Is Chemical Peel Better Than Laser
When compared to chemical peels, laser treatments are more manageable and precise. It is more manageable to use a laser on a single acne scar or a small number of areas. When it comes to remodeling deep layers of collagen, the laser is superior. Lasers are the best method for treating wrinkles and loose skin.
Taking care of your skin is the most crucial thing you can do.
To feel confident in oneself and live a long, healthy life, one must have healthy skin. Nevertheless, if you’re unlucky, your skin may become lifeless, stubborn, or even injured. You must instantly assist yourself. So, what can we do then? Peeling agent! Certainly, chemical peels can accomplish miracles by removing damaged outer skin layers and stimulating the growth of new, healthy cells beneath.
The use of lasers and other forms of light treatment has been widely criticized in recent years. That’s because those things present real risks. The idea that chemical therapies are safer is gaining traction. But do they have a point? It is time to learn the truth about this treatment and determine if it is preferable to laser surgery, Read on to learn more about chemical peel vs laser for large pores and chemical peel vs laser for sun damage.
Is Chemical Peel Better Than Laser
From acne scars, wrinkles, dark spots to uneven skin tones, chemical peels, and laser treatments have been claimed as the “magic” treatment that can powerfully rejuvenate your skin and reveal smoother and younger skin. Though both resurfacing procedures share the goal of combating aging signs and improving the overall skin appearance, the question is which one is right for you.
The answer depends largely on your preferred level of intensity, your skin concerns, time, and cost consideration.
Procedures & Level of Intensity
Peels and lasers come in different levels of intensity and can be tailored to each patient’s need or skin condition. The varying levels of intensity allow you to get your desired results while minimizing potential side effects.
Chemical peels use acid solutions of varying strengths to remove the top layers of the skin. There are 3 types of peels: superficial, medium, and deep peels.
- Superficial peel: gentle and utilize mild acids to lightly exfoliate the skin.
- Medium peels are more intrusive and can target the middle and outer layers of skin.
- Deep chemical peels are the stronger, using the most powerful acids to penetrate and remove the damaged skin cells.
Nowadays, most peels work superficially or at a medium level. Super-deep chemical peels are most often replaced by lasers.
Laser resurfacing treatment emits beams of light to penetrate the skin and target either pigment, hemoglobin, or water in the skin.
- Targeting pigment: eliminates age spots, dark spots or sun spots
- Targeting hemoglobin: reduces redness, scars, stretch marks.
- Targeting water: treat wrinkle and fine lines.
There are two types of lasers: ablative and non-ablative
- Ablative lasers: are more intense and vaporize the skin to provide the best results.
- Non-ablative lasers: are less intrusive and heat the skin without destroying it. Multiple sessions are needed for the best results.
The laser allows for a more precise removal process.
Benefits
There is some overlap in the benefits of chemical peels and laser treatments. Both procedures remove old skin to promote new skin growth. These two treatments are commonly used to treat
- Acne Scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Sun damages (age spots)
Laser treatments are superior to chemical peels in how controllable and precise it is. It’s easier to just target an acne scar or a few spots on the skin with a laser. The laser is also better for deep collagen remodeling. If you are trying to address wrinkles or sagging skin, lasers will be a better option.
Skin Tones
People with darker skin tones are more suitable for chemical peels in regard to hyperpigmentation issues. Dark skin tones are often prone to hyperpigmentation issues because of an increased amount of melanin in the skin. Chemical peels use an acid solution to stimulate collagen production that better penetrates darker skin and treats pigmentation.
Cost
On average, laser treatments are more expensive than chemical peels. The exact prices vary depending on many factors including treatment types, anesthesia used, the expertise of practitioners, etc., Chemical peels begin at $100 for the most basic peels and can range up to $4000 for full-face peel, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeon.
Laser skin resurfacing with ablative lasers can cost around $2000 and non-ablative treatments are around $10.
Chemical Peel Vs Laser For Large Pores
Laser treatments are superior to chemical peels in how controllable and precise it is. It’s easier to just target an acne scar or a few spots on the skin with a laser.
Dreaming of that flawless, wedding-ready complexion? In the world of skin resurfacing, two treatments stand out. No doubt you’ve heard a lot about the wonders of chemical peels and laser treatments. But which technique is right for you? Well, that depends. To help you decide between these two popular pre-wedding skincare treatments, we tapped celebrity aesthetician Jordana Mattioli to help break down the benefits, recovery, and costs—so basically everything!—associated with chemical peels and laser treatments.
