Chemical Peels V Microneedling
Your skin tells a story, and whilst a smattering of freckles and laughter lines are appealing, good skin quality is paramount in harnessing a fresh face and healthy glow. Chemical peels and microneedling are two tried and tested methods for helping to achieve and maintain this.
Here, we explore chemical peels versus microneedling, comparing these two popular treatments that help restore skin texture and tone. We will look at how chemical peels work and discuss their unique benefits to help you decide which treatment is right for you.
NB: You can combine the two treatments, with a lighter peel followed by microneedling, if you have room for a little more downtime.
Both microneedling and chemical peels are effective choices to smooth fine lines and improve skin tone and texture. But how do these two treatments stack up against each other?
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are an excellent way of tackling different skin concerns and are a favourite treatment in the cooler months (September through to May) at Lucy Banks, London clinic.
There are many different types of “acids” that form a peel solution to apply to the skin. Salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid (derived from sugar cane, sour milk and willow tree bark/winter green leaves, respectively) are three common ingredients for more superficial peels. These give a general and lighter refresh by exfoliating the dead surface skin to help brighten the overall complexion. An example of these would be Obagi Blue Peel Radiance. The lighter the peel, the less downtime, but the effects of these on more damaged skin are limited,
When chemical peels exfoliate the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) they work to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. This allows the dead cells to shed and be replaced by new skin. In the process, chemical peels remove damaged cells. This means that a good peel helps to improve your overall skin tone and gives you a smoother complexion.
Whilst superficial peels gently exfoliate the surface of the skin, deep chemical peels penetrate the lower, “living” layers. To effectively address more ingrained damage, a deeper peel with additional components is required. Using different, medical-grade ingredients enables the practitioner to target more specific indications - hyperpigmentation, fine lines and acne scarring for example.
Chemical Peel Benefits
Good chemical peel treatments provide patients with multiple benefits, resulting in fresher, healthier and better-looking skin.
Because peel treatments exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, they are a great way to help boost a dull complexion and tackle the appearance of fine lines, leaving you looking refreshed and luminous.
Chemical peels are a good choice for treating acne scars. Specific acne-tackling peels can reduce the depth and visibility of light scarring and uneven skin tone.
Chemical peels refine skin texture by promoting cell turnover and collagen production, which starts to slow down in our late 20s. A good, medical-grade chemical peel will trigger fresh collagen production, ensuring that patients maintain healthier skin tissue.
VI Peel Chemical Peels from Lucy Banks
At Lucy Banks London clinic, VI Peel is the medical grade range of choice as it provides predictable and consistently excellent results. As an in-clinic treatment, it offers a sophisticated, specific and effective approach to different skin concerns. The VI Peel range includes prescription ingredients such as TCA, Hydroquinone, Phenol, Retinol, and Vitamin C to successfully target common concerns such as sun damage, hormonal pigmentation and acne breakouts. It may also be used up to the lower lash line to help improve skin quality around the eyes.
Lucy offers the following VI Peel procedures at her Manchester Square clinic. All trigger collagen production to keep your skin healthy, with added medical-grade ingredients for specific indications:
1.) VI Peel Original: To brighten your skin and reduce fine lines
2.) VI Peel Advanced: To soften fine lines and improve elasticity
3.) VI Peel Precision Plus: To even skin tone and target dark spots
4.) VI Peel Purify: To clear active acne and blocked pores
5.) VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus: To treat acne and reduce scarring and pigmentation
Chemical peel strengths range from medium chemical peels for moderate issues to more intensive treatments. It is important to note that deep chemical peels require a longer recovery time as they penetrate deeper and yield more pronounced skin regeneration. VI Peels are safe to use on any skin type and Lucy will manage expectations in terms of downtime and results.
Each of the VI Peel chemical peel treatments that Lucy offers dissolve dead skin cells and stimulate skin renewal, to boost your overall skin tone and texture. Lucy will discuss specific concerns and indications to ensure that the choice of chemical peel is tailored to you.
Chemical Peel Process at Lucy Banks London Clinic, Marylebone.
