Are you fed up with your acne, wrinkles, and dark spot issues? If you have exhausted all creams and lotions without success, it may be time to explore chemical peel and laser resurfacing.

However, how do you choose between chemical peels and laser resurfacing? This article will cover all you need to know in order to make an informed decision.

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What Exactly is Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a dermatologist-administered cosmetic procedure used to “peel” or exfoliate damaged skin. In this procedure, a chemical solution is utilized to facilitate the exfoliation of the skin. After this is accomplished, the new skin beneath emerges. This new skin is smooth, supple, and seems less damaged and wrinkled.

Chemical peels are typically performed on the face, neck, and hands to smooth the skin. Chemicals like as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol) are present in chemical peel solutions.

How Does Laser Resurfacing Work?

Laser resurfacing is a resurfacing method that, like chemical peels, eliminates acne scars, wrinkles, age spots, blemishes, etc. In this procedure, light and heat are utilized to improve the texture, tone, and pigmentation of the skin. A piece of the skin is exposed to light and heat in a regulated manner during laser resurfacing. This treated skin then activates a healing mechanism, resulting in the production of new skin.

All laser procedures now available can be classified as either ablative or nonablative.

The non-ablative laser type like ND-YAG is less invasive and therefore heals rapidly. It functions by heating the top layer of the skin without harming it.

The ablative type destroys the outermost layer of skin, resulting in a longer recovery time.

Which Is Better For My Skin Type: Chemical Peels Or Laser Resurfacing?

Despite the fact that chemical peels and laser resurfacing provide the same result, it is crucial to choose which one is best for you. During the decision-making process, discuss your expectations, how quickly you want the result and your budget with your physician. Know that chemical peels are most effective for treating superficial skin imperfections. However, laser resurfacing is effective for collagen remodeling.

In terms of recovery time and downtime, certain in-clinic chemical peels have minimal downtime. You may have slight flaking and dryness, but you are prepared to return to your normal activities. Downtime for laser resurfacing is dependent on the type of laser used. For instance, recovery from ablative laser resurfacing can take several months.

Finally, you must evaluate your skin type and tone to determine the most effective treatment. It is a difficult decision, therefore always consult your dermatologist in order to make an informed choice. If you have a darker skin tone, for instance, not all chemical peel and laser resurfacing treatments will be effective. A chemical peel can be quite effective for hyperpigmentation. On the other hand, laser skin treatments are preferable for indented scars. Your dermatologist may also recommend a mix of chemical peel and laser resurfacing for optimal results, depending on your condition.

Bottomline

Both chemical peel and laser resurfacing have their advantages and disadvantages, despite having the same purpose. Your cosmetic surgeon will prescribe the optimal surgery for you based on your desired outcome, skin type, and budget.