Feb 13 2008
Skin Culture Peel vs. Microdermabrasion
Published by Linda Florentine at 6:35 am under Facts
photo credit: Daquella manera
Microdermabrasion is a fairly new procedure in the cosmetic skin care industry that involves a special machine which works to remove dead skin on the surface of the area(s) treated. The entire process typically involves a series of 8-10 weekly treatments. As a result, the whole procedure can take two months or longer before you see results. Even though this treatment covers such a lengthy period of time, Microdermabrasion only removes a very small percentage of the epidermal layers.
What Makes Skin Culture Peel Different?
Unlike Microdermabrasion which takes up to 10 weeks to work completely, the makers of Skin Culture Peel claim that their Peel 4000 treatment achieves the same results in only six days. On top of that, the manufacturers of Skin Culture Peel assert that their seventy-year track record of success exceeds the five-year track record of microdermabrasion.
Skin Culture Peel is Supposedly Less Harsh Than Dermabrasion
When compared to Dermabrasion, the makers of Skin Culture Peel claim that their chemical peel treatments are more gentle on the skin. Dermabrasion is a surgical technique that requires your skin to be sanded with a steel brush or rotating wire. This procedure gets rid of the entire epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and a portion of the dermis (bottom layer of the skin). As such, it should only be performed by a cosmetic surgeon.
A Skin Culture Peel 6-day treatment, however, only permeates the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) while leaving the bottom layer (dermis) untouched. The manufacturers of Skin Culture Peel claim that their facial chemical peels are often used to even out the discoloration caused by the deep penetration of Dermabrasion. Plus, they also claim the results produced by 10 microdermabrasion sessions can easily be obtained by using their
Skin Culture Peel 4000 treatment.
Read Real Reviews From Real Skin Culture Peel Users
Get More Information About Skin Culture Peel Treatments
Claim Your Free Skin Rejuvenation Guide
Buy Skin Culture Peels Online
Just wanted to say that some Facts in the above paragraphs are contradictory.
“Even though this treatment cover such a lengthy period of time, Microdermabrasion only removes a very small percentage of the epidermal layers.” This is what it says in paragraph one.
Then in the following paragraphs it says “Microdermabrasion is a surgical technique that requires your skin to be sanded with a steel brush or rotating wire. This procedure gets rid of the entire epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and a portion of the dermis (bottom layer of the skin).”
Therefore if we compare the paragraphs they say microdermabrasion only removes a small percentage of epidermal layers and it also says it removes all of the epidermis and portion of the dermis. Which is it? I think the mistake is made by comparing microdermabrasion to dermabrasion. These are not the same. Microdermabrasion is the method that does not go through your epidermis and dermabrasion can go into your dermis. I just wanted to make this more clear for the readers.
Thanks Dan,
That was a major oversight/typo on my part. I didn’t realize it was there.
Sometimes my fingers work faster than my brain.
The information has been corrected, though.
Thanks Again,
Linda
[...] Skin Peel vs. Microdermabrasion [...]
Hi Linda,
I looked at the site you posted, but I have a few questions on how well the other treatments might work. It says that the skin peel will take away the blackheads, the impurities, damage, moderate acne, and acne scarring, but will the other mini peel systems do the same? I know you said before that the peels are not reccommended for people under 18, but I want something that will work, that’ll give me a new face, in a sense. I don’t just want a treatment that will take away the scarring, but the black heads as well, is there a peel (1000, 2000, 300, 4000) that I can use that will take away the scarring and the other issues, while not being too harsh on my skin?
Thanks
Heather
Hi Heather,
From what I understand, the Ole Henriksen Micro/Mini Peel System is the same peel that Ole offers in his own West Hollywood spa. His local clients have to pay much more to get what he offers in a single micro/mini peel kit.
Click Here to watch a video posted on this site where Ole talks about the benefits of his micro/mini peel system and the conditions it treats.
The video may have been missing last time you visited the page, but it’s back now.
You can also check out Ole’s bio here: http://www.olehenriksen.com/about_ole.asp
Based on Ole’s reputation and the accolades his micro/mini peel system has received, I recommended it as a viable alternative to Skin Culture peels. Plus, the price is affordable.
Currently, there are no Skin Culture peels that only target a specific condition. The only difference between each level of the treatment (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000) is the amount of the facial peel formula it includes. The Peel 1000 kit comes with 1 jar of the peel formula and Peel 4000 kit includes 4 jars of the formula.
Considering your age and the condition you have described, I think Ole’s peel will be a good fit for you. But, I strongly urge you to consult your doctor or dermatologist before you try any facial peel because your skin is still developing.
I hope this helps, Heather. Let us know how things work out for you.
