When trying to compare laser skin treatments to non-laser options like chemical peels, you may have trouble making an immediate decision. Many skincare treatments are potentially beneficial in a variety of ways, which often overlap. However, the differences between treatments like chemical peels and laser treatments may make you a better candidate for one than you are for the other. Below is some information that can help you decide between chemical peels and laser procedures.
How Chemical Peels and Laser Procedures Treat Skin
Chemical peels treat skin by using chemicals to exfoliate it. In other words, the chemicals help to eliminate dirt and other materials that may be clogging skin pores. Dead skin cells are also removed with chemical peels. Laser procedures are more precise tools that can target specific areas of the skin. They often produce better and faster results than chemical peels.
How Long Chemical Peel and Laser Procedures Take
Chemical peels are extremely fast procedures. You can easily have one performed in approximately 30 minutes. Some take less than 15 minutes. The exact time depends on the intensity of the procedure, which involves the application of specific chemical combinations to the skin.
On the other hand,clinical cosmetic-lasers treatment methods offer more precise treatments. The laser can target even slight skin imperfections. However, laser treatments can often take slightly longer than chemical peels. If you attend a laser appointment you should expect to spend about an hour at the clinic.
Short-Term Side Effects Both Lasers and Chemical Peels Can Cause
Temporarily red or sensitive skin is a side effect of both chemical peels and laser treatment. However, redness typically goes away quickly. After a chemical peel your skin may also sting or flake off. Laser treatment is more likely to cause itchiness and temporary swelling. In rare instances it can also cause blisters or burns. However, trained skincare clinicians will not perform laser treatments on you if they deem your skin to be prone to such side effects.
Long-Term Side Effects of Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments
Long-term side effects of chemical peels are rare, but they can happen. They include skin infections, scars, and discolored skin in the treatment area. Skin infections can also occur in rare instances. The same side effects can also occur after laser treatment. However, having either procedure performed by a properly certified technician will minimize those risks.
A Cost Comparison of Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments
Predicting the costs of laser treatments and chemical peels is difficult because factors like the intensity of the treatment and size of the treatment area can impact costs. Differences also exist in how clinics charge based on geographic location and procedure demand. Basic laser treatment is often cheaper than chemical peel treatment. A low-end laser treatment costs approximately $500, while a low-end chemical peel costs approximately $750. However, even the most intense chemical peels usually do not cost more than about $850. A high-end laser treatment can cost a few thousand dollars.
When weighing the costs of chemical peels and laser treatments you must also consider long-term results. Both types of treatments are often repeated multiple times. But lasers often provide better and more long-lasting results.
