At The Derm, we believe strongly in the power of professional cosmetic dermatology to keep skin healthy and younger-looking.
Chemical peels and facials – two of the many treatments provided by our expert skin care team – work wonders for millions of patients. But if you’re trying to decide between these two popular options, is there a way to determine which one is best for your unique skin?
There is! The Derm is here to thoroughly explain your treatment options and guide you through every step of your skin care journey. Let’s start by taking a closer look at chemical peels and facials, including how they work, what makes them different, and how they can benefit your skin.
What is a chemical peel?
The name may sound harsh, but chemical peels are one of the least invasive treatments available that can significantly improve your skin’s appearance and address a variety of skin concerns (including acne, dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles).
Some patients still have mixed feelings about chemical peels, thanks to the more aggressive peels of years past. Have no fear – The Derm now offers chemical peels for every skin type and tolerance, including sensitive skin. Most chemical peels take less than an hour with minimal discomfort during treatment.
How chemical peels work
A chemical peel begins by applying an exfoliating chemical solution to your skin. The active ingredients cause the top layers of skin to separate and eventually peel off – revealing the smoother, brighter skin beneath the surface.
Types of chemical peels
Each type of chemical peel has its own particular ingredients and strengths. If you want to improve your skin’s texture, we may recommend a superficial peel that contains alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid. For acne and other skin issues, we may suggest a deeper peel that contains salicylic acid or other beta-hydroxy acids.
Your dermatologist will provide more details about your chemical peel options.
What is a facial?
Like chemical peels, facials rejuvenate your skin through exfoliation – but they also include other therapeutic components like cleansing, extraction, masking, and massage.
Facials hydrate your skin, improve circulation, and encourage cell renewal, which helps reduce the signs of aging. Facials also remove the unwanted buildup of oil, dirt, bacteria, and other pore-clogging debris that can cause acne. Most facials take an hour or less and are designed specifically for your skin type and tolerance.
How facials work
The specific steps of your facial at The Derm will depend on which type of facial you choose. You can typically expect exfoliation (to remove dead skin cells), cleansing (to remove buildup), extraction (to remove blackheads), masking (to help exfoliate and clean pores), light massage of your face and neck, and more.
Types of facials
The Derm Asarch Dermatology offers numerous types of facials to soothe and revitalize your skin. For example, our HydraFacial treatment removes dead skin cells while simultaneously bathing the new skin underneath with cleansing, hydrating, and moisturizing serums. Ask your dermatologist for more information.
The differences between chemical peels and facials
Chemical peels and facials are both effective skin care treatments. However, there are some key differences in how patients perceive them and the skin concerns they target.
Facials are often more popular than chemical peels because patients consider them to be less “invasive.” And they’re not wrong – facials focus on cleansing and exfoliating the surface of your skin, while chemical peels use acid-based solutions to remove the damaged outer layers.
A facial may be a better choice if you want to pamper yourself and improve your skin’s appearance. However, if you have significant skin concerns or want more drastic results, then a chemical peel could be the way to go. The skin care experts at The Derm will help you weigh the pros and cons.
The benefits of chemical peels and facials
Facials offer many great benefits. Having clean, well-hydrated skin greatly improves your skin tone and texture. If your skin is acne-prone, removing blackheads during the extraction process can lead to fewer breakouts. And, of course, facials are typically a pleasant and relaxing experience. Most patients can get a basic, gentle facial as often as once a week if desired.
Getting a chemical peel once or twice a year also has a multitude of benefits. Most patients see results right away after a chemical peel, although additional treatments may be required. Removing the damaged outer layers of your skin helps reveal the healthier, younger-looking skin underneath. Chemical peels also tend to treat certain skin concerns more directly than basic facials, including discoloration, dullness, and hyperpigmentation.
Get ready for skin care that revolves around you
Ultimately, the choice between a chemical peel vs. a facial comes down to your personal preferences and skin goals. The skin care experts at The Derm are ready to advise you and develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. (Need professional skin care products? We’ve got those, too.)
To get started, book an appointment today.
