Peel or microneedling: which suits your skin?

Which one suits your skin?

A chemical peel works on the surface of the skin. It suits skin that looks dull, feels rough or has pores that clog easily. Microneedling works deeper and changes the skin's structure gradually. It suits acne scars, enlarged pores and fine lines.

If you are not sure, start with a peel. Your cosmetologist looks at your skin at your first visit and tells you which treatment makes more sense for you right now.

How does a chemical peel work?

In a peel, acids are applied to the skin to loosen dead skin cells and clear the pores. The skin renews faster and its surface becomes smoother. Skinique offers two peels.

BioRePeel C13 is a two-phase peel that usually leaves no visible flaking, though the skin may feel dry briefly. The acid peel is the classic choice for oily and blemish-prone skin. Afterwards the skin may flake lightly for a few days.

How does microneedling work?

In microneedling, a small device makes tiny, controlled channels in the skin with sterile single-use needles. The skin then starts its own repair process, in which new collagen forms. At the same time, treatment serums absorb more deeply.

The treatment feels like light prickling, and numbing is usually not needed. The skin looks fresher after about a week. The change in structure develops more slowly, over the following weeks. Our microneedling guide explains the treatment step by step.

Who is a peel better for?

A peel is a good choice if:

• your skin looks dull and tired
• the surface feels rough
• your pores clog and you get blackheads
• you have dark marks left by acne
• you want a treatment with no recovery time

In summer we recommend BioRePeel, because after an acid peel the skin is more sensitive to the sun.

Who is microneedling better for?

Microneedling is a good choice if:

• you have acne scars or other shallow scars
• your pores are enlarged
• fine lines have appeared
• your skin has lost some of its elasticity

Microneedling does not rely on heat, so it also suits darker skin. Needle depth and aftercare are chosen for your skin.

When are these treatments not done?

Neither treatment is done if:

• you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• you take isotretinoin or stopped less than 6 months ago
• the skin has wounds, a rash, a cold sore or sunburn
• your skin is tanned

Microneedling is also not done on active acne, or if you tend to form keloid scars or heal poorly. Tell us about your medication and how sensitive your skin is before the treatment.

How does the skin recover?

After BioRePeel, avoid the sauna, swimming and sweaty exercise for 24 hours. Light make-up is fine the next day. After an acid peel the break is 48 hours, and any flakes should not be picked off.

After microneedling the skin is red for 1–3 days. Skip make-up for 24 hours and avoid the sauna and sweaty exercise for 48 hours. After every treatment, use SPF 50 every day.

Can a peel and microneedling be combined?

Yes. Microneedling + BioRePeel C13 is done in one visit: first the peel brightens the surface, then microneedling works on the deeper layers. It takes about 75 minutes and costs €139.

Recovery is no different from microneedling on its own. For sensitive skin and for a first treatment, one method at a time is usually better.

What do the treatments cost and how do you book?

Prices per visit:

• Acid peel: €95, 60 min
• BioRePeel C13: €110, 60 min
• Facial microneedling: €110, 60 min
• Microneedling: face, neck and décolleté: €129, 60 min
• Microneedling + BioRePeel C13: €139, 75 min

Autumn and winter are a good time to start, because the sun is easy to avoid then. Book the treatment you have chosen, or come for a first visit if you would like your cosmetologist’s assessment first.