The biggest difference between microdermabrasion and a chemical peel is the resulting amount of exfoliation to the skin. Microdermabrasion is a gentle and non-invasive method that scrubs away dead skin. A chemical peel is an aggressive method of removing entire layers of skin and usually requires recovery time.

Both microdermabrasion and chemical peels are used to remove dead layers from skin for a more youthful appearance. Wrinkles, scars, discoloration and poor texture can be improved after several treatments. Both methods also need to be performed by trained professionals for the best results.

Method
Microdermabrasion products use tiny crystals to either scrub or sand away dead and damaged surface skin. Home methods use tiny crystals in a gel or cream base. Professional methods use a pressurized microdermabrasion tool to gently blast away dead skin with tiny crystals.

Chemical peels do use chemical mixtures to aggressively exfoliate skin. The chemicals are applied to clean skin and wiped off to create an almost “sunburn” reaction. The chemicals cause the skin to blister and peel, eventually forcing a new layer of skin to grow.

Results
Microdermabrasion is usually considered a milder method of fixing mild problems. A chemical peel is a dramatic method of fixing dramatic problems. Therefore, microdermabrasion gives great results, but can only do so much. Chemical peels give great results, if there are no adverse reactions. It can also help remove deeper wrinkles and scars than microdermabrasion can. 

Recovery
Chemical peels are no small thing to recover from. It will take weeks or even months to fully recover. You skin will need time to blister, peel, heal and grow a new surface texture. You’ll be extremely red for at least a few days after the treatment and sensitive to the sun until completely healed.

Microdermabrasion is a relatively simple process and patients should experience mild irritation. A few days is usually all you need to recover from the treatment. Even if you end up having a reaction, the results tend to be only slight redness, swelling and irritation.

Prices
Microdermabrasion prices are noticeably lower than chemical peel prices, but understand that with a lower price comes less dramatic results. Microdermabrasion is a much gentler method with less clearly visible results than a chemical peel.