Chemical Peel vs Microdermabrasion: What's the Big Difference?
Maybe it’s sun spots, uneven tone, or that patch of stubborn pigmentation that shows up in every selfie. Or maybe your skin just feels... blah. Whether after a full skin reset or a quick refresh, you’ve probably come across two popular options: chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Both are designed to get your skin glowing. But they don’t work the same way—and they don’t deliver the same results. One goes deeper. One plays nice with sensitive skin. One might have you peeling like a croissant. The other? You could do it on your lunch break.
So, which one’s right for you? Let’s break it down.
Microdermabrasion vs Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels At a Glance
Microdermabrasion
Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels
What is it
Mechanical exfoliation using a diamond-tipped device to remove surface skin cells
Chemical exfoliation using acid solutions to renew skin and stimulate regeneration
Areas it can treat
Face, neck, décolletage, back, upper arms, hands
Face, neck, chest, back
No. of sessions required
Typically 4–6 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart; ongoing for maintenance
Depends on treatment plan
Downtime
Little to no downtime; mild redness or tightness post-treatment
Mild to moderate redness, flaking or peeling depending on peel strength
Skin concerns
Dullness, rough texture, congestion, mild scarring, oily skin
Acne scarring, oily skin, pigmentation, acne, sun damage, uneven tone, fine lines,
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is like a deep clean and polish for your face. At Laser Clinics Australia, we use a crystal-free diamond-tipped device to gently exfoliate the skin’s surface, and remove dead skin cells, built-up grime, and the dullness that comes with it.
It buffs away the superficial layers of the epidermis and when done properly, can help regulate oil production, reduce superficial pigmentation, and even improve serum absorption.
This treatment is especially useful for oily or seborrheic skin. By gently removing excess sebum and built-up dead skin cells, it creates a cleaner, smoother surface that’s less prone to breakouts and inflammation. While the exfoliation is targeted and controlled, the level of intensity depends on factors like suction pressure, grit level, and treatment time in each area.
Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels
Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels go beneath the surface, literally. It involves applying a carefully selected chemical solution to the skin to trigger controlled exfoliation. By creating mild, intentional damage to the outer layers , peels stimulate the skin’s natural healing response. The result is increased cell turnover, smoother texture, and a more even, radiant complexion.
Unlike mechanical treatments, peels can address deeper concerns like pigmentation, acne, sun damage, and early signs of ageing. They're also used for specific conditions like acne-prone skin. The depth of the peel, application method, and active ingredients all influence how your skin responds and recovers.
Pros and Cons: Microdermabrasion vs Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” treatment when it comes to your skin. So here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of Microdermabrasion and Cosmetic-Grade Chemical peels to help decide which one’s the right fit for your skin.
Microdermabrasion
Pros:
Gentle and non-invasive with no downtime
Provides an instant glow and a smoother texture
Helps reduce mild congestion and dullness
Enhances product absorption
Safe for most skin types with minimal risk
Can treat the face, decolletage, neck, back, upper arms and back of hands
Cons:
Results are superficial and temporary
Not effective for deeper pigmentation or scarring
Not ideal for very sensitive, broken, or inflamed skin
Requires ongoing sessions for maintenance
Doesn’t target deeper skin layers or long-term concerns
Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels
Pros:
Targets deeper concerns like pigmentation, acne, and fine lines
Stimulates collagen production and skin renewal
Can be tailored to your skin type and concern (from gentle to advanced)
Long-lasting results with consistent treatments
Visibly improves skin tone, texture, and clarity
Can treat most parts of the body except the pubic and head area
Cons:
May involve peeling, redness, or downtime (depending on peel strength)
Requires proper prep and aftercare, especially for medium to dark skin tones
Not suitable during pregnancy or for highly sensitised skin
Can be too strong for first-time users without conditioning
Results may take a few days to appear (and a few sessions to build)
No. of Sessions Required
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here—because no two skins are the same. The number of sessions you’ll need depends on what you’re treating, your skin type, and how your skin responds along the way.
For Microdermabrasion, a common starting point is a series of around 4 to 6 treatments, spaced every 2 to 4 weeks. This helps the skin gradually adjust, especially when treating deeper concerns like pigmentation, acne, or fine lines.
Once you’ve reached your initial skin goals, maintenance sessions every 4–6 weeks can help you stay glowing and even-toned in the long term.
Cosmetic-Grace Chemical Peels usually follow a similar rhythm —often recommended in a series of treatments to start, then maintained monthly as part of a regular skincare routine.
Your Skin Therapist will guide you through a personalised treatment plan tailored to your skin’s needs, pace, and progress. So whether you're starting fresh or building on a previous program, expect your plan to evolve as your skin improves.
Results
After just one session with Microdermabrasion, you’ll notice skin that feels smoother and looks brighter. But the real magic happens over a series of treatments. Clinical studies have reported Microdermabrasion to be effective at reducing congestion, fading post-acne marks, improving hydration, and reducing oily shine in trouble zones like the T-zone.
Microdermabrasion can also help minimise the appearance of pores, smooth out mild scarring, and balance oil production, especially for oily or combination skin types. While the results aren’t permanent, regular treatments and the right skincare can keep your skin looking polished.
Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels have deeper results. Research supports their use for reducing the visibility of dark spots, providing smoother skin texture, fewer breakouts, and an overall brighter, and more even complexion.
Salicylic and glycolic acid (common active ingredients in peels) have shown impressive results on acne-prone and pigmented skin. Salicylic acid works deep in the pores to reduce blackheads and calm inflammation. Glycolic is especially effective for darker skin tones prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Glycolic acid peels focus on resurfacing. They help lift surface pigmentation, soften fine lines, and improve mild scarring, with visible results often appearing after just a few sessions.
The Bottom Line
Whether it’s for glowy or clear skin, both Microdermabrasion and Cosmetic-Grade Chemical peels bring something to the table. Microdermabrasion is quick, gentle, and great for maintenance. Chemical peels go deeper—offering more transformative results over time, especially for stubborn pigmentation and acne.
Still not sure which one is right for you? You don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Book a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced Skin Therapists at Laser Clinics Australia. We’ll assess your skin, talk through your goals, and create a plan that’s tailored just for you.