As I’ve got older (sob, sob), I’ve become more and more interested in getting a little extra help with my skin. I mean, micellar water can only take you so far, right?
One thing I’m really interested in at the moment is skin resurfacing. This is when dead skin cells or any other dirt or grime that the skin’s come into contact with are removed, leaving you with unclogged pores and super-smooth skin. There are two main ways that this treatment can be done (and nope, unfortunately no face mask from Boots is really going to cut it): chemical peels or lasers. Both sound just a little bit scary, but both have loads of hype around them and ultimately offer really effective solutions.
The question is which one is best? The answer all depends on your skin, your needs, and your budget, and a few other things. The first step to choosing which one to go for is in understanding how the two stack up against each other. The below editorial from NY Laser Outlet explains the options in full…
Differences in Chemical Peel and Laser Procedure Types
One important thing to understand is that chemical peels and laser procedures are not all alike. Before trying out cosmetic-lasers or peels, you should familiarise yourself with the different intensities of chemical peels available. Some will only treat the surface and can be used as part of a normal skincare regime, while others can treat many layers of your skin. Similarly, lasers come in many forms. Some are designed to treat only the surface, while others can treat multiple skin layers. Wherever you choose to go for your appointment, your skincare clinician can help you choose the intensity of your peel procedure based on your skin type and needs.
How Chemical Peel Appointments Are Handled
When you go in for a chemical peel appointment, a trained clinician will treat you. He or she will apply a particular solution of chemicals to your skin. The exact combination of chemicals will be determined during your consultation. As mentioned, there are many options, and so picking the right one is important for two major reasons. The first is the chemicals used will impact the intensity and deepness of the peel. The second is, if you are prone to certain skin conditions, some chemical combinations may be inappropriate for your skin. It takes about 30 minutes for a chemical peel treatment, making it quick and easy to fit into your day.
How Laser Peel Appointments Are Handled
A laser peel appointment will be conducted in a similar manner. You will have a pre-treatment consultation with your clinician. During it, he or she will outline your laser treatment options. Once you’ve settled on a particular type of treatment, the clinician will treat your skin by pointing the laser at it. The specific light produced by the laser and the heat that goes along with it will resurface your skin. Throughout the process, the clinician will keep you as comfortable as possible by using blasts of cool air or other methods to sooth your skin. The entire appointment should take approximately one hour.
Comparing Chemical Peel and Laser Treatment Prices
Chemical peels typically cost approximately $800 (£615) each. However, the exact amount you will pay will depend on where the clinic is located. For example, a clinic in a large city where the demand for chemical peels is high will be likely to charge higher prices for services. The reputation of the clinic may also influence the prices charged there. Laser resurfacing charges are even more likely to vary greatly from one clinic to another. It is not uncommon for clinics to charge $500 (£380) for laser peels, but it is also not uncommon for them to charge $1,000 (£760) or more. Therefore, as with all treatments like this, doing your research is essential.
