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Microneedling vs Chemical Peels: A Guide for Aesthetic Practitioners by Skin Type

 

In the world of medical aesthetics, patients are increasingly looking for non-surgical, results-driven skin treatments. As a practitioner, you’ve likely seen a rise in demand for treatments that deliver smoother, brighter, and younger-looking skin, without downtime or invasive procedures. Two standout options in any professional skincare arsenal are chemical peels and microneedling. These modalities have established themselves as cornerstone treatments in modern skincare clinics, with each offering unique benefits when properly matched to patient needs.

While many practitioners tend to favour one technique over the other, leading professionals recognise that these treatments aren't competitors but complementary modalities. When strategically combined and tailored to individual skin types, combination skin treatments create synergistic effects that far exceed what either treatment can achieve alone.

At Church Pharmacy we exclusively distribute PCA Skin chemical peels, with over 30 years of innovation they represent the gold standard in professional skincare and exfoliation treatments, with formulations designed to address a spectrum of skin concerns across different Fitzpatrick types.

Meanwhile, the innovative 1NEEDPRO microneedling system from Campomats offers practitioners unprecedented precision with its patented PD/DS (Performance Deep/Double System) technology that allows for exact calibration of needle depth, from superficial 0.15mm treatments to deeper 2.5mm penetration.

 

🧴The Science Behind Chemical Peels: Resurfacing and Revitalising Skin

 

Chemical peels are a trusted favourite among skin professionals for good reason. These solutions work by exfoliating the top layers of the skin to reveal fresher, healthier cells underneath. But the impact goes beyond surface level, peels can stimulate collagen production, reduce pigmentation, and even help manage conditions like acne and rosacea.

 

🔬 How Chemical Peels Work

 

Chemical peels use active acids to break down the bonds between dead skin cells in the stratum corneum. This controlled chemical reaction triggers an inflammatory response that stimulates cellular turnover, collagen production, and melanin regulation. The depth of penetration varies based on:

  • pH level: Lower pH formulations penetrate more deeply
  • Acid concentration: Higher percentages increase intensity  
  • Acid type: Different molecular structures affect penetration  
  • Application technique: Method and duration impact depth
  • Skin condition: Compromised barriers allow deeper penetration

 

💧 The Power of PCA Skin Peels

 

Church Pharmacy is proud to be the exclusive distributor of PCA Skin in the UK. With more than 30 years of innovation behind the brand, PCA Skin peels are designed with safety and efficacy in mind. They’re formulated with advanced, skin-friendly acids and botanical ingredients that target concerns across all Fitzpatrick types, including sensitive and melanin-rich skin. 

Common Peeling Agents and Their Applications

The PCA Skin range offers several key acid categories:

  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
    • Lactic Acid: Gentle exfoliation with additional hydrating benefits, suitable for dry or sensitive skin.
    • Mandelic Acid: Delivers superficial exfoliation with minimal irritation, excellent for treating acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation in higher Fitzpatrick (IV-VI) skin types
  • Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
    • Salicylic Acid: Oil-soluble acid penetrates sebaceous follicles, making it the gold standard for treating acne, congestion, and excess oil production.

Blended Peels 

PCA Skin pioneered modified Jessner's solutions and proprietary blending peels that combine multiple acids with anti-inflammatory and brightening ingredients.

Matching Peels to Skin Concerns 

Chemical peels are ideal primary treatments for surface-level skin concerns:

  • Hyperpigmentation: Mandelic acid formulations help suppress melanin production.
  • Acne: Salicylic & Lactic acid peels normalise sebum production and clear clogged follicles.
  • Aging & Sensitive: Lactic acid and Silymarin peels stimulate collagen production while reducing inflammation.
  • Dullness: Even superficial peels immediately enhance radiance.

 

💉 Microneedling Explained: Collagen Stimulation for Skin Rejuvenation

 

While chemical peels work primarily at the epidermal level, microneedling stimulates the skin from the inside out. Known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), microneedling uses small, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These trigger a natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin, the structural proteins responsible for skin firmness, elasticity, and resilience.

 

🧪 How Microneedling Works

 

The mechanism revolves around controlled micro-injury to the skin, triggering a three-phase wound healing response:  

  1. Inflammatory Phase: Platelets and neutrophils release growth factors that initiate new tissue formation.
  2. Proliferative Phase: Fibroblasts deposit new collagen and elastin.
  3. Remodelling Phase: Over 3-6 months, newly formed collagen continues to strengthen, improving skin texture and firmness.

