Chemical Peel vs. Laser Treatment: Which Is Best for You and Your Skin?
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 $1000.
Which Treatment Is Best for My Skin?
First of all, you should understand the exact skin tissue you're trying to address. If the condition can only be addressed by one of the treatments exclusively, then you have your decision. If the condition can be treated by either procedure, consider the pros and cons of each option.
Pros and Cons of Laser Treatments
Pros:
Target more precisely the treated area. As the depth, energy and treated skin areas can be easily controlled with a laser, the procedure can be individualized to each person.
Fewer treatments with a lower risk of scarring.
Address multiple skin problems at the same time
More useful with deep wrinkles and sagging skin
Cons:
More expensive. Ranging up to $2000 for a single session.
Require more than one treatment to see results.
The efficacy of the laser treatments depends a lot on the knowledge and skill of the practitioners.
Pros and Cons of Chemical Peels
Pros:
More useful in treating acne, uneven skin tones, and textures, large pores.
Cheaper. An average cost of about $700.
Cons
A series of chemical peels might be needed to achieve the best results.
Unlikely to significantly improve deeper scars or wrinkles.
At the end of the day, it's always important to have a consultation with a skin expert to determine your treatment options and treatment plan. Sometimes, a combination of the procedure with alternating sessions will be recommended. During your initial consultation, the provider can examine your skin types, skin tones, discuss your aesthetic goals, and budget to help you inform the best decision.
Am I a good candidate for chemical peels or laser treatment?
Chemical peels and laser treatments are not recommended if you:
have an active infection in the treated areas.
have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scars.
have darker skin tones (certain types of chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments don't work)
Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments Near Me
If you are considering either chemical peels or laser treatments as an option to revive your skin, contact us at (480)-573-7546 to schedule your free consultation. Our lead aesthetician or practitioner is happy to help you inform your decision and determine the best treatment plan for you.
Why Lazaderm for Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments in Chandler, AZ:
Board-certified practitioners.
Best of Laser Technology
Customized treatment plan catering to your own needs.