Microdermabrasion, Facials & Peels

What’s Best: Microdermabrasion, Facials or Peels?

Many people look in the mirror and notice skin that looks dull, uneven or rougher than it used to, and they wonder which treatment will bring back a fresh, healthy glow. Microdermabrasion, facials and peels are three of the most popular ways to refresh the skin, and each one works in a different way. Knowing what microdermabrasion, facials and peels each do makes it much easier for patients to choose the option that fits their skin and their schedule.

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive treatment that gently removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells. Chemical peels use a solution to dissolve damaged outer layers, while facials focus on cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating. All three improve tone and texture, but microdermabrasion, facials and peels differ in depth, downtime and the skin concerns they treat best.

At Advanced Laser Skin Care & Spa in Macomb County, we offer microdermabrasion, facials and peels, and our skin care specialists help each patient decide which option will deliver the best results. We tailor every skin care plan to the patient’s unique skin type and goals.

How Microdermabrasion Works on the Skin

Microdermabrasion uses a handheld device with a diamond-tipped wand or a fine spray of crystals to buff away the top layer of dead skin cells. Gentle suction lifts away the loosened cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin.

A microdermabrasion session typically takes 30 to 40 minutes, and most patients describe the sensation as light scratching combined with gentle suction. Because microdermabrasion does not use chemicals or heat, patients can return to work, errands or the gym right away with nothing more than slight pinkness that fades within a few hours.

Microdermabrasion is one of the most requested refresh treatments at Advanced Laser Skin Care & Spa in Macomb County because it delivers visible smoothness with no downtime. Our skin care specialists adjust the intensity of each microdermabrasion session to the sensitivity of the patient’s skin.

Skin Concerns Microdermabrasion Treats Best

Microdermabrasion works well for dull or rough skin, enlarged pores, fine lines, mild sun damage and uneven skin tone. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that microdermabrasion can also soften the look of age spots and shallow acne scars.

The best microdermabrasion candidates have mild to moderate texture or tone concerns and want steady improvement without peeling or recovery time. Microdermabrasion is generally safe for most skin tones, and results build over a series of sessions.

We usually recommend a series of microdermabrasion treatments at Advanced Laser Skin Care & Spa for patients who want the best microdermabrasion results, followed by maintenance visits to keep the skin smooth and bright. Our skin care specialists examine the skin first to confirm that microdermabrasion is the right fit.

How Facials Compare to Microdermabrasion

A facial is a multi-step treatment that typically includes deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, extractions to clear clogged pores, a mask chosen for the skin’s needs and a hydrating finish. Facials focus on cleaning and nourishing the skin rather than removing a layer of cells, which makes facials the gentlest of the three options.

Facials are a great choice for patients with sensitive skin, occasional breakouts, dehydration or skin that simply needs a reset after stress, travel or a change in seasons. Many patients schedule a facial every four to six weeks to maintain a clear, healthy complexion.

Compared with microdermabrasion, facials produce a softer, more immediate glow but less change in texture and fine lines. This is why facials pair so well with microdermabrasion at Advanced Laser Skin Care & Spa in Macomb County, where we customize each facial to the patient’s skin type and concerns.

Chemical Peels Versus Microdermabrasion for Deeper Concerns

Chemical peels use a carefully selected solution, such as glycolic, salicylic or lactic acid, to loosen and dissolve damaged outer layers of skin. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that peels come in light, medium and deep strengths, and the depth of the peel determines both the results and the recovery time.

Peels can reach deeper than microdermabrasion, which makes peels especially helpful for stubborn discoloration, melasma, sun spots, acne-prone skin and more noticeable fine lines. Light peels cause little more than mild flaking for a few days, while stronger peels may cause several days of visible peeling as fresh skin comes to the surface.

Patients who want gentler exfoliation than a peel often do well with microdermabrasion instead, and patients with darker skin tones often do best with lighter peels. Our skin care specialists at Advanced Laser Skin Care & Spa select the peel formula and strength for each patient individually, which ensures each peel delivers visible results with a comfortable recovery.

Choosing the Best Microdermabrasion, Facial or Peel

The best microdermabrasion, facial or peel for each patient depends on the skin concern, the skin type and how much downtime the patient can comfortably plan around. Microdermabrasion is ideal for texture, pores and dullness with no recovery, facials are ideal for gentle cleansing and hydration, and peels are ideal for pigment, acne and deeper sun damage.

Many patients get the best microdermabrasion results by combining treatments over time rather than choosing only one. A patient might alternate microdermabrasion and facials, then add peels in the fall and winter when sun exposure is lower.

The skin care specialists at Advanced Laser Skin Care & Spa in Macomb County create a personalized skin care plan for every patient after examining the skin and discussing goals. This personalized approach ensures each patient receives the microdermabrasion, facial, peel or combination that will leave the patient happiest with the results.

Preparing for Microdermabrasion, Facials and Peels

Preparing for microdermabrasion, facials and peels takes only a few simple steps, starting with avoiding tanning and heavy sun exposure for at least a week beforehand. Patients should also pause retinoids and other strong exfoliating products for several days before microdermabrasion or peels, since these products can make the skin more sensitive.

After microdermabrasion or peels, a gentle cleanser and daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, as the American Academy of Dermatology recommends, protect the fresh skin. Every patient leaves Advanced Laser Skin Care & Spa with clear aftercare instructions for microdermabrasion, facials and peels to keep that glow lasting.

Microdermabrasion, Facials & Peels | Macomb County

Microdermabrasion, facials and peels can all give the skin a fresher, smoother and more radiant look. The best choice depends on your skin, your goals and how much downtime fits your schedule.

If you are considering microdermabrasion, facials or peels, schedule an appointment with the skin care specialists at Advanced Laser Skin Care & Spa in Macomb County. We look forward to helping you find the best microdermabrasion, facial or peel for beautiful, healthy-looking skin.

Macomb County Microdermabrasion, Facials & Peels:  586.286.4508