 

⚙️ 1NEEDPRO: Advanced Microneedling Technology

 

Available exclusively through Church Pharmacy, the 1NEEDPRO device by Campomats is an advanced microneedling system designed for medical professionals. It combines innovation, flexibility, and safety through features such as: 

  • Patented PD/DS System: Allows precise calibration of needle depth from 0.15mm to 2.5mm.
  • NOFLOW Anti-Back Flow System: Prevents cross-contamination between the handpiece and cartridge.
  • Multiple Treatment Modalities:
    • Nanopeel: Using 130 rounded nanotips at a maximum depth of 0.3mm for superficial exfoliation.
    • Micropricking: With unique flower design 9-needle cartridge at a maximum depth of 0.3mm.
    • Needling: Using the same flower-design at depths up to 2.5mm for deeper concerns.

 

✅ What Microneedling Treats Best:

 

Microneedling excels at addressing concerns that originate in the dermis:

 

Condition 

Microneedling Result 

Acne Scars 

Breaks down scar tissue and stimulates new collagen 

Fine Lines & Wrinkles 

Promotes dermal thickening and firmness 

Skin Laxity 

Tightens skin through neocollagenesis 

Stretch Marks 

Improves texture in damaged dermal areas 

Enlarged Pores 

Reduces visibility through dermal stimulation 

🔍 Skin Types & Treatment Planning: When to Peel, When to Needle, or Combine

 

As every practitioner knows, not all skin types respond the same way to each modality. Here’s a quick guide to selecting the right approach:

 

Treatment Selection by Fitzpatrick Type

Fitzpatrick Type

Chemical Peel Approach

Microneedling Approach

Combination Strategy

I–II (Fair Skin)

Tolerant of most acids AHA and BHA

All microneedling depths usually safe

Begin with chemical peels, progress to needling

III–IV (Medium Skin)

Use anti-inflammatory blends

Micropricking initially, advance to needling

Begin with gentle peels and nanopeel treatments, progress to micropricking

V–VI (Dark Skin)

Use melanin-safe peels (e.g. mandelic acid)

Start with nanopeel/micropricking, avoid high trauma

Combine cautiously, start with nanopeel, introduce gentle peels then progress to micropricking

 

Treatment Selection by Skin Concern

Skin Concern 

Chemical Peel Approach 

Microneedling Approach 

Optimal Combined Protocol (only after each treatment has been received on its own) 

Acne (Active) 

NoPeel Peel 

Nanopeel only (avoid micropricking/needling during active breakouts) 

Nanopeel + NoPeel Peel 

Acne Scarring 

Bright & Even Peel 

Needling (1.5-2.5mm depth) 

Needling + Bright & Even Peel 

Hyper-pigment 

Pigment Correct Peel 

Nanopeel and micropricking with brightening correctives 

Nanopeel + Pigment Correct Peel 

Rosacea/Sensitive 

NoPeel Peel 

Nanopeel and cautious micropricking 

Nanopeel + NoPeel Peel 

Photo-aging 

Bright & Even Peel 

Progressive approach from micropricking to needling 

Micropricking + Bright & Even Peel 

 

🧪 Why Combination Therapy Delivers Superior Results

 

The strategic integration of chemical peels and microneedling creates synergistic benefits when properly sequenced and combined, addressing both epidermal and dermal concerns.

 

🧬 Complementary Mechanisms of Action

 

Chemical Peels

  • Primary action on epidermis and papillary dermis.
  • Create controlled chemical inflammation.
  • Accelerate cellular turnover.
  • Improve surface texture and tone.

 

Microneedling

  • Primary action on reticular dermis.
  • Creates controlled mechanical inflammation.
  • Stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen remodelling.
  • Improves firmness and elasticity.

 

Together, they offer a multi-level approach that enhances product penetration, accelerates visible improvement and prolongs treatment benefit.

 

🔄 Sample Protocols for Combination Treatments

 

Protocol 1: Progressive Rejuvenation for Fitzpatrick I-III 

  1. Weeks 1-6: Series of progressive-strength chemical peels from PCA Skin (NoPeel Peel and Bright & Even Peel)
  2. Week 6: Nanopeel followed by micropricking (0.25mm)
  3. Week 9: Nanopeel followed by needling (0.5-1.0mm) with PCA Skin NoPeel Peel
  4. Week 13: Maintenance NoPeel Peel
  5. Week 17: Maintenance needling (0.5-1.0mm)

 

Protocol 2: Hyperpigmentation Management for Fitzpatrick IV-VI  

  1. Week 1: PCA Skin Pigment Correct Peel
  2. Week 4: Nanopeel treatment
  3. Week 8: Micropricking (0.25mm) with PCA Skin Pigment Correct Peel & Pigment Gel Pro
  4. Week 12: PCA Skin Pigment Correct Peel with Pigment Gel Pro
  5. Week 16: Micropricking (0.3mm) with Pigment Correct Peel

 

🎓 Train with the Best: PCA Skin & 1NEEDPRO Education from Church Pharmacy

 

At Church Pharmacy, we believe that the right training is just as important as the right product.

