Let’s be real—there’s nothing like running your fingers over your face and feeling smooth, even skin. But when you’re dealing with texture, dullness, or stubborn spots that won’t budge with at-home remedies, it might be time to call in a little professional help. But how do you choose between treatments like facial peels and microdermabrasion?
Both are amazing, but they serve totally different purposes. The right choice depends on whether you’re targeting deeper skin concerns or maintaining surface-level brightness and smoothness.
Facial & Microdermabrasion: What’s the Difference?
Before deciding, it’s important to understand how these treatments work. Both exfoliate—but not in the same way, and not for the same reasons.
Facial peels work from the inside out. Using medical-grade ingredients, we target layers of the skin that you can’t reach with your regular exfoliator. These are ideal for more noticeable skin concerns like dark spots, acne scarring, or fine lines that just won’t fade.
Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, is like a skin polish—gentle but effective. It uses a handheld device to buff away the outermost layer of dead skin while a vacuum clears up debris. The result? A smooth, even finish that looks and feels refreshed.
Facial Peels: Let’s Talk Depth
Facial peels are like hitting reset on your skin. We use carefully formulated acids (don’t worry, we’re the pros) to help lift away the damaged layers that make your complexion look tired or uneven.
What to Expect
We start every peel with clean skin, intention, and a treatment plan that reflects you. Your aesthetician will choose the right strength based on your goals and what your skin’s telling us.
- Light peels feel like a mild tingle and come with little to no downtime—think a few hours of slight sensitivity.
- Medium peels may cause some redness and flaking over a few days—it’s your skin doing its thing.
- Deep peels are more intense, reaching multiple skin layers and requiring up to 2 weeks of downtime. But the results? Game-changing.
Post-peel, your skin will be more vulnerable, but your aesthetician won’t leave you hanging. You’ll be walked through every step of aftercare—from which products to avoid to how to keep your skin calm and hydrated while it heals. This is a treatment you’ll feel working—but with the right care, it’s also one you’ll love watching unfold.
The Benefits of a Facial Peel
Depending on the type of peel you get—light, medium, or deep—we can target:
- Skin texture
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dark spots and blemishes
- Pores
This treatment is perfect for addressing deeper skin concerns and setting the foundation for long-term skin health. Your aesthetician will make sure the treatment is safe and tailored to your unique needs, just like you deserve.
Microdermabrasion: Smooth Operator
Microdermabrasion is the gentle exfoliator your skin didn’t know it needed. It’s fast, comfortable, and noninvasive.
What to Expect
A microdermabrasion session is smooth (literally) from start to finish. Once you’re cozy in the treatment room, we’ll use a handheld device to gently polish away dead skin cells. The built-in vacuum works alongside it to clean out your pores and clear surface debris.
You might feel a soft, sandy texture as the device moves across your skin, but no pain, no stinging, and no stress. Most sessions wrap up in about 30 minutes, making this the perfect “between meetings” pick-me-up.
Once we’re done? Your skin will feel soft, look noticeably smoother, and feel totally refreshed. No redness. No peeling. Just better skin, fast.

The Benefits of Microdermabrasion
While microdermabrasion works on the surface, don’t underestimate its impact. It revitalizes dull complexions and keeps your skin’s natural turnover cycle on track.
It’s perfect for:
- Surface-level dullness
- Rough patches or uneven texture
- Anyone with sensitive skin who still wants results
- Keeping your skin maintenance on point between other treatments
This treatment is like getting your skin back on track—quickly, safely, and without missing a beat in your schedule.
How to Choose: Peel or Polish?
If you’re not sure which treatment is right for you, start by assessing your skin goals.
Here’s a cheat sheet:
Go for a chemical peel if you’re dealing with deeper concerns like scarring, pigmentation, or advanced signs of aging. Just be sure you’re ready to commit to a few days (or weeks) of downtime to get those deeper results.
Choose microdermabrasion if you’re focused on prevention and maintenance or just love how smooth your skin feels post-treatment. Plus, it can all fit within your lunch break.
Your skin type also plays a role. Sensitive skin types may prefer the gentler nature of microdermabrasion, while those with thicker or oilier skin may benefit more from a chemical exfoliation treatment.
Still not sure? We’ve got you.
Let’s Talk About Your Skin
The truth is, no one knows your skin better than you, but it helps to have a pro in your corner. Our team at Iconic Beauty Aesthetics doesn’t just perform treatments. We guide you through your options, help you set realistic goals, and walk with you every step of the way.
So… what are you working through right now? Sun spots from last year’s trip? Skin that’s just not bouncing back like it used to? Let’s find the treatment that fits your goals and your lifestyle. Book a consultation with us—we’ll listen, assess, and give you honest advice about what your skin needs. Whether it’s a powerful peel or a gentle polish, we’ll make sure it’s the right move for you.