Microneedling vs. Chemical Peels: Choosing the best option for your skin at Sanctuary Skin in Virginia Beach

When it comes to improving skin tone, texture, and overall youthfulness, two powerhouse treatments stand out: microneedling and chemical peels. Both are highly effective—but depending on your skin goals, one may be better suited to your needs than the other.

At Sanctuary Skin in Virginia Beach, we specialize in customized, corrective skincare, and we’re often asked which treatment is best for anti-aging or for fading stubborn pigmentation. Here’s how they compare—so you can make the best choice for your skin.

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Microneedling: Best for Aging and Skin Texture

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses ultra-fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates your body’s natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin production to firm and smooth the skin.

What microneedling treats best:

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Mild sagging and crepey skin

• Enlarged pores and rough texture

• Acne scars and loss of elasticity

What to expect:

Before:

Your skin will be prepped with a deep cleanse and numbing cream to ensure a comfortable experience.

During:

You may feel a mild buzzing or prickling sensation, but most clients describe it as very tolerable thanks to the numbing. The treatment typically takes 30–45 minutes depending on the area treated.

After:

You’ll be red for about 24–48 hours—similar to a sunburn—and may experience slight swelling or flaking. Your skin will feel tighter and look smoother within a week, with full collagen-boosting results appearing in the weeks that follow.

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Chemical Peels: Best for Pigmentation and Brightening

Chemical peels use a solution of acids to exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin, revealing fresh, evenly pigmented skin beneath. Peels vary in strength, and at Sanctuary Skin we tailor them to your specific skin type and concerns.

What chemical peels treat best:

• Sun damage and hyperpigmentation

• Dark spots and melasma

• Uneven tone and dullness

• Fine lines and acne

What to expect:

Before:

Your skin will be evaluated to determine the best peel for your concerns. We’ll ensure your skin is prepped and healthy enough to tolerate the treatment.

During:

You may feel a mild tingling or warm sensation as the solution is applied. Most peels take about 10–20 minutes from start to finish, and some include layering or neutralization steps.

After:

Depending on the strength of the peel, you may experience light flaking or more significant peeling over several days. Some redness or sensitivity is common, and SPF is essential to protect the fresh skin underneath.

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So, Which Is Right for You?

• Choose Microneedling if your main concerns are fine lines, wrinkles, or loss of firmness. This is an ideal treatment for boosting collagen, improving texture, and firming the skin.

• Choose a Chemical Peel if your top concerns are sun spots, pigmentation, or dull tone. Peels are perfect for revealing brighter, more even skin.

Both treatments offer incredible results—but they work best when customized to your skin’s current condition and long-term goals. In many cases, alternating between microneedling and peels (with the right timing) can provide the most comprehensive skin transformation.

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Let’s Find the Right Treatment for You

At Sanctuary Skin in Virginia Beach, we take the guesswork out of skincare. Whether you’re struggling with discoloration, aging, or both, we’ll help you build a plan that delivers lasting, healthy results.

Book your appointment now to get started on your best skin yet.