If you’re looking for a flawless complexion (and really, who isn’t?) you’ll want to consider skin resurfacing. In the world of in-office, little downtime skin-resurfacing treatments, two are unmatched: lasers and chemical peels. There are very few options that tackle a larger variety of concerns than these two, and while they have many similarities (they treat pigmentation, skin texture and tone and even wrinkles) they can also differ in results, downtime and cost. 

First, The Similarities

Without a doubt, both lasers and chemical peels share the same goal, and that is to improve the skin’s appearance and diminish imperfections, including fine lines, texture and discoloration.

Now, The Differences

Chemical Peels

A form of chemical exfoliation, peels use (safe!) acids to break through your skin’s debris, dead skin and damaged top layers of the skin to reveal brighter, healthier and new skin underneath. They are great for superficial irregularities—age spots, freckles and dark patches like melasma.

At MSpa, we offer a variety of peels with various strengths and purposes, including: the Illuminize Peel®, our gentlest option, perfect for first-timers or anyone looking for brighter, more radiant skin with no downtime. For mild to moderate imperfections, the Vitalize Peel® can address skin unevenness caused by acne scarring or other pigment changes. The Rejuvenize Peel® is for moderate-to-severe skin imperfections. It will result in peeling that will improve in the appearance of skin tone and texture and smoothness of fine lines and wrinkles.

Since they work by exfoliating, peels are often a better option at helping acne and improving the overall texture of your skin than lasers.

Laser Resurfacing 

Peels can range from mild to moderate based on what you would like to treat, but since lasers are able to treat deeper scars and wrinkles with more precision, they’ve essentially replaced the strongest peels.

Lasers, like our celeb-favorite Clear + Brilliant Laser, emit wavelengths that target pigment to eliminate sun spots, redness or scars, and wrinkles. They replace damaged skin with healthy tissue to yield a younger-looking complexion, not only improving the appearance of fine lines (and pores), but also tackling heavy discoloration. Lasers can also tighten and smooth the skin and are great for individualization because the depth and area of skin treated can be controlled.

Lasers can also treat darker skin, while some of the more intense chemical peels should not be used on dark complexions.

Results

Laser treatments, while not as wallet-friendly as peels, will offer both immediate and progressive results with little-to no-downtime. Depending on the intensity of the chemical peel, patients will notice an improvement in the overall skin, but the degree of peeling can range from none to intense flaking, resulting in better skin tone and texture, smoothness of fine lines and more. The effect of peels is cumulative and results are more favorable the more peels are completed. 

Cost

Our SkinMedica peels range from $100-185, while our Clear + Brilliant Laser is $350 for a full-face treatment. Laser Genesis ranges from $100-$300 depending on the area(s) treated.

Transform your skin from deep within today! Schedule your free skincare consultation with our aestheticians to talk about which skin resurfacing treatment might be right for you.