How Chemical Peel Is Different Than Laser Treatment

Acne scars, Wrinkles, Black spots -  Are any of these bothering you? 

Many people start to panic when they find any of the above. But successfully, you find two different skin resurfacing treatments for your perfect skin - chemical peels and laser resurfacing, which work on damaged areas to stimulate skin regeneration. 

But, which is better - LASER RESURFACING or CHEMICAL PEELING?

This question worries most of the beauties who seek to improve the appearance and are afraid of old age. But, each of these methods has its own pros and cons. Therefore, while making a decision, you need to proceed from the individual needs in each case. In case, if you live in Canberra, the professionals of a laser skin clinic in Canberra will help in choosing one. 

Let’s have a look at the following guide to determine - what’s the difference between the two.

Difference Between Chemical Peels and Laser Resurfacing

Chemical peels and laser treatment are skin resurfacing treatments that remove a layer of old skin to promote new cell regeneration. These treatments are commonly used to remove acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Additionally, these treatments can also treat wrinkles and other problems associated with sun damage, like age spots and uneven complexions.

First of all, what separates chemical peeling from laser resurfacing is the process itself. As the name suggests, chemical solutions are used to smooth the skin. Whereas in the second case, lasers are used to remove dark spots and wrinkles.

What are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are acid-based solutions of various strengths, due to which the process of treating the outer layer of the skin and dissolving dead cells occurs. There are three types of peels:

• Superficial: It’s gentle and uses mild acids to gently exfoliate the skin within the stratum corneum. With this type of peeling, various acids are used: glycolic, lactic, malic, citric, salicylic and glycolic acids, resorcin, retinoic (5-10%), phytic, almond and TCA 1-15% can be used.

• Medium: This chemical peel (glycolic and salicylic acid peels and TCA peels 30-40%) are more intrusive and intense and penetrate into the middle and outer layers of the skin.

• Deep: Deep chemical peels (phenolic acid peels) are the strongest and remove even very deep wrinkles and scars.

What is Laser Treatment?

In laser resurfacing, the laser beam hits the skin, penetrating deeply into it and removing one layer at a time. This laser method allows for a more precise removal process but is generally more expensive than chemical peels. There are two types of lasers:

• Ablative: These lasers (CO2 laser or ablative erbium laser) are more intense but provide the best results by penetrating deep into the skin. 

• Non-ablative: These lasers (diode, non-ablative erbium) are less aggressive to the skin and heat it in such a way that the amount of damage is minimal. These lasers aren't as powerful as ablative lasers as it requires multiple sessions for the best results.

What Is the Best Treatment for Skin? 

For hyperpigmentation, a chemical peel is recommended. For texture changes, such as atrophic or depressed scars, laser resurfacing is more suitable than peels. However, chemical peels can also help treat acne scars. Combined approaches combining laser and peeling are often required.

What to Expect From the First Procedure?

After a chemical peel, redness and flaking usually occur, but it all depends on the type of peel. Side effects of the skin after laser exposure depend on the laser but usually include redness, peeling, swelling, and bruising.

If you're using topical treatments, your doctor may advise you to stop using them a few days before your procedure. Depending on the peel and laser, it may be advisable to eliminate retinoids, hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide or other harsh, drying and potentially irritating ingredients. Patients with a history of herpes may also be prescribed antiviral drugs for prevention.

Recovery Process

Which to Choose - Chemical Peels or Laser Treatment?

It’s better not to resort to chemical peels and laser treatments if:

• You’ve active infections in the areas that you want to be treated;

• You’ll be exposed to the sun after treatment;

• If you’re facing the problem of hypertrophic or keloid scars;

• You don’t have the appropriate amount of time to recover from treatment;

• Have a dark skin tone.

Despite the fact of choosing one, it's impossible to rely only on theory in the choice. For choosing the best rejuvenation option for yourself, the doctor of Canberra skin clinic will diagnose and tell you what to do in your situation. They'll recommend an appropriate method according to your skin type, colour, tone, and other variations.

Do you dream that your skin will become healthy and radiant, but you are confused by the abundance of terms and are afraid to make an independent decision? 

Contact us and we will find a decent way to solve problems for you.

About This Author

Shilpa Dahal Joined: December 7th, 2020