Here is what Lucy's patients can expect from the chemical peel treatment process:
1.) Lucy will carefully cleanse and prep your skin for treatment. This includes removing any oils from the skin and protecting mucus membranes (e.g. lips and nostrils) with a layer of vaseline.
2.) Once your skin is prepped, Lucy will carefully apply the tailored peel solution.
3.) When using the VI Peel range, you leave the clinic with the peel applied, giving you a mild red appearance.
4) VI Peels have an aftercare regime for you to carry on with at home. You will leave with clear instructions and a range of aftercare products to take with you.
5) There is predictable peeling from day 3 to day 5, which helps you to schedule downtime where you are not socialising or client facing.
6) Depending on the indication, amount of damage and whether it is the first intervention, VI Peels are often carried out as a course of 2-3 treatments with monthly intervals. They can then be maintained as an annual procedure in the cooler months.
As your old skin sheds, new, healthier skin is revealed. Natural collagen production will increase and you will start to notice a brighter and more even complexion.
Lucy works carefully to address your particular aesthetic concerns to improve your skin tone and texture, whilst helping you to navigate and minimalise the downtime required.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling stimulates skin rejuvenation through controlled “injury” that encourages the skin to begin healing itself. The skin is numbed with a topical cream, and a medical-grade device with fine, sterile needles is carefully run over the skin, creating microchannels. This triggers the wound healing cascade and an abundance of growth factors, encouraging the regeneration of new skin cells. The ultimate result is fresh, Type-1 (“good”) collagen and elastin production, as is laid down in the process of healing.
Microneedling is an excellent way to “wake up” the skin, targeting uneven skin tone and texture. It is particularly effective on large pores and light acne scarring. Both microneedling and chemical peel treatments work by stimulating the body’s natural healing process to encourage the regeneration of fresh cells. Microneedling works more on the skin’s texture whilst chemical peels have a greater impression on the tone of the skin, specifically pigmentation.
Microneedling can be used alone or in combination, with light chemical peels, to boost skin quality and refine the appearance of pores and light scarring. It is also safe to use around the eye area, helping to make the delicate skin more robust and, thereby, reducing fine lines. As with VI Peels, microneedling may be used on all skin types without the risk of causing hyperpigmentation.
The Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling offers a host of benefits that contribute to a naturally refreshed appearance. Below are some of the reasons why microneedling treatments are so popular:
1.) The most notable benefit is the stimulation of Type 1 collagen production. Collagen is a vital protein and helps us achieve smooth and even skin texture. Type 1 collagen is the collagen that provides the most strength and structure to your skin and its production begins to decline in our late 20’s.
2.) As we age the skin becomes thinner. Microneedling kick-starts the body's natural healing process and boosts fresh skin cell turnover. This results in the regeneration of healthy skin cells, meaning that the skin becomes more resilient and refined. This has a direct effect on fine lines and “crepey” looking skin.
3.) Microneedling is a great choice for treating light acne scars as it promotes healing. This lessens the impression of “boxcar” scars, which are left as a result of acne breakouts. It is also an effective treatment for stretch marks and other light scarring on the face and body
4.) Microneedling is minimally invasive and typically involves little downtime. Unlike deeper chemical peels, your skin returns to normal faster with microneedling.
Microneedling Treatments from Lucy Banks
At Lucy Banks clinic, the microneedling treatments are a way to recapture your natural glow. Here is what Lucy's patients can expect from a microneedling cosmetic treatment:
1.) You will begin with a thorough consultation about your overall skin concerns. Here, Lucy will assess your skin, discuss your aesthetic goals and create a treatment plan to ensure the best outcome.
2.) On the treatment day, Lucy will gently cleanse your skin and apply a numbing cream to the treatment area. She will use a medical-grade microneedling device to create microscopic “injuries” to the skin.
3.) When the treatment is complete, your skin will appear red, as if you have mild sunburn, which will last for approximately 48 hours. Whilst the redness fades, the skin will feel dry to the touch for several days.
4) As you begin to heal, collagen and elastin production will be naturally stimulated. Wound healing is a process that continues for many months. It is advised that you return for a second treatment within 4-6 weeks to further boost your results, without interfering with the initial process of “baby” collagen being laid down.