MEET THE EXPERT
- Jordana Mattioli is a licensed medical esthetician who has worked with an array of celebrities and models. She works by private appointments within the dermatology practice at Manhattan’s CompleteSkinMD.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about chemical peels and laser treatments before your wedding.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a facial treatment that works to improve skin’s overall appearance and target issues like wrinkles, acne, scarring, and uneven skin tone. It essentially peels away the top layers of the skin, so it can grow back smoother than before. If you’re worried that a chemical peel may be too harsh on your skin, consider that it comes in different levels—mild, medium, and deep—so you can tailor your peel to your skin type.
Pros of Chemical Peels
Peels are great for superficial irregularities, and all skin types can benefit from mild to medium-strength peels. However, Mattioli urges that the stronger ones should be used with caution on darker complexions, which tend to be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Another pro for peels is that they tend to be more wallet-friendly at $150 to $500 a pop. There are also great at-home options from brands like Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare and Peter Thomas Roth. “I recommend Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel to my clients,” notes Mattioli. “It’s easy, affordable, and gives instant gratification.”
Cons of Chemical Peels
Which brings us to downtime. In terms of recovery, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. “In-office peel options are endless. Some will require no downtime at all. You might experience a little redness and flaking, but that’s it,” says Mattioli. “There are hundreds of different lasers. Many offer mild resurfacing with little or no recovery period, while others (namely ablative) can leave you looking pink and swollen for up to a week.”
But again, this varies depending on the specific procedure. Aftercare, however, does not. Mattioli advises patients to avoid scrubs, cleansing brushes, washcloths, retinoids, topical acne medication, and alpha/beta hydroxy acids so as not to interfere with the healing process for about a week. In terms of topicals, stick to a gentle cleanser with antibacterial support, soothing moisturizer, hydrating serum, and broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen. Following treatment, it’s also best to skip strenuous exercise and heavy sweating for 72 hours.
What Is a Laser Treatment?
A laser peel is a treatment that uses lasers to remove the outer layers of the skin and heat the underlying layer, the dermis, of the skin. The treatment is often used to help deep wrinkles, acne scars, sun-damaged skin, and other deeper-rooted skin concerns.
Pros of Laser Treatment
If you are looking for a treatment that targets deep skin issues, a laser treatment might be the best option. “For wrinkles, stubborn pigment, and vascular issues [veins], we need to get deeper into the skin with lasers.” It’s also better for collagen remodeling and superior in terms of precision, too. For example, when using a laser to target acne scars or a few brown spots, it’s possible to focus on them individually. “It also delivers faster results than peels, and there are color-blind models that can safely treat darker skin.”
Cons of Laser Treatment
A con to laser treatments is that they aren’t as gentle on your wallet as peels are. You can expect your treatment to run anywhere between $300 and $3,000 per session
If you’re unfamiliar with chemical peels, the term itself could send you running in the other direction. It certainly doesn’t sound like something you’d want on your face, right? Wrong. Chemical peels are a great solution for a range of skin concerns, from wrinkles to acne to hyperpigmentation. So if you’re in search of a way to get brighter, clearer, more youthful-looking skin, a chemical peel could be the answer. Need more information before you commit? Take a look below at 7 skin benefits of chemical peels.
Keep in mind that not all chemical peels are the same. Some treat surface skin issues and others address concerns originating in the deeper layers of skin. You’ll want to consult a licensed practitioner to determine which type of chemical peel is best for you. Once you’ve determined the right one, prepare to love the results. A great chemical peel can:
1. REDUCE FINE LINES AND WRINKLES
Chemical peels reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by removing the outer layer of your skin to reveal a new layer that is fresh, smooth, and unlined. Sometimes a light peel is sufficient for addressing surface wrinkles. Depending on your cosmetic goals, a moderate or deep peel may be a better solution.
2. CORRECT SUN DAMAGE
Did you know that exposure to radiation from sunlight accounts for as much as 90% of the signs of premature aging? Fortunately, chemical peels can help repair and reverse the sun damage on the skin of your face, hands, neck, and chest. Getting serious about sun protection will help you keep your skin looking fresh and youthful long after your chemical peel treatment is over.
3. IMPROVE ACNE
Studies have reported that chemical peels containing salicylic acid reduce acne by 47-75%, and 50-95% of patients saw their acne significantly improved with peels containing glycolic acid a well. Most chemical peels that treat acne are on the lighter side, as acne is typically a surface skin issue.
