WHICH IS BETTER: CHEMICAL PEEL OR CO2 LASER?

Chemical peels and laser treatments are highly versatile and can improve a wide range of skin conditions. Is there a superior option? It depends on your cosmetic concerns and unique aesthetic goals. Below, we break down your treatment options to help you decide for yourself which is better: a chemical peel or CO2 laser—or perhaps another of our laser and light treatments!

Common Skin Concerns

Cosmetic dermatology patients often turn to chemical peels and laser treatments to improve one or more of the following skin conditions:

Rosacea

Rosacea is a facial skin condition characterized by a persistent red flush and visible, enlarged blood vessels. The skin is highly sensitized and often dry, scaly, or rough.

• Chemical Peel: A superficial peel with a beta hydroxy acid such as salicylic acid can help soothe inflammation and gently exfoliate rough skin. However, stronger peels may be too harsh.
• Laser Treatment:  Intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacials or pulsed-dye laser treatments like VBeam® Perfecta address redness and visible veins and capillaries, making them ideal options to improve rosacea symptoms.

Sunspots and Pigment

Sun damage can cause freckles and dark spots as the skin produces melanin to protect itself from harmful UV rays.

• Chemical Peel: Whether superficial, medium, or deep, chemical peels of all intensities can address hyperpigmentation and produce brighter, clearer skin with a more even tone. Medium and deep peels may also be used to eliminate certain precancerous growths.
• Laser Treatment: Our full range of laser and light treatments is suitable for treating sun damage and excess pigment. IPL and VBeam treatments preferentially target pigment, while Fraxel® Dual and UltraPulse CO2 lasers also promote healthier skin from within.

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Environmental damage and the passage of time can contribute to an aged appearance, with fine lines and wrinkles forming from repetitive facial movements and a decline in collagen production.

• Chemical Peel: Medium and deep peels that penetrate the middle layers of the skin can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Segmental peels, which target lines around the mouth and eyes, offer more targeted rejuvenation. Learn more about this option in our related blog post.
• Laser Treatment: Our Fraxel Dual and UltraPulse CO2 lasers stimulate collagen production by heating the deeper layers of the skin. This carefully controlled “damage” triggers the body’s rejuvenation process, resulting in tighter, younger-looking skin.

Scars

Scarring can occur following burns, trauma, or skin conditions, including acne and chickenpox. While most will fade and flatten with time, some scars are cosmetically undesirable.

• Chemical Peel: Deep peels formulated with trichloroacetic acid or phenol can improve the appearance and texture of scars; however, peels are often limited to use on the face, neck, chest, and hands.
• Laser Treatment: Each of our laser treatments can visibly improve facial and body scarring. Raised, red scars (hypertrophic scars) are particularly suitable for IPL and VBeam treatments, while more intense laser treatments (Fraxel Dual, UltraPulse CO2) can target all types of scars.

Which Treatment Is Best for You?

Should you choose a chemical peel or laser and light treatment? It depends on what you are hoping to address. Both treatment types produce excellent outcomes, as you can see in our before and after photo gallery.

Many patients, however, can benefit from a combination approach. During your consultation, we will discuss the optimal treatment regimen to revitalize your skin as comprehensively as possible.

If you are ready to take the next step, please request a consultation or call us at (508) 545-9713.

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