Retinol versus Microdermabrasion: Which Anti-Aging Treatment Works Better?

Everyone is getting more vigilant when it comes to skin care. A lot of “How To’s”, tips and tricks, even celebrity skincare routines has graced the folds of magazine covers, aired in TV programs, blogged about and even talked about in different social media channels. All in the name of skincare!

Yes! With all the knowledge we have nowadays, an average gal has better arsenal against skin aging. But then, with all the technology we have, it is not uncommon to be left perplexed which device to get or what skincare tip to follow.

So, what gives?

Let us talk about the popular choices we have when it comes to combatting skin aging. In this article, we will discuss skin aging and the top 2 popular remedies: retinol and microdermabrasion.

Why Do We Look Old When We Age?

Growing old is inevitable, there isn’t much we can do to halt natural aging. Over the years, you will acquire fine lines. Your skin will be a bit drier. You will lose some fat and your skin will appear thinner. You will look more mature and lose the plumpness of a youthful face.

Again, it is natural and unavoidable.

However, you may help postpone aging by living a healthier lifestyle and influencing what you do to your body. Cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking and lessening sun exposure will all help delay aging. Aside from that, there are other ways you can do to help your skin age gracefully too.

All About Retinol

Retinol is a potent anti-aging product. It increases the cell turnover rate that prevents collagen loss, it evens out the skin tone and it treats fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps manage acne and acne scars. Retinol is available over the counter and is one of the most popular anti-aging ingredients today.

If you are new to retinol, getting used to it can be bewildering. We recommend to try it first on a weekend and use it at night. If you are just starting out, use it sparingly and apply a pea-sized amount to the entire face at bedtime.

Layer it with your moisturizer to help control too much dryness. Retinol must be used continuously for approximately 12 weeks or so. Also, you have to use sunscreen when you step out of the house as retinol increase your sensitivity to the sun.

Use it every other night to help your skin adjust to the product. Retinol can cause dryness and some people tend to get irritated skin when they first use either the cream or the serum. Do not give up on it though, you will see more results the more you use it.

The downside? Retinols quite sting and most people cannot tolerate the feeling of this chemical on their skin.

Microdermabrasion: A Chemical-free Alternative

If you opt to get all the benefits of using a retinol without having to use harsh chemicals, you can achieve this by using mechanical exfoliation. One example is through microdermabrasion. 

Microdermabrasion is an anti-aging and skin rejuvenating device that helps buff away dead skin cells that make you look older. 

It uses mechanical exfoliation through the diamond-embedded tip that can safely abrade the skin to make the cell turnover rate faster. It helps slough off dead skin and give you a more even exfoliation (as opposed to using gritty facial scrubs that just creates micro-tears in your skin.)

Efficient exfoliation is important so that you can maintain the youthful glow that everyone craves for. It helps buff away skin imperfections like pigmentation acne scars. It evens out skin tone, flatten raised scars and it may even help unclog congested pores thus, preventing acne formation.

Aside from picking up the skin debris, the suction helps improve blood circulation to the skin and stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen. That is important so that our skin can help repair damage where it is needed the most.

Compared to using retinol, microdermabrasion, if done the right way, is painless and there is no downtime! You can even have microdermabrasion on your lunch break and reapply your makeup without any fuss.

Professional microdermabrasion is usually done once a month. All you need to do is book or schedule a consultation and an esthetician will examine your skin and give you extra recommendations and treatments based on what your skin needs.

Or, you can do it yourself! Investing in your own microdermabrasion system enables you to do microdermabrasion in your own time, anywhere! Even if you are spending the night at a relative’s house, or on a trip to a different city or country, you can bring your own microdermabrasion device and have smooth, glowing skin in no time. It's like having your own personal esthetician!

At home microdermabrasion can be done once up to 3 times a week. Listen to your skin and whatever you do, do not over exfoliate!

Again, you can decide what routine you like to follow. You can customize your skin care depending on your personal needs. You can opt to use chemicals to zap those lines away or like we said, you can use a chemical-free solution to address your aging skin concerns.

When considering skin rejuvenation treatments, it's crucial to consult with a dermatologist to understand the best procedure tailored to your skin's needs. For instance, if you have dry skin or are prone to irritation, a gentler approach might be more suitable. Non-invasive treatments like microdermabrasion or light chemical peels are often recommended for those seeking to improve skin texture without the downtime associated with more intensive procedures. These methods help remove the outer layer of the skin, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion underneath.

Chemical peels, particularly those utilizing glycolic acid or salicylic acid, offer a different approach. These treatments work by penetrating the top layer of the skin, exfoliating dead skin cells, and stimulating cellular turnover. This process not only helps rejuvenate the skin but also addresses various skin issues such as dark spots, age spots, and pigmentation caused by pollution. A glycolic acid peel, for instance, is effective in improving dull skin and enhancing overall complexion. However, post-treatment care is essential to avoid irritation and ensure the best results.

For those who prefer at-home solutions, using retinol or retin-A therapy can be highly effective. Retinoids, a class of compounds derived from vitamin A, are known for their ability to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and even acne. However, it's important to note that these topical treatments can increase skin sensitivity, particularly to the sun, making daily sunscreen application a must. Over-the-counter retinoids, such as tretinoin, offer a less abrasive alternative to mechanical exfoliation and can be used as part of a daily skincare routine to gradually improve skin texture and clarity.

When comparing chemical peels vs. microdermabrasion, the choice ultimately depends on your skin type and desired outcome. Chemical peels, which range from superficial to deep, can be more effective for treating issues like hyperpigmentation and severe acne scars. On the other hand, microdermabrasion is ideal for those looking to address surface-level concerns and prefer a painless, minimally invasive procedure. Both treatments can significantly improve the skin’s appearance, but it's always wise to consult a dermatologist before beginning any new treatment regimen.

In summary, whether you're dealing with dry skin, acne scars, or the early signs of aging, there are a variety of skin care options available. From chemical peels and retinol to microdermabrasion and at-home devices, each treatment offers unique benefits. The key is to choose a procedure that aligns with your skin’s needs and your lifestyle, ensuring that you can maintain a healthy, glowing complexion on a daily basis.