 

PCA Skin Training Excellence
We offer regional training across the UK and Ireland, including: 

London, Loughborough, Leeds, Manchester, Durham, Bristol, Cardiff, Southampton, Scotland, and Ireland 

Each session covers: 

  • In-depth ingredient education 
  • Layering techniques and peel safety 
  • Skin condition matching and post-treatment care

 

1NEEDPRO Demonstration and Support  
In-Clinic Demonstrations  

  • Personalised, on-site demonstrations of the 1NEEDPRO system. 
  • Hands-on training for all three treatment modalities.
  • Protocol development assistance for specific patient concerns. 
  • Technical training on device operation and safety features.

 

✅ Unlock the Full Potential of Your Treatment Menu

 

As an aesthetic practitioner, your goal is to offer safe, evidence-based treatments that deliver visible results. By combining microneedling and chemical peels, you’re not just offering two separate services, you’re offering a comprehensive skin solution. 

This dual-modality approach allows you to: 

  • Treat all Fitzpatrick types with confidence 
  • Address both surface and deep skin concerns 
  • Boost your clinic’s results, patient satisfaction, and profitability
     

Contact Church Pharmacy today to arrange a personal consultation with their clinical education team or schedule an in-clinic demonstration of the 1NEEDPRO microneedling device. Your patients deserve effective, evidence-based treatments delivered through the power of combination treatments.

Ready to offer advanced skin solutions in your clinic? Contact our training team today

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, many advanced practitioners use a combined approach to achieve superior results. When properly sequenced, chemical peels and microneedling complement each other, peels target epidermal concerns while microneedling stimulates the dermis. Always assess skin sensitivity and tolerance before combining modalities.

Microneedling is generally more effective for deep acne scarring as it stimulates collagen from within. Chemical peels can enhance outcomes when used alongside microneedling by improving skin tone and treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

For darker skin types, start with low-irritation chemical peels like PCA Skin’s Pigment Correct Peel and pair it with gentle micropricking using a device like 1NEEDPRO. This combination targets melanin while minimising the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Yes, microneedling is safe across all Fitzpatrick types when performed with the correct needle depth and device hygiene. Devices like 1NEEDPRO, which allow precise depth calibration, are ideal for tailoring treatment by skin type and concern.

Popular choices include the NoPeel Peel (for sensitive skin), Bright & Even Peel (for radiance and ageing), and the Pigment Correct Peel (for hyperpigmentation). All PCA Skin peels are professional-use only and are exclusively distributed by Church Pharmacy.

Microneedling is typically performed every 4–6 weeks, while light to medium peels can be done every 3–4 weeks. When combining treatments, leave sufficient recovery time between sessions and adapt based on the patient’s skin response.

This is not generally recommended. While certain light peels can be used in the same protocol, most treatments benefit from spacing, for example, performing microneedling 1–2 weeks after a chemical peel to reduce irritation and maximise results.

Combination therapy addresses multiple layers of the skin in one treatment cycle. While peels improve tone and texture on the surface, microneedling stimulates deeper repair and collagen formation. This layered approach can produce more dramatic and long-lasting results.

Yes. In the UK, healthcare professionals must complete appropriate training before offering either treatment. Church Pharmacy offers PCA Skin training across multiple UK and Irish locations, and in-clinic demonstrations for 1NEEDPRO.

You can order both exclusively through Church Pharmacy.

Commited to delivering excellence For your medical aesthestic and clinic needs

About Church Pharmacy

Church Pharmacy is an award-winning UK pharmaceutical and aesthetics distributor, trusted by medical professionals. We supply fully licensed, high-quality aesthetic and prescription products, including botulinum toxins, dermal fillers, cosmeceuticals, and essential clinic consumables. 

  • Winner of Distributor of the Year 2025 – Aesthetic Awards
  • Trusted by thousands of medical professionals across the UK
  • Recognised for outstanding service & innovation
  • We offer specialist training, workshops, and webinars
  • Nationwide same-day & next-day delivery
  • Central London branch, 5 minutes from Harley Street 

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