Chemical Peels vs. Laser Resurfacing: Which is Right for You?
When it comes to non-invasive skin rejuvenation, two of the most popular treatments we often see patients request at our office are chemical peels and laser resurfacing. Both promise to diminish imperfections and improve the skin’s appearance, and both do this by removing layers of skin to promote skin renewal. Because of these similarities, patients often have trouble deciding which of the two is right for them. Here is more information about each treatment to help you make the right decision.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove its top layers and reveal smoother, brighter and more even skin underneath. These solutions contain acids as the active ingredients, which break down the top layers of the skin. In this way, they work much like a strong exfoliant, removing dry and damaged skin and promoting skin renewal. Chemical peels are often used to correct the following concerns:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Blemishes
- Enlarged pores
- Mild wrinkles
- Dry and dull skin
Besides their wide range of applications, another great thing about chemical peels is that they come in different strengths. Chemical peels are categorized into light, medium and deep depending on their depth of penetration. Light peels remove only the epidermis, which is the superficial layer of the skin. Deep peels, on the other hand, can reach the top layer of the dermis, the skin’s mid-layer.
What Is Laser Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment that uses concentrated beams of light to remove skin imperfections and enhance the skin. They do so by vaporizing the skin’s top layer and/or heating the deeper layers to stimulate collagen remodeling — thus targeting deeper problems. Laser treatments are often used for the following problems:
- Acne and other scars
- Sun-damaged skin
- Age spots
- Enlarged pores
- Birthmarks
- Fine lines and deep wrinkles
There are many different kinds of laser resurfacing treatments. Some remove the superficial layer of the skin, others bypass this layer and only heat the dermis and then there are those that do both. Laser skin resurfacing treatments are further categorized into fully ablative and fractional depending on whether they treat the entire surface of the skin or only fractions of it. All this means that laser resurfacing treatments are highly customizable to meet the unique needs of patients.
Chemical Peels vs. Laser Resurfacing: A Comparison
Chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments offer similar benefits and work by removing damaged skin. But the two treatments also have many differences in terms of how the work, the ideal candidate, their downtime, results and costs.
Chemical Peels
Mechanism of action
Chemical peels work by exfoliating the skin, i.e. removing the epidermis. Because the epidermis is the skin’s first line of defense, it is most prone to aging and sun damage. Removing this layer exposes healthier skin underneath and promotes epidermis renewal.
Ideal candidate
Chemical peels are most suited for patients with mild and moderate skin concerns that affect the superficial layers of the skin. They are also best for light skin types as these are less likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation as a side effect of treatment.
Downtime
Downtime with chemical peels varies from zero to three weeks depending on the strength of the peel and the size of the treatment area. Light peels usually don’t demand changes to your routine despite causing mild redness and flaking. But deep peels do require a couple of weeks of time off to let your skin recover and renew.
Results
Depending on whether you underwent a light or deep peel, your results will be subtle or fairly dramatic. The duration of the results also varies based on the peel’s strength, with light peels leaving your skin looking fresh for two months and deeper peels offering improvement for 10 years and longer.
Costs
The cost of a chemical peel depends on which type of peel you want and the size of the treatment area. Some peels are only done once, while others function best as a series of treatments that produce progressive results.
Laser Resurfacing
Mechanism of action
While chemical peels remove the entire epidermis, laser treatments are more precise and remove skin concerns by targeting only skin pigments. They are highly customizable and many simultaneously heat the dermis to stimulate the skin to produce new collagen fibers.
Ideal candidate
Almost anyone can undergo a laser resurfacing treatment since this technology can be customized to meet the unique needs of different skin tones and types. By bypassing the epidermis and treating only a fraction of the skin, some of these treatments are both gentle and effective even for dark skin tones.
Downtime
Laser resurfacing treatments that don’t vaporize the epidermis don’t require any downtime. Fully ablative lasers, however, may require three weeks of downtime from work and other social obligations as they cause significant redness and peeling.
Results
Most laser resurfacing treatments offer results that last four to six months. But there are also treatments that offer results that can last you many years or a lifetime, like those that remove birthmarks and prominent signs of aging.
Costs
While the average cost is similar to that of chemical peels, laser resurfacing treatments may cost more than peels due to the advanced technology involved and the skill needed to deliver this treatment. Fees vary widely based on which laser is used, the size and number of treatment areas, and the total number of treatment sessions.
Deciding Which Treatment Is Right for You
While chemical peels and laser resurfacing both promise to remove skin concerns and reveal younger, healthier and better skin, they do so differently and are used for different concerns. Which treatment is right for you will depend on what concern you are trying to address and your skin’s unique needs.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Terrasse and our licensed medical aestheticians can help you choose the best treatment for your particular case. Schedule a consultation – contact us today at 847-234-2400.