Microdermabrasion or peel?

Feb 20, 2014

Sara V.

I hope Traci sees this!! My skin is combo, oily with some dryness at times and I used to have a decent amount of acne. Due to a good skin care regimen, eating better and drinking water, my skin has improved SO MUCH. I still get some occasional blemishes. My main concern is some dark spots and some clogged pores. I don't have scarring. Have any of you done both a microdermabrasion treatment and a peel? Do you suggest one over the other?

Feb 20, 2014

Kristen L.

I would say do both. Start off with Microdermabrasion then after your skin has recovered the 3 to 4 weeks go back and get a light peel done

Feb 20, 2014

Ame S.

Microdermabrasion is for maintenance, a peel addresses specific problems, for example, a 20 % Salicylic acid peel would help keep mild acne at bay, then once the skin has peeled and renewed in 1.5 weeks, the esthetician would follow up with a Microdermabrasion session, and massage with aloe vera gel post that and maybe extraction of blackheads if you need it. Atleast this is what my esthetician does for my skin.

Feb 20, 2014

Ame S.

And I have suffered from Cystic acne as a teen, now I am 25 and my skin still encounters a few breakouts here and there after having completed the dermatologist's prescription for Tretinoin. So I get one salicylic acid peel session and one Microdermabrasion session each month for my skin, other than that I use NO other exfoliant strictly. If you don't have scarring (I don't too), you could start with a peel primer to see how your skin reacts to Salicylic acid and if its okay, you could get a peel performed when you face those pesky blemishes, your esthetician will advise on what you need. Microdermabrasion is a milder treatment for upkeep and it helps your skin stay clearer and maintain the peeling results for longer. Both Peel and Microdermabrasion will make your skin really photosensitive, so make sure you use a good sunscreen. And a word of caution, if you're already using any products with Tretinoin, Kojic or Glycolic acid or other ingredients which enhance the sensitivity of your skin, make sure you tell your esthetician about it before any kind of peeling substance touches your skin. I have had a first degree burn cuz I didn't know Proactiv sunscreen has Retinol in it and I got the peel done, was horrible, goes without saying.

Feb 20, 2014

Ame S.

Sorry I typed a lot, just wanted you to know that you absolutely must stop using any products with glycolic acid, retinol etc., atleast 1.5 weeks before getting a peel done.

Feb 20, 2014

Sara V.

Thanks so much for all of this!! I love reading about real experiences. :) I'll let you know how it goes when I get it done!

Feb 20, 2014

Ame S.

You're welc. =)