Even for the least vain people, we have to wake up and take a good hard look at our faces in the morning. Acne scars, age spots, wrinkles, and other blemishes can start our day off on the wrong foot. Aesthetic dermatology would not exist if these things were not commonplace. At the very least, you can find comfort in knowing that many people suffer from these everyday issues and do find solutions to their problems. Those solutions primarily come in the form of laser treatments or chemical peels. However many people don’t understand the fundamental differences between the two procedures. When it comes to a Laser Treatment vs Chemical Peels, here are few things to know.

Laser Treatments vs Chemical Peels: The DifferencesLaser Treatments vs Chemical Peels

When it comes to Laser Treatments vs Chemical Peels, both chemical peels and laser treatments have one thing in common: they are both used in what is called resurfacing. Skin resurfacing is exactly as it sounds, the procedure used will exfoliate the top layer of the skin so that the young skin underneath can shine through. Our skin is the largest organ in (or on) our body and it sure takes a beating through everyday life.

Random blemishes, occasional acne, frequent sun exposure, scrapes, scratches, bug bites, etc. Your skin is constantly under attack by one thing or another, so it only makes sense that the top-most layer of your skin has received the brunt of the damage. This is the premise behind skin resurfacing.

However, the methods used matter a lot in determining the outcome as both chemical peels and laser treatments have unique advantages.

Laser resurfacing uses energy from light to penetrate the skin and start working on the layers. Because it is a laser, this is optimal for cases that require precision such as a particular blemish on the face. There are two types of lasers, ablative and non-ablative. Of the two, ablative (CO2 lasers such as Deka Tetra for CoolPeel) are more intense but also more effective.

Chemical Peels use acidic solutions instead of lasers to get the job done. They have similar resurfacing power compared to lasers depending on the strength of the solution used. While many patients automatically want the best of the best, it really does not work that way. Many chemical peel solutions such as the Vi Peel are notorious for providing incredible results while still utilizing a fairly mild solution.

Deep grade peels such as a phenol peel are much more powerful but also require a lengthier recovery time. Peels such as this are best used for more serious cases of scarring or markings.

Which Treatment is Right for Me?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to give. As a rule of thumb, lasers have been known to work less effectively on those with darker skin—but even that has changed, with new laser technology being more efficient than ever. Likewise, chemical peels have been the go-to for those with darker pigment skin but that doesn’t mean that every chemical peel is a superior choice to lasers if your skin is darker.

Which procedure you ultimately end up getting depends on a combination of

  • How serious your scarring or blemishes are
  • How sensitive your skin is
  • What your particular desired outcome is. Different issues require different solutions, e.g. acne scarring vs sun damage.
  • What your lifestyle is (are you frequently exposed to the sun?)

For these reasons, it is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist for your issues.

If you are seeking out an effective laser skin resurfacing treatment, look no further than Cool Peel. Cool Peel is a no downtime solution that uses the cutting edge Deka Tetra CO2 laser from Cartesian Aesthetics. The Deka Tetra is great because it uses intermittent bursts of energy to achieve the ablative effect without exposing your skin to too much energy.

The Herschthal Practice is proud to be one of the few providers of the Cool Peel treatment in South Florida.

Were you looking for a chemical peel instead? We also provide the Vi Peel, which is a highly effective system of peels that can cater to many different skin-types and needs.

Skin Resurfacing Treatment Boca Raton

Whether you choose to get laser skin resurfacing or a chemical peel, the Herschthal Practice would love to be your provider. We have performed both of these types of procedures countless times. Contact us today to book a consultation at your convenience.