Lasers vs Chemical Peels – What Are the Pros and Cons of Each?
Laser technology in cosmetic medicine has grown immensely over the last several years. There have been great strides in the development of true laser therapies for all skin types, as well as the development of non-true lasers such as radiofrequency that are safe on even the darkest of skin types. From IPL, to CO2, and Radiofrequency, there is certainly a device for every concern.
How do we select the best treatments for each patient and their unique concerns? Many factors are considered when selecting a laser-therapy. What is the concern we wish to improve? This question is so important because each laser has a primary focus or target concern (for example brown spots, blood vessels, redness in the skin, fine lines), and then additional criteria such as safety for a certain skin type and required downtime.
Our devices play a huge role in targeting these many concerns, but there is another great option as well: Chemical peels.
Chemical peels have evolved too and can be applied as single or complex acid compounds, either in liquid form or cream-based, and some with zero discomfort upon application. Peels can provide improvement of discoloration (including browns and reds) as well as texture, pore size, fine lines, and overall skin luminosity.
We currently offer single acid peels, low-downtime peels such as the Phenom Peel, medium depth peels such as Perfect Derma Peel, and more intense options such as Cosmelan MD.
With two treatment categories that offer overlapping areas of improvement, what are some of the factors we consider in deciding the best treatment between lasers and chemical peels? Downtime, budget, comfort level, degree of improvement, and more are deciding factors. Certain peels will improve texture and pigment in the same treatment, whereas a laser may only target one. Let’s work through a few common concerns and navigate both paths in the treatment options.
Brown pigmentation:
Lumecca IPL vs Cosmelan or Perfect DermaPeel
- Lumecca is safe for light skin types only (type 1-4) whereas these two chemical peels are safe on all skin types.
- The chemical peels will address pigmentation, but also improve acne, texture, pore size, and luminosity while the Lumecca has very little effect on texture.
- Lumecca has little downtime, with the dark spots darkening then flaking away, while the chemical peel will have about 1 week of downtime.
Skin quality
CO2 vs Cosmelan or Perfect DermaPeel+Boostera
- CO2 targets fine lines/texture, small amounts of pigment, and is safe for lighter skin types only (type 1-3)
- CO2 downtime includes swelling, scabbing, and then peeling for 7-14 days.
- The Cosmelan or Perfect DermaPeel+Booster peels will improve pore size, texture, fine lines with 1-2 weeks of redness and peeling but no scabbing or need for medication use.
Danielle Stark, PA. – contact our office to schedule a consultation
Posted on behalf of
465 N Roxbury Dr. Suite 1011
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: (310) 777 - 8880
Email: info@oculoplastic.info
