Both chemical peel and laser resurfacing have been the solution for many skin conditions, but knowing which to choose can feel confusing.
It helps to know what a chemical peel vs laser resurfacing can offer. In terms of fine lines, sun damage, and acne, you may find that each option is best for a different skin issue.
Chemical Peel Benefits: What Does a Chemical Peel Do?
A chemical peel is a kind of facial that uses different acids to slough away the top layer or layers of the skin to encourage the skin’s natural process of regrowth and rejuvenation.
If you’re wondering “what does a chemical peel do?” The answer is that it can do a lot of good for a myriad of issues. Chemical peels work best for superficial issues like wrinkles, scarring, and uneven tone.
Chemical peels can be mild, medium, or deep in their intensity. The more intensive, the longer the possible recovery time. Working with your dermatologist will help you figure out your specific needs.
What Is Laser Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing also removes the outer layers of the skin, stimulating regrowth and rejuvenation, but does so using lasers instead of chemicals.
People with concerns around deep wrinkles, scars (including acne scars), sun damage, and other deeply rooted issues will have the best results with laser resurfacing. You might want to research laser resurfacing before and after photos to see the kinds of results you can expect.
Laser resurfacing has been hugely successful in treating all kinds of issues from fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin to chicken pox scars, liver spots, and uneven skin tone.
The lasers stimulate new collagen production so that not only is the skin being resurfaced, but it is also tightening as it heals. If you look at laser resurfacing before and after photos, it’s easy to see the kind of dramatic improvements.
Is a Chemical Peel or Laser Resurfacing Better for Fine Lines?
Because a chemical peel literally peels away the top layer of skin, it can be more of an issue for those with sensitive skin. A person’s reaction to laser skin resurfacing can also vary. With both procedures, you can at least expect to have some redness for up to a week, so it will be especially important to keep up with your daily sunscreen application.
Between the two options, laser resurfacing is the heavy hitter – it can more accurately target trouble spots and penetrate deeper for long-lasting results for many issues, including fine lines.
A chemical peel will not provide results that are as long-lasting, nor are they ideal for more developed issues like deep wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation. However, light and medium chemical peels can also be much more affordable than laser resurfacing, so if your issue is superficial, this could be the way to go.
Chemical Peel vs Laser Resurfacing – Which is Right for Me?
Ultimately, the decision will come down to your skin type and needs, which should be carefully considered with the guidance of an experienced dermatologist.
At Advanced Dermatology, we have top-rated dermatologists at all of our 50+ convenient locations who would be happy to discuss your concerns and come up with the best options for you. To find out more, call anytime to book an in-office or virtual appointment.