4. DIMINISH APPEARANCE OF SCARS
Moderate chemical peels treat both surface acne and some light scarring by penetrating more deeply into the skin. For diminishing the appearance of more significant acne scars, a deeper peel is required. One clinical study found that a phenol peel reduced acne scars in 100% of participants, with the overall severity of the scars improved by a mean of 75.12%.
5. ADDRESS PIGMENT ISSUES
Chemical peels are excellent for correcting issues of pigmentation such as melasma, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration due to age spots and acne scars. They are effective on the face, hands, neck, and chest.
6. ENHANCE SKIN TONE AND TEXTURE
In addition to addressing your current skin issues, a chemical peel treatment also stimulates the growth of fresh, new skin. This rejuvenates the overall tone and texture of your skin, giving you a healthy, pretty glow.
7. MAXIMIZE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Chemical peels remove the top layer of dead skin that stands between you and the maximum effect of your skincare products. Once the dead skin is gone, your products will absorb into your skin more fully, allowing the smallest amount of that expensive night cream to go a long
Chemical Peel Vs Laser For Sun Damage
While a chemical peel may lessen fine lines and rough skin, the treatment won’t do as much good with deep wrinkles or sagging skin. Lasers tackle skin conditions ranging from sun damage to brown spots or scarring.
A myriad of skin conditions have met their match, thanks to chemical peels and laser resurfacing. Both treatments share the goal of reducing signs of aging or improving skin appearance. But which treatment is right for you? The answer to this will depend largely on your preferred level of intensity, what you’re looking to correct and the time and cost you’re willing to set aside for the procedure. Understand what each process entails so you can pick the right option for you.
The Process
Laser resurfacing is a technique that directs short, concentrated, pulsating beams of light at skin to treat skin. Peels, on the other hand, use fruit acids or chemicals with varying levels of intensity to strip the top layers of skin.
What You’re Targeting
The number of skin conditions that can be targeted with peels is impressive, ranging from acne scars and age spots to pigmentation issues and sun damage. While a chemical peel may lessen fine lines and rough skin, the treatment won’t do as much good with deep wrinkles or sagging skin. Lasers tackle skin conditions ranging from sun damage to brown spots or scarring. Some types of wrinkles are better candidates for laser treatment than others, such as lines around the eyes and vertical wrinkles framing the mouth. Texture also benefits from the use of a laser, which can tighten and smooth skin.
Level of Intensity
Peels and lasers also come in different levels of intensity. You can choose a light peel that can be done during a lunch break, such as alpha hydroxy acid, or opt for a deeper treatment with a higher concentration of trichloroacetic acid to tackle fine lines, discoloration or rough skin texture. If you’re new to peels, start with a lightweight treatment featuring milder ingredients like lactic acid, mandelic acid and willow-bark acid, and work your way up to more concentrated formulas. Laser resurfacing treatments come in two different types. Ablative lasers strip away the outer layers of skin, taking wrinkles and problem spots with them. Non-ablative lasers are the less invasive option; these stimulate the skin to produce more collagen
It Helps You Avoid Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are one of the biggest nightmares that follow shaving, epilating, or waxing. With laser hair removal, you can finally bid those woes goodbye. The laser helps remove hair from the roots, and in the process, also prevents ingrown hair from cropping up. You also don’t have to worry about razor bruises or burns from hot wax. Regular laser treatment can eliminate ingrown hairs entirely, meaning you’ll never have to worry about this again.
Laser Removal Leaves Your Skin Softer Than Before
Have you ever shaved your hair off and been bothered by prickly stubble in a couple of days? Or felt a similar stubble after you’ve epilated or waxed? With laser hair removal, there’s no stray hair or stubble left behind. This means your skin feels silky smooth after a session of laser treatment. And even when your hair eventually grows back, it’s thinner and softer than before, so you don’t have to feel upset about thick hair that leaves your skin rough.
It Leaves No Scars Or Painful Side Effects
Threading is one of the most painful cosmetic procedures for hair removal. Shaving may not be so painful initially, but you’re just one wrong move away from a cut or a bruise. And with waxing, there’s always the risk of your skin being burned by hot wax. However, laser hair removal leaves no room for such painful side effects, scars, or bruises. It’s a no-mess process that can be carried out on any part of the body with no worry.
Laser Hair Removal Gives You Lasting Results
The effects of hair removal using laser are long-lasting. Hair can take weeks or months to grow back, and with every subsequent session, the hair takes much longer to reappear. And even when it does grow back, the hair is so much thinner and sparser than before. Eventually, you’ll find that you’re practically hairless. That’s one of the most beneficial parts of using laser technology to get rid of the hair on your body.