Is chemical peel vs microdermabrasion better for moderate acne scars and sun damage?

Question

Which is better for moderate acne scars and sun damage? Is one better for one or the other? Should they be combined?

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

Microdermabrasion will not remove scars but can improve brown spots left over from acne lesions. It will also improve discolorations and coarse texture caused by sun damage. Light chemical peels will have the same effect. Stronger light and medium peels, such as TCA peels may improve scars and wrinkles but not as effectively as some lasers. Deep peels will remove scars but can also cause permanent loss of skin color and are therefore have been replaced by more better technology (lasers.)

Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD · Answer

Chemical peels are more effective than microdermabrasion, however unless the chemical peel being used is very strong they are often not strong enough to treat scarring. A more effective option is microneedling or fraxel resurfacing.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Microdermabrasion will remove the top, dry, rough skin layers and will leave your skin softer and smoother. This procedure is similar to how your skin would feel after a nice facial. Microdermabrasion will have  very little to no effect at all on acne scars (even mild ones), as these scars are within and often extend below the deeper skin layers. Even the deepest laser resurfacing, surgical dermabrasion, or strongest chemical peel will not completely remove or eliminate moderate or severe acne scars.

	However, all of these options will have some beneficial effect on your skin, removing much of the sun-damaged irritations or rough patches (actinic keratoses), and improving, but not eliminating the acne scars.

	As a general rule, you get what you pay for. Lighter chemical peels treat the most superficial layers, make minimal changes in true irregular scars or textural changes in skin, and heal quickly. That is why they are often done in a spa or skin care clinic by estheticians, and don't cost too much.

	Stronger peels (higher concentration TCA or phenol peels) go deeper into the skin layers, remove more textural changes and scarring, but will still not be as aggressive as full-face ablative laser resurfacing, which gives the most improvement and best results, but costs more. No matter what procedure you have, the healing still takes about a week, and there may be redness that lasts somewhat longer.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

There are many types and strenghts of chem peels which work great for discolorations and sun damage but still usually need to be done 4-6 times. Microdermabrasions do well to maintain your complexion once the peels get it to where you like it.

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your message! Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are both great options for overall skin complexion. Microdermabrasion is more of a physical exfoliate whereas chemical peels are a chemical exfoliate. Stronger chemical peels are typically more effective than microdermabrasion. Brown spots, or age spots, can soften in color with chemical peels. Typically for deeper pitted acne scars, microneedling and/or laser resurfacing is needed to give a more dramatic result! I would recommend a consultation with a provider in your area for further assessment!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are procedures which exfoliate the skin to improve the appearance of skin imperfections. Microdermabrasion works best for superficial skin imperfections such as fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels are most effective on serious skin problems such as deep wrinkles and scars. Chemical peels are more effective than microdermabrasion, however unless the chemical peel being used is very strong they are often not strong enough to treat scarring. Best of luck!

Neel Bector, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Microdermabrasion will work well to remove dry, rough skin superficially to leave a soft and smoother overall skin feel and appearance. Microdermabrasion will have a minimal effect on moderate to deep acne scars as these scars extend into the deeper layers of the skin. As a rule, medium to strong chemical peels address deep scarring and texture concerns much more effectively. 
As with everything, you get what you pay for. Getting microdermabrasion done, a facial, is generally a spa treatment. If you are doing this treatment, make sure that the products being used are not simply scratching at the skins surface. 
Light chemical peels treat the skin superficially while medium to deep peels get to the root of the skins condition. Strong peels include TCA and Phenol peels; these go deeper into the skin layer to address texture and tone. Chemical Peels can be used in combination with Radio Frequency and PRP micro-needling to get superb results. Be sure to see a cosmetic doctor and create a treatment plan that addresses your skin concerns, post-care and maintenance regime. You maintenance regime may include skin care that includes a microdermabrasion based cleaner. 
Best Regards, Dr. Bector

Amy Klein, DO · Answer

Microdermabrasion can improve acne scars that have resulted in dark spots, also called hyperpigmentation.  It can minimize sun damage by improving minimize fine lines, rough skin texture, uneven color, and sun spots.  Microderm removes superficial dead skin cells, resulting in a polished, fresh appearance.  Chemical peels are more aggressive with better results than microdermabrasion.  Medium depth peels extend through the full thickness of the epidermis and into the top layer of the dermis.  The results are more dramatic with visible improvements in rough skin texture, fine lines, pore size, superficial acne scars, acne and hyperpigmentation.  Microderm and peels can be combined in certain settings for a stronger peel affect.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Chemical peels and Microdermabrasion are procedures which exfoliate the skin to improve the appearance of skin imperfections. Microdermabrasion works best for superficial skin imperfections such as fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels are most effective on serious skin problems such as deep wrinkles and scars. Chemical peels are more effective than Microdermabrasion, however unless the chemical peel being used is very strong they are often not strong enough to treat scarring.

Thomas McFadden, MD · Answer

Although from the name it may sound like Microderm Abrasion is the best option to exfoliate the outer layer of skin, chemical peels actually do a much more thorough job.  For moderate acne scars and sun damage, you'll definitely want to go the chemical peel route, and you may want to combine it with BBL/IPL and microneedling treatment.  Best of luck to you!

Is chemical peel vs microdermabrasion better for moderate acne scars and sun damage?

Answers (15)

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