Cheers
Linda
Hi Linda,
I am currently doing the peel 2000. I am on day 4 (I applied the peel for the first two days, and for the past 2 days I have applied cold cream. The skin on my chin is peeling and the skin that’s underneath is very pink, making me a little worried. I have not touched or pulled at the skin, it has peeled on its own. Is the pink color normal?
Also, I read that peeling usually starts around eyes, and gets to the chin last. I have had no other peeling yet except on my chin, and a bit by my nose.
Lastly, if I have not fully peeled by day 6 should I continue applying cold cream?
I am contacting you because skin culture’s customer service is very poor. I left a message several days ago, and it took them 5 days to contact me. I cannot wait 5 days now – please help!
Thanking you in advance,
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
I wouldn’t be too alarmed about the pink color at this point. I know it’s been a few days since you initially posted your inquiry, but was there a rash or any other breakout on your chin?
How are you doing at this juncture? Have you heard from Skin Culture yet? Has any more peeling occurred?
You’re right about the peeling usually starting around the eyes, but everyone’s face responds differently to a facial peel, so I wouldn’t be alarmed about that either.
I suggest you continue applying the cold cream if more peeling needs to occur after day 6. The cream really helps to accelerate the peeling process.
As for Skin Culture’s customer service, you’re not the first to mention this. It prompted me to get some kind of explanation from them for you all to read. You may view the official SkinCultureUSA.com statement here.
It sometimes takes me as long as five days to hear from them, too. But then in other instances I’ve heard from them in the promised 24-72 hour period. Keep in mind, too, that this period does not include weekends so if you try to get them on a Thursday, then you may not hear from them until Monday.
I hope this helps, Leslie. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Happy Peeling
Linda
Hi Linda,
Thanks for your reply. I also received a timely reply from Skin Culture’s customer service this time.
The skin on my chin is fine now (it’s no longer pink), and the rest of my face has finally started peeling (it is day 7 of the peel). I hope by tomorrow or at the latest, Saturday, the peeling process will finish.
Thanks again for your assistance.
Cheers,
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
That’s great news! Thanks for the update.
Happy Peeling
Linda
Hi Linda,
I’m an Asian woman of 47 years and i suffer from enlarged pores under my eye area as well as damaged skin caused by accidentally scrubbing my face with harsh kernels from the results of using a face skin product. Unfortunately these have left minor indentations all over my cheek skin surface and as a result i have lost much confidence in my appearance and avoid coming up too close to people.
Ive just been reading about the successful reviews for your product on your website and watching videos on ‘U’ tube on how to use your product appropriately – especially the more intense formula at the strength of 4000. Which i am interested in using.
I was wondering since i have never used a chemical peel before if it would be ok for me to start with the more intense treatment at strength 4000, because of my skin’s condition in order to achieve the best results. Also would be okay to use it around the eye area which could do with some rejuvenation?
I welcome your help and advise!
Regards,
Ruby.
Hi Ruby,
Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like you’ve really done your homework
Most people start with the 3000 or 4000 treatment, so it would certainly be okay for you to begin with the peel 4000 kit, too.
If you choose to get the Skin Culture peel, I strongly recommend you perform the patch test. You’ll find the instructions for this test inside the package. In short, you simply test the peel formula on an unnoticeable place on your face just to see how your skin reacts to the peel.
As far as the eye area is concerned, you can apply the peel formula to the under eye area and to the side of the eyes. However, the eyelids should be avoided. As you may know, the eye area is generally sensitive. As a result, you may experience some puffiness for about 2-3 days if you choose to apply the peel to the areas directly under and to the sides of your eyes.
I hope this helps, Ruby. Let me know how everything works out for you.
Cheers
Linda
Hi Linda!
Thanks so much for your attentive response and supportive advise. Fortunately my skin doesn’t have too much problem in healing so i feel quite safe now to try the peel 4000! Woopee! can’t wait to get rid of years of layers of damage and grim to my face! wonderful news too that i can use the peel just under my eyes areas and to the side of my eyes – that was a major issue with me! I hope with your recommended after care products i will continue to maintain a healthy glow to my skin! I may also possibly venture out to try the Revitol Solution products you also recommend for a healthy skin!
Thank you also for advise on how to continue to maintain a healthy complexion by keeping to a well balanced diet of foods high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. As these should hopefully aid in the production of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid which i believe are three of the main essential ingredients for the skin! – i would be extremely grateful! if you could possibly recommend a diet which contains these foods?? or even a list would be fab!!!
It will be a couple of months before i try out your product due to other commitments. However in due course i will try to get back to you with the results!
Sorry for the lengthy reply but thanks again for all of your help it is much appreciated!
