Are Chemical Peels or Laser Peels Right for You?

Are Chemical Peels or Laser Peels Right for You?

Tuesday 19 February 2019

Pic: Via Tumblr

There are many debates when it comes to skincare. One of the biggest is how to resurface your skin. The skincare industry offers several major methods for removing imperfections and getting rid of wrinkles and lines on your skin. Two that top the list are laser peels and chemical peels, but which one is right for you? The answer to that question can be complicated, so you have to delve into the intricacies of each procedure before making your selection.

Types of Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments

Laser machines for skincare vary greatly. Each machine is unique in its construction and specialization. There are several laser types that can perform resurfacing, or peel, procedures. One that performs mild laser treatment is an erbium laser. A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser performs a more intense treatment. You must make sure you are treated at a clinic offering the resurfacing device you require to get the intensity of treatment you need.

You must also understand those are not the only two laser resurfacing devices to pick from. For example, you might prefer a fractional laser treatment, sometimes called Fraxel treatment. Although experts have used aesthetic lasers for decades to treat the skin, Fraxel lasers are relatively new to the skincare industry. They are designed to improve collagen cohesion and production by drilling minuscule channels through multiple layers of your skin.

Combination IPL and Laser Resurfacing Procedures

Another option for resurfacing your skin using laser treatment is to combine a Fraxel treatment with an intense pulsed light (IPL) procedure. Alternatively, for a very mild peel, you can use IPL alone. IPL is a procedure that uses pulsed light to treat the skin. It is helpful when you want to treat discolorations on the surface of your skin. In some instances, it can also help you treat additional skin layers close to the surface.

Types of Chemical Peels for Your Skin

If you have blotchy or wrinkled skin, you can potentially benefit from a chemical peel. It is a procedure that removes layers of your skin. It involves applying mild to moderate-strength acids to your skin. The acids are of types approved for skincare use. By changing the various types of acids used, the intensity of the peel can be adjusted. That way you can achieve a light peel for surface treatment or a deeper peel for more intense treatment of moderate skin problems.

There are several types of acids that can be used alone or in combination during a chemical peel procedure. One is carbolic acid, also known as a phenol peel. It is one of the most intense forms of chemical peels. In general, a laser peel is preferred over a phenol peel if you qualify because a phenol peel is more likely to change the color of your skin. Other types of acids used are often milder. They include glycolic and trichloroacetic acid.

Qualifying for Laser or Chemical Peel Treatment

In general, you can qualify for chemical or laser peel treatment if you have mild to moderate skin concerns affecting the surface of your skin or skin layers near the surface. However, you must also meet specific criteria to have a certain procedure performed. It is vital for a skincare expert to assess your skin before you select a procedure to have. Its color and thickness can affect your candidacy for a certain procedure. So can the specific skin concerns you have. Your clinician will also discuss the details of the chosen procedure with you. For example, some general or topical anesthesia may be required for the most intense treatments.