Microneedling vs Chemical Peels – Which One’s Really Right for You?
- Kamila Bójko
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
There’s no shortage of skin treatments promising brighter, smoother, glowing skin; but both
microneedling and chemical peels have stood the test of time for a good reason - they work!
They do very different things, and choosing the right one isn’t always straightforward.
There’s no shortage of skin treatments promising brighter, smoother, glowing skin; but both
microneedling and chemical peels have stood the test of time for a good reason - they work!
They do very different things, and choosing the right one isn’t always straightforward.
At DermaClinic here in Bristol, we’re often asked which treatment is “better” - and the truth is, it
depends entirely on your skin, your goals, and sometimes even on the season. So we’re here to
break it down properly, let’s get to the point.
Microneedling: how it all started
It sounds cutting-edge, and in a way it is, but the tech has come a long way. There are records
showing that a version of microneedling was used in the early 1900s to treat scars, birthmarks,
and hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling as we know today actually started out in the 1990s when plastic surgeons noticed that tiny needle punctures could help improve the appearance of scars. One of the pioneers was Dr. Des Fernandes, a South African plastic surgeon who ended up creating one of the earliest
dermal rollers while looking for ways to help his patients heal quicker and better.
The idea is pretty clever. By creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, you trigger the body’s
healing response. Collagen and elastin, the two main players behind firm and youthful skin, start
flowing again. National Library of Medicine writes about it here:
At DermaClinic Bristol, we use an advanced microneedling pen that allows us to smoothly adjust the depth and intensity depending on what we are treating . Additionally, we combine LED therapy throughout the treatment for enhanced results.
Acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, sun damage… Microneedling can tackle a lot, and it’s especially good for skin that’s lost a bit of bounce or looks dull.
One thing people don’t always realise? Microneedling is also brilliant for helping your skin to
absorb active ingredients better. Here at DermaClinic we always pair Microneedling with Skin Boosters. They are safe, not tested on animals, vegetarian friendly and always individually selected to your skin’s specific needs, making the treatment even more effective.
It’s worth mentioning that all LED therapy as well as the Skin Boosters are integral part of Microneedling at DermaClinic and we offer them at no extra cost.
Chemical peels: the ancient beauty secret that still works
When you say “chemical peel,” some people still imagine raw, peeling faces from 90s makeover
shows. But modern peels are far more sophisticated, and a lot gentler than they sound. There’s
a huge range, from the light enzyme peels you could have on a lunch break, to deeper acid
peels that go a bit further (and require a bit more downtime).
Light peels are ideal if you’re dealing with dullness, congestion, or minor pigmentation. They
gently dissolve dead skin cells, giving you that “just-had-a-facial” glow but with longer-lasting
results. Medium-deep peels are great for more stubborn pigmentation or signs of ageing.
And just to throw in a fun fact: chemical exfoliation isn’t exactly new. It’s centuries-old practice, described in the Ebers Papyrus- Egyptian medical papyrus of herbal knowledge dating to 1550 BC. Queen Cleopatra was famously known to bathe in sour milk to improve the look and texture of the skin. So, as you can see, the idea of using acids to refresh the skin has been around for
centuries, we’ve just gotten much better at it.
So, which one’s right for you: Microneedling vs Chemical Peels?
The truth is that when considering Microneedling vs Chemical Peels, these two treatments often complement each other. Microneedling helps to rebuild and strengthen the collagen structure and its net in deeper layers of the skin, while chemical peels help to brighten and refresh the skin.
If your main concern is texture, like acne scars or enlarged pores, or you want something that
stimulates your skin’s natural repair processes to help with the skin firmness, microneedling could be your treatment. If your goal is to brighten, even out tone, or deal with congestion and acne, a peel might do a better job.
Of course, the best approach might be a combination of the two. Many of our Bristol clients
alternate between microneedling and peels as part of a long-term, personalised skin plan, as
the results can be genuinely transformative when done properly.
Recovery and aftercare
Microneedling leaves your skin naturally red for a day or two, and you might get some mild
flaking. Peels vary depending on strength, some leave you glowing right away, some involve a
few days of peeling. Neither should hurt, and we’ll always explain what to expect before we
start.
The big non-negotiable is sunscreen. Every day. After either treatment, your skin is more
sensitive to UV rays, and SPF is the thing that protects your investment. And yes, even in
Bristol’s grey winter!
Tailored skin care that makes sense for your life
At DermaClinic, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter skin care. Your skin is unique, and the way it
responds to treatments will be too. That’s why we take time to get to know it, your lifestyle, your
current routine, what’s bothering you, and what you’re hoping for.
So, whether microneedling or chemical peels (or both) end up being your go-to, you’ll know
you’re getting a plan that’s based on real skin expertise.
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