Skin treatments are not just about the health factor. They are also a time to relax and treat oneself. Two of the most common skin treatments are microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

Each one of these treatments is used to deal with different skin problems. The procedure you use will depend on your particular skin issues and your expectations. Here's a look at what makes these procedures different.

Microdermabrasion for Skin Renewal

The great part about microdermabrasion is that it can be performed in a doctor's office, in a day spa, or in a salon. It is a safe treatment that doesn't require anesthesia and provides a deep exfoliation for skin renewal.

However, it is only a cosmetic procedure, which is used to treat specific skin issues such as fine lines and blemishes. Microdermabrasion can be done anywhere on the body, not just the face. It is a quick process (only 20-30 minutes) and is fairly painless.

As a result you'll have smoother, younger-looking skin. To maintain these results you can use a natural skin treatment which may include natural products or natural ingredients found at home. These ingredients may include sugar, salt or crushed grape seeds.

After having undergone a microdermabrasion treatment, you should use a sunscreen to protect your newly exposed skin. This treatment is not recommended for anyone that has sensitive skin because it may produce rashes or irritation. You should also be careful if you have mature skin.

Chemical Peels are a popular Resurfacing Technique

Chemical peels should always be performed by a medical professional even if it is a light peel. A dermatologist is usually the professional of choice for this type of skin treatment. Chemical peels, unlike microdermabrasion, range from light to deep treatments depending on the chemicals that are used and the severity of the skin condition.

Light chemical peels are usually done with AHAs like glycolic acid, lactic acid or fruit acids. This type of peel is a good way of treating superficial problems such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, dry areas, and even acne. It may cause some stinging but it does not require anesthesia.

Medium and deep peels, on the other hand, will definitely require anesthesia and pain medication. Medium peels are generally done with TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) and can be used to treat the same types of skin problems as AHAs.

Phenol is used for deep peels. This type of chemical peel will require you to withstand a longer recovery time. The skin will form scabs that will fall off to reveal lighter looking skin.

A phenol peel will make the skin lose its ability to produce melanin, which means you will need to use a good sunblock on a daily basis.