Chemodermabrasion better than chemical peels alone

(HealthDay)—Chemodermabrasion is more effective than chemical peels alone in enhancing the skin barrier function, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.

So Jeong Kim, from the Dermapro Skin Research Center in Seoul, South Korea, and colleagues measured the degree of acute skin damage and the time required for skin barrier repair after alpha hydroxyacid (AHA) peeling alone or AHA peeling combined with pneumatic pressure from a jet accelerated at supersonic velocities among 13 female participants (average age 29.54 years). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin color, and skin blood flow were measured at baseline and at 30 minutes, two days, five days, and seven days after treatment

The researchers found that TEWL and skin blood flow were significantly increased after 30 minutes in chemodermabrasion compared with chemical peeling alone. Two days after the treatment, the TEWL and skin blood flow recovered to baseline, and at seven days, TEWL was significantly decreased compared with chemical peeling alone.

"Chemodermabrasion can temporarily impair skin barriers, but it is estimated that it can enhance the skin barrier function after seven days compared to the use of a chemical agent alone," the authors write.