4) UV of any kind breaks down fresh collagen. It is vital with both peels and microneedling that you apply a high quality, daily SPF. Obagi Sunshield SPF 50 is recommended.
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peels
Both microneedling and chemical peels offer practical ways to refresh and rejuvenate the skin. While both treatments encourage skin renewal and improve texture, they work in very different ways.
Microneedling stimulates collagen production through tiny controlled injuries, while chemical peels exfoliate the skin using a chemical solution to remove dead skin cells.
So, how do you decide which one is best for your skin?
The Pros of Microneedling
1.) Boosts Collagen Production
Microneedling encourages natural collagen and elastin production. This helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
2.) Improves Skin Texture
Microneedling refines uneven skin texture and reduces acne scars, stretch marks, and enlarged pores.
3.) Minimal Downtime
Some redness and mild swelling occur, but most patients can resume their normal routine 12-24 hours post treatment.
4.) Safe for all skin Types
Whilst there are some contraindications, such as the use of steroids or pregnancy, microneedling is suitable for all skin types.
5.) Versatile
Microneedling can be used on the face and body to address various concerns, including scars and stretch marks.
The Cons of Microneedling
1.) Multiple Sessions Required
Patients typically need a series of treatments spaced approximately 4 weeks apart for the best results.
2.) Temporary Redness and Sensitivity
The skin may feel sensitive post-treatment - similar to a mild sunburn.
3.) May trigger acne breakouts
If you are prone to acne breakouts, microneedling may trigger an episode. It is best to have acne under control before moving forward with microneedling.
The Pros of Chemical Peels
1.) Effective Skin Resurfacing
Chemical peels remove dead skin cells, improving skin tone and texture and giving you a radiant glow.
2.) Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Chemical peels help diminish visible signs of ageing by promoting cell turnover.
3.) Treats Hyperpigmentation
Peels are excellent for reducing sun damage, dark spots, and acne scars.
4.) Customizable Strengths
You can choose the strength of your chemical peel based on your aesthetic goals.
The Cons of Chemical Peels
1.) Varied Downtime
Deeper peels require longer recovery, with skin peeling for several days post-treatment.
2.) Potential Sensitivity
Some patients experience redness and irritation following a peel. Temporary in nature but may be uncomfortable for 2-3 days.
3.) Not Suitable for All Skin Types
Whilst VI Peel are suitable for all skin types, some peels may not be recommended for darker skin tones due to the risk of hyperpigmentation.
4) Peeling should not be carried out in the high summer months
Choosing The Right Treatment
Lucy is committed to guiding each patient through a comprehensive consultation to determine the best course of action. To effectively target damage you must expect a period of downtime and it is important that expectations are managed carefully.
Lucy will carefully assess your skin concerns, discuss your goals, and recommend a treatment plan that might involve one or a combination of therapies.
Lucy's experience and way of working guarantee that you receive a bespoke cosmetic procedure designed to enhance your natural beauty while addressing your individual aesthetic needs.
Lucy Banks believes that true beauty comes from embracing your natural self with a gentle touch. Whether you choose chemical peels or microneedling, the goal is to help you achieve a refreshed, vibrant look that boosts both your skin and your confidence.
Every treatment is a step towards a more radiant appearance, lessening the need for make-up, and making the most of your natural beauty. If you are ready to explore these skin rejuvenating options, book a consultation with Lucy and discover the path to achieving and maintaining a natural glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between a superficial chemical peel and deeper chemical peels?
This decision depends on your specific aesthetic concerns or skin conditions. Lucy will help guide you through a detailed consultation to determine the best approach for your skin and the type of peel that will work best for you.
How do chemical peels and microneedling help improve deeper wrinkles?
Both treatments work by stimulating your body's natural healing process. Chemical peels exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, encouraging new skin growth, while microneedling creates micro-injuries that boost collagen production. Combining these treatments can effectively reduce the appearance of deeper wrinkles, leaving your skin smoother and more even.
Can these treatments be safely combined with Acne medication?
Yes, many patients find that combining these treatments with their prescribed Acne medication can enhance overall skin improvement. However, it is important to discuss your current skincare routine with Lucy to ensure that all products and treatments work harmoniously together.
