Acne can be frustrating for people of any age, often impacting confidence and leaving scars that linger. Two popular treatments for managing acne and its aftereffects are the VI Peel and SkinPen microneedling. Each offers unique benefits that can address active breakouts and residual scarring, but which is better for you? Here’s a look at how these treatments compare.
VI Peel: A Solution for Treating Active Acne
If you want to treat active acne, the uniquely formulated VI Peel is the preferred treatment. This medium-depth chemical peel uses a blend of ingredients, including trichloroacetic acid (TCA), retinoic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C. Designed for deep exfoliation of the skin, the VI Peel can help improve mild to moderate acne by reducing oil production and lightening acne scars while promoting collagen production.¹
Skin types are different, so how you react to a peel depends on your skin's ability to tolerate acids. Most people typically experience some level of redness, peeling, and sensitivity.
We often recommend that you receive treatment every 4-6 weeks. However, the number of treatments varies depending on the severity of the acne and/or acne scars. Once optimal results have been achieved, maintenance treatments may be recommended.
VI Peel Benefits:
Reduces Breakouts: The VI Peel’s exfoliating properties help clear clogged pores, minimizing the bacteria that lead to acne.
Improves Texture & Tone: The peel’s ingredients reduce hyperpigmentation and stimulate collagen, helping smooth textural irregularities in the skin.
Quick Results: Most patients see results within a week after peeling subsides, with smoother, more radiant skin appearing as it heals.
SkinPen: Precision Treatment for Acne Scars
If your goal is to reduce or minimize acne scars, a series of microneedling treatments may be ideal. SkinPen microneeding is a very effective FDA-cleared treatment for acne scars.² Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, boosting collagen and elastin production.
Again, all skin types are different, and how your skin reacts will depend on your skin type. Common microneedling side effects include redness, flaking, and minor irritation immediately after treatment, but it generally has a lower risk of adverse reactions than chemical peels.
Much like the VI Peel, we recommend a series of treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. The number of treatments will depend on the severity of the acne scars. Once optimal results have been achieved, maintenance treatments may be recommended. As a maintenance treatment, microneedling stimulates cell turnover, keeping skin looking fresh and healthy.
SkinPen Benefits:
Improves Scarring and Texture: SkinPen excels at improving skin texture and softening the appearance of acne scars, especially indented or pitted scars.³
Enhances Serum Absorption: The tiny channels created by microneedling allow for better absorption of topical serums, maximizing the effects of treatments like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, which can further boost hydration and brightness.
Minimal Downtime: Recovery typically involves mild redness for 1-2 days, making it a great option for those with busier schedules.
Find the Right Solution For Your Skin
Choosing the best treatment for acne and scarring depends on your unique skin needs. Both VI Peel and SkinPen microneedling offer powerful benefits, and combining or alternating them may provide optimal results depending on your skin type, acne severity, and goals.
If you’re in Naples or Ft. Myers, FL, and ready to explore a personalized skincare plan, Yag-Howard Cosmetic Dermatology is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team and discover the most effective treatments for clear, healthy, radiant skin.
¹ Clinical Dermatology. Chemical peels in active acne and acne scars. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28274356/. Accessed November 5, 2024.
² FDA. De Novo classification request for SkinPen Precision System (DEN160029). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/reviews/DEN160029.pdf. Accessed November 5, 2024.
³ International Wound Journal. Microneedling in the treatment of atrophic scars: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8450803/. Accessed November 5, 2024.
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