Warm regards Ruby! X
Hi Linda! just a quickie – are skin culture peels also designed to be used on hands and feet? Or in your opinion, do you think i could possible get away in using a high strength one on my unsightly rough hands and callous feet? In an effort to rejuvenate the skin and improve its appearance? Many thanks!
Warm Regards Ruby!
Hi Ruby,
Lengthy replies are perfectly okay here.
It’s my pleasure to help.
I found a couple of sites that may help you determine which foods you’d like to increase in your diet in order to increase the natural production of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.
http://www.wisegeek.com/which-foods-contain-the-most-collagen.htm
http://www.ctds.info/hyaluronic_acid_2.html#foods
As for applying the Skin Culture peel to your hands and feet, this is highly discouraged. The peel is designed to be used on the face only.
However, the Cuccio Naturale Mango Hand Peel
is good for the hands and you can use Silky Foot Peel with Salicylic Acid by Pevonia Botanica for your feet.
Happy Peeling
Linda
Hi Linda, many thanks for your kind reply, i will defintely in due course check out the websites you’ve recommended on how to maintain a healthy skin! Many thanks also for suggesting suitable peels for the hands and feet. As a suggestion i don’t know if your company would be interested in expanding into developing your own brand of peels for hands and feet taking into consideration the high success of your face chemical peels!!!!
Sorry – but i can’t wait any longer i need to order the peel 4000 now! – im a bit nervous about using it but I will definitely let you know how i get on! – if it works with me i now i should be able to safely recommend it to many others with normal asian skin! I might even keep a journal on how i get on – ooooh!
God Bless take care! Ruby!
Hi Ruby,
Thanks for the feedback.
While I don’t work for Skin Culture, I also think it would be a good idea if they put out some peels for the hands and feet.
I can certainly understand your eagerness to get the peel 4000 right away. If you happen to keep a journal, would you mind posting the results here? We have had a few others do the same and I think it’s helped a lot of people who visit this site to hear from others.
Thanks a bunch, Ruby!
Happy Peeling
Linda
Hi Linda! nice to hear from you!
Despite reservations from friends and family who have repeatedly tried to discourage me from using any peel for fears that it might cause my skin more damage. I have taken advise from the skin culture experts and went ahead and ordered the ultimate skin peel 4000 package for acne scarred skin, (containing 3 lots of chemicals peels to be used once every month over a 3 month period in order to achieve the best results).
Apparently the whole package here in the UK cost me £308 plus a £10 postage, (approx $475 – including 35% discount!). However, i am hoping it will achieve a similar result to that of a deep blue chemical peel treatment costing here in the UK Salons at almost £5000! (approx $7,400) yikeees! More so since ive learnt that your peels are balanced with a similar chemical found in the deep blue peel (So sorry ive forgotten what the chemical is called?)
It will certainly be my pleasure to post the results of my journal to you! In the event i feel i need to use all 3 peels then i will be looking at producing a journal to account for a 3 month period!
I also understand from your advisors at London UK that once you become a member of Skin Culture you can take advantage of their special offers! One recent offer was in early April where you had an incredible offer of almost 50% off all of your products! Making it a good idea to join well in advance of purchasing any items!
Okey dokey! when i start my first peel i will keep you informed of progress! bye for now!
Regards Ruby!
Way to go, Ruby! I’m excited for you! I look forward to hearing how everything works out for you.
Cheer
Linda
The sun is one major external factor that can do damage to your skin. When you get too much sunlight it will damage the free radicals. Another factor is cigarette smoke which will make your skin lose its texture and sheen. It also reduces the blood flow in your skin which is vital to your skin?s health.
I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
Hi Linda!! i was wondering which one of the treatments is the best for my skin, i have a few scars left on my cheeks from pimples, they’re not that deep, but than makes me uncomfortable, the thing that’s worse is my nose, i have large pores due to my desperation for blackheads. I just wish to know if the peel 4000 would be too agressive for my problem, or if the 3000 is better. Thank U. Have a very nice day!!
Hi Gabriela!
Thanks for posting your question here.
Actually, I can’t tell you exactly which treatment to use. But I can tell you this. Most people who use the peels for the first time start with the peel 3000 or 4000 just because these treatments yield the most noticeable results. The major difference between the peel 4000 and the 3000 kit is the number of days you spend applying the facial peel solution. With the peel 4000 its 4 days (which is why it goes deeper than the others) and with the 3000 its 3 days. For both treatments, the rest of the days are spent applying the Normalizer Cream so your face can peel effectively.
Go with your gut. If you think your skin needs intense treatment, then go with the peel 4000. If you think the peel 3000 will be enough, then go for it. If you end up needing a little more treatment, you can always get the peel 1000 or 2000 later to polish things up.
