Couples are like IKEA furniture- either they are perfectly in sync or arguing over which screw ruined everything. However, there is a couple with long standing reputation of a perfect match without turmoil: enter Microneedling and Chemical Peels. 

The key to attaining the desired results is a plan developed with a seasoned licensed professional. At your consultation you will discuss with your provider your health history as well as treatments you have done in the past, your current at home program, and your goals. At that point, you can start to devise a plan that is both sensible and workable with both lifestyle and budget. Another point to consider is to be realistic about what you can achieve. Frequently, people read about miraculous treatments that promise to reverse aging after just one session. To date there is no magic bullet that eradicates a lifetime of damage in one treatment. If that were so, all other treatments would be deemed obsolete. Consider the amount of damage your skin has acquired versus what you are hoping to see, the time you may need to invest in recovery form a service and the money you are willing to invest. Doing so will help devise serious and sensible options. 

Many plans begin with prepping the skin to receive the best results from your investment. Depending on what you wish to accomplish, you at home regime may include retinols, brightening agents, exfoliants and other serums designed to increase cell turnover and breakup pigments, paving the way to a better result. This is like an artist who preps the canvas for the paint to look its best for the longest possible time.  

The advantage of utilizing both microneedling and chemical peels is the purpose they serve when paired with one another. Often treatments will work in tandem with one another, alternating treatments every few weeks. 

Microneedling works with multiple tiny hairlike needles that penetrate the skin to stimulate collagen and improve pigmentation. It reaches both the epidermis and the dermis of the skin. The process creates tiny injuries that disrupt melanin which triggers the repair process in the skin. These controlled punctures insite the body’s natural wound-healing response that in turn activates fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin fibers. Mild redness and tightness can accompany treatment. Using the advanced science of PDRN, or salmon DNA, the after affects are taken down to almost nonexistent. 

Peels work on the epidermis and papillary dermis (the upper part of the dermis). A chemical peel solution is applied to the skin and processed according to manufactures direction. Mild flushing may occur after the process followed by a tight dry feeling to the skin. After a few days of sloughing, the skin is fresh and glowing. 

Peels treat fine lines, sun damage, marks left from a bout with acne, known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) by lifting the pigments off the surface, later the microneedling further breaks them up. Doing gentle exfoliation, a week or two after the peel helps keep the cell rate turn over process going to increase visible improvements. 

Peels will also stimulate collagen on more superficial levels, then microneedling keeps the process in motion more deeply. 

There are certain peels that can be done the same day as a microneedling service, but they are mild peels that may not be adequate to address specific concerns such as significant pigmentation and PIH. Mid-level interface with microneedling very well. 

Your provider will guide you as to which peel is the most applicable for your concerns. 

The recovery and aftercare are similar, using gentle cleansers, hydration, and SPF for the first week after treatment. Avoiding sun, heat and excessive perspiration is a common thread. 

The cost of peels is less than microneedling, making it a terrific compliment. Both are going after the same end point of firmer, smoother, and brighter skin. After a series of treatments, you will be advised to do upkeep. This could come in the form of a mild peel or microneedling six months later to maintain results. 

Let us not forget about services like Diamond Glow facials and traditional facials that do not require recovery yet provide a needed refresh to skin. Doing your at home skincare adds significant momentum to your in office investment and may need to be revisited as the seasons change or if you have had any life events that have affected your skin.