Both the microdermabrasion and chemical peel offer similar results of exfoliating and rejuvenating the skin through different processes. Microdermabrasion can be likened to a light chemical peel. Neither require anesthesia and both remove only the outermost layer of skin. Both also may require continued treatments. Microdermabrasion works by jets of minute crystals of zinc oxide or aluminum oxide. They are shot across the skin, and when removed, the outermost skin layer comes with it. A treatment like this may cost around $100 dollars per session. The chemical peel, namely the light chemical peel, uses alpha hydroxy acid. The acid soaks into the skin releasing the outermost layer. A light chemical peel may cost around $150 per session.