I hope this helps, Gabriela (lovely name by the way).
Cheers
Linda
Hi Linda,
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE can you help me? I am so desperate to have just normal looking skin. I am very much like a monster without make-up on. I can’t let anybody see me without my foumdation to balance things out a bit, not even my boyfriend of 10 years! I have always suffer from acne, which I can almost handle but it’s the marks left behind from me squeezing and pulling at the dry skin which is the problem I just don’t know what to do about the Skin Culture peel, I am so scare that I may end up looking even more like a monster. What do you suggest,
Kind regards
Dani
Hi Dani,
Thanks for trusting me with you story. You are quite brave to do so. I’ll certainly do my best to say something helpful.
I’ve met a number of people through this blog who have never tried the peel before and are afraid of what might happen. So, you are not alone.
There’s actually a couple of things I can suggest:
1. Go ahead and give the peel a try. Just be sure to perform the skin patch test before you go through with the full treatment. The details of this test are in the instructions you receive with the kit. This step is absolutely crucial as it will give you a pretty good indication of how the rest of your face will react to the peel. For instance, if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the treatment, you’ll find out when you’re testing a small patch of skin. This is much better than waiting to discover the same when you’ve applied the peeling formula to your entire face.
2. Consult your doctor or dermatologist and get their opinion. Ultimately, it’s your skin and you can do what you want. But, getting the opinion of your doctor or dermatologist couldn’t hurt. Just be sure to tell them it’s a home facial peel you’re considering and not a normal in-office treatment. In-office treatments can be quite harsh. But the Skin Culture peel is designed to be mild enough for home use but strong enough to get results. You might even want to show them the ingredients in the Skin Culture peel so they can know what you’re considering. If they ask you about the phenol, you can let them know that the peel is only 2% phenol by volume.
Keep in mind, too, that the Skin Culture peel is not a miracle treatment. Everyone’s face responds differently to a facial peel. Some experience dramatic results after their first treatment while others may see moderate results. In some severe cases, especially with acne scarring, more than one treatment may be needed to get the results one ultimately desires.
I know I’ve said a mouthful here, Dani. But I hope I’ve been helpful.
Let me know what you decide. I’d love to hear how things turn out for you.
Cheers
Linda
Hello,
I’ve developed melasma from bcp’s and went off the one that did it to me 4 months after i started it once i discovered bcp’s were to blame. that was 5 years ago.
in an effort to try and correct the melasma, I’ve had numerous fraxels, 1540′s 1440 (lasers) and saw no improvements and some worsening on my forehead but not on other parts of my face.
I then had a tca peel and my melasma spread all over my cheeks.
How “hot” does this get compared to those tx’s and what strength do you recommend?
thanks for your insight.
Hi Stacy,
Thanks for sharing your story here. I’ll try to help as best as I can.
The Skin Culture peel does tingle a bit. I wouldn’t say it gets as “hot” tca peels, but for some it tingles more than others.
Most people who use the Skin Culture treatment for the first time go with the peel 3000 or 4000. For maximum results the peel 4000 is recommended, though. For some people it does take a little longer than 10 days to peel completely with the peel 4000 treatment, so keep this in mind.
I also highly recommend you perform the skin patch test. You’ll find instructions in the package. This will give you an idea of how your skin will react to a full treatment. Plus, if you happen to be allergic to any of the ingredients, you’ll be available to avoid an allergic reaction that affects your entire face.
I hope this helps, Stacy. Let me know if you need anything else.
Cheers
Linda
Hi Linda!
You discussed above that the Skin Culture Peel 6-day treatment permeates the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) while leaving the bottom layer (dermis) untouched. The manufacturers of Skin Culture Peel claim that their facial chemical peels are often used to even out the discoloration caused by the deep penetration of Dermabrasion.
But my dermatalogist told me that my skin discoloration/melasma is from within, how is the Skin Culture Peel will help my concern if the procedure is just topical?
Also, is SPF 15 would be enough if im in the Phils, considering that it’s hotter than in other countries?
Thanks.
Chat
Hi Chat,
Thanks for posting your questions here. You are right in noting that the makers of Skin Culture peel claim that their peels are often uses to even out the discoloration caused by dermabrasion. Exactly how it works with melasma that from within, I have no clue. I suggest you run that question by the folks at Skin Culture International. I’m sure they have a much more scientific explanation.
As for the SPF 15, that is the minimum required during the post-peel period. You’re certainly encouraged to use more than an SPF 15, especially in climates where you get much more sun on a regular basis.
I hope this helps, Chat. Let me know if you need anything else.
Cheers
Linda