recommends Glycolic Peel Kit #1 which has 30% glycolic acid. For experienced glycolic acid users, try the Glycolic Peel Kit # 3, a 40% glycolic treatment. In between each glycolic treatment, Skin Rx offers glycolic acid products including Glycolic Facial Lotion, Glycolic Facial Polish, and Glycolic Face Crème. Each of these professional strength glycolic acid products has anti-aging benefits and contains high quality ingredients for best results.