Microneedling vs Chemical Peel: Which Is Better for Your Skin?

Does uneven skin pigmentation, wrinkles, acne or acne scars affect your confidence? With so many types of skin resurfacing and injectable treatments available to help resolve these signs of ageing and reduce acne scars, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Although these aesthetic treatments may help, it’s important to understand their differences. Our guide will simplify choosing the best facial treatment to give you optimal results for your unique and desired skin issues.

How Microneedling Works

Microneedling uses a dermal roller that has fine needles on the surface. When the device is rolled across your skin, it causes minute punctures. This skin trauma triggers the natural healing process and the production of elastin and collagen, resulting in plump, smooth, healthier skin.

Suitable candidates for microneedling are people seeking to diminish dark spots and fine lines and wrinkles and improve the tone and texture of their skin.

Unsuitable candidates are people with inflammatory skin conditions, such as active acne, eczema and psoriasis. This is because when the punctures are created, it can be easier for bacteria to enter the skin, which could lead to an infection.

Microneedling Pros and Cons

Pros: Microneedling treatments have minimal downtime and generally, any redness, swelling or itchiness will dissipate within two to three days. With a faster recovery time, microneedling can be done closer to an important event.

Cons: Microneedling requires multiple treatments to show visible results. Typically you will need four to five sessions, which means it could take three to four months to notice any significant improvements.

How Chemical Peels Work

Chemical peels are a skin resurfacing procedure in three strengths that treat various skin issues and concerns.

The three types of chemical peels are:

Light Chemical Peel — Also referred to as superficial peels, they penetrate the epidermis (outer layer of skin). Most suited to address fine lines and moderate wrinkles, acne and uneven skin pigmentation, a chemical peel will leave skin looking smoother and fresher.
Medium Chemical Peel — Penetrate both the epidermis and the dermis (middle layer of skin). Due to the deeper level of the skin, a medium chemical peel can be used to treat cystic acne and reduce the appearance of deeper lines, wrinkles and pitted acne scarring.
Deep Chemical Peel — Also referred to as a medical peel, a deep chemical peel penetrates the deepest layer of skin. This peel will produce the most dramatic results and is recommended for older skin with deep wrinkles and pitted acne scars. You can expect the most significant improvement in uneven pigmentation with a medical peel, but the recovery time is the longest.

Suitable candidates for a chemical peel would be people with active acne or deep pitted acne scars and fine lines and wrinkles.

Not suitable candidates for a chemical peel are people:

With inflammatory skin conditions, such as active acne, eczema and psoriasis
With rosacea
Who have a history of keloid scars
Who have used medications with photosensitising potential in the past six months — used to treat a variety of health conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), periodontitis (gum disease), and some common sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Who have used Accutane for treating acne in the past six months
Who have used Isotretinoin for treating acne in the past 12 months.

If you are unsure of the medication you have taken before having a chemical peel, we advise you to consult with your GP.

Chemical Peel Pros and Cons

Pros: Just one treatment with a moderate chemical peel can produce noticeable improvements in uneven pigmentation, acne and acne scarring.

Cons: Skin requires longer to recover following a medium or deep chemical peel. Medium chemical peels require roughly ten days, and deep peels may require up to four weeks of downtime. However, due to the deeper level of trauma to the skin, chemical peels result in far more significant results than just one microneedling treatment can achieve.

A Quick Word about Injectable Aesthetic Treatments

Although this post is about microneedling vs chemical peel treatments, let’s quickly review injectable treatments that help reduce lines and wrinkles. The two key injectable treatments are dermal fillers and Botox. Dermal fillers are used to enhance features and diminish tear troughs and deep lines.

On the other hand, Botox is a neurotoxin used to relax muscles and effectively reduces fine and moderate wrinkles and prevents deep lines from forming on the face and neck. Many people choose to combine Botox with fillers to address different issues concurrently.

Regardless of your desired outcome, the outer surface of your skin can benefit from resurfacing treatments, which consist of microneedling, chemical peels and laser treatments, in combination with injectables. These skin rejuvenation treatments are suitable to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and acne scarring and to improve skin tone and texture. Your doctor or dermatologist will create a treatment plan tailored to your unique skin and desired results.

FAQ

1. When can you have a chemical peel after microneedling treatment?

You should wait seven to fourteen days after a microneedling treatment before having a light to medium chemical peel. Your doctor will advise on the best treatment plan using multiple aesthetic procedures.When can I have microneedling treatment after a chemical peel?

You can have microneedling treatment for four to six weeks following a chemical peel.

2. How do chemical peels treat acne?

Chemical peels clear dead skin cells and surplus oil on the surface of your skin. This helps reduce blocked pores, decreasing the potential of recurring acne outbreaks following treatment.

3. Which is better, microneedling or a chemical peel, to reduce acne scars?

Numerous studies have found chemical peels more beneficial than microneedling treatments in reducing the overall appearance of deep, pitted acne scars.

4. Will one chemical peel make a difference?

Generally, following a single treatment with a medium chemical peel, you will notice a significant difference once the skin has healed. Skin will look younger, plumper, brighter, smoother and fine to moderate lines and wrinkles will be less noticeable.

However, we usually advise a course of treatments for the best outcomes and even more effective results in reducing lines, wrinkles and deep, pitted acne scars.

Contact us for a free consultation at our Harley Street aesthetic clinic to determine the best course of action for your needs, and get more information about our aesthetic treatments in London.

About
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Dr. Chia Tan

Founder at Harley Street MD

Dr. Chia Tan is a UK-trained and GMC-registered doctor and a respected member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) and the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM). As a former Clinical Education Fellow at the University of Warwick, Dr. Tan has published numerous articles in leading scientific and medical journals, highlighting his expertise.

His extensive qualifications and memberships reflect his profound medical knowledge and dedication to providing exceptional patient care in aesthetic weight loss, and men’s health treatments.