Post acne scarring? Wrinkles and fine lines? Pigmentation spots? Does any of this sound familiar? They happen, unfortunately, and when they do, we go into panic mode. We've look everywhere, from skincare products that claim to cure age spots to endless google research, hoping to eventually find that 'magic' treatment to erase the skin's textural irregularities and beyond.

Fortunately, there are solutions available. Chemical peels and laser treatments, two skin resurfacing procedures that remove damaged areas to promote skin regeneration, come into play. What is the end result? Skin that is smoother and more revitalized. Combating skin problems has never been easier, but if you are new to the world of skin resurfacing, it can be overwhelming.

Chemical Peels vs. Laser Treatments: What's the Difference?

Chemical peels and laser treatments are skin resurfacing procedures that remove old skin to encourage the growth of new skin. Both treatments are commonly used to reduce acne scars and hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and sun damage issues like pigmentation spots.

The procedure itself is what distinguishes chemical peels from laser treatments. The first, as the name suggests, uses chemical solutions to remove damaged skin, while the second uses lasers.

Chemical peels treat the skin's outer layer with varying concentrations of acid solutions. Peels are classified into three types: superficial, medium, and deep. Superficial chemical peels (for example, VI Peel and lactic acid peels) are gentle and use mild acids to exfoliate the skin lightly. Medium chemical peels (for example, glycolic acid peels and TCA peels) are more intrusive and penetrate the skin's middle and outer layers. Deep chemical peels (e.g., phenol acid peels) are the most powerful, using strong acids to not only penetrate but also remove damaged skin cells.

Laser resurfacing treatments penetrate the skin with light beams, removing one column at a time. The laser method allows for more precise removal but is generally more expensive than chemical peels. Lasers are classified into two types: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers (such as CO2 and erbium) are more powerful and produce the best results by vaporizing the skin. Non-ablative lasers (e.g., Fraxel) are less invasive to the skin and instead heat it rather than destroying it. Because non-ablative lasers are not as powerful as ablative lasers, multiple sessions may be necessary for the best results.

While chemical peels and laser treatments are distinct, there is some overlap in the benefits they provide and the issues they address. For example, a strong TCA (trichloroacetic acid) chemical peel can provide resurfacing comparable to a resurfacing laser, or both peels and lasers can be used to improve acne and acne scars.

The two procedures are also distinct in terms of skin tone. People with darker skin tones benefit the most from chemical peels because peels are an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation. Because of an excess of melanin in their skin, people with dark skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation issues such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Chemical peels use acid solutions to stimulate collagen production and antioxidants to better penetrate and treat pigmentation in darker skin.

What Are the Most Common Types of Chemical Peels?

Vi Peel - superficial peel

The VI Peel is a gentle, painless peel that is suitable for all skin types and tones. It is frequently used to treat hyperpigmentation and reverse sun damage and is composed of trichloroacetic acid, Retin-A, salicylic acid, phenol, and vitamin C.

Lactic peel - superficial peel

A lactic peel is derived from milk and is best suited for dry and sensitive skin. It helps to balance the pH of the skin and gently exfoliates by dissolving dead skin cells.

Glycolic peel - medium depth peel

A glycolic peel contains glycolic acid, which stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin by targeting the skin's outer layer. It is frequently used to treat acne and acne scars, as well as to tighten pores.

TCA peel - medium depth peel

Trichloroacetic acid is used in a TCA peel, which is more aggressive than a glycolic peel. It is frequently used to improve skin pigmentation and soften wrinkles.

Phenol peel - Deep chemical peel

A phenol peel penetrates the skin deeply to treat severe wrinkles and discoloration. It frequently necessitates a lengthy recovery period and may be uncomfortable when compared to milder peels.

What Are the Most Common Laser Treatments?

Non-ablative - Fraxel Laser Treatment

To rejuvenate skin, the Fraxel Laser Treatment employs FDA-approved fractional laser technology. This laser is most effective on mild to moderate acne scars and fine wrinkles.

Ablative - CO2/Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment

The CO2 Laser Treatment employs pixelated carbon dioxide lasers to treat more severe skin conditions such as deep wrinkles and severe acne scars. This laser is generally ineffective for treating skin redness.

Ablative - Erbium Laser Treatment

The Erbium laser is a gentler and less invasive laser treatment than the CO2 laser. The laser penetrates the epidermis (the outer skin layer) and stimulates collagen production. It's frequently used to get rid of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.

What Is the Best Treatment for My Skin?

In a nutshell, it all comes down to your skin type and concerns. Determining the best course of action can be difficult, so it is always important to consult with a dermatologist to discuss your concerns and treatment options.

If you have a darker skin tone, not all chemical peels and laser treatments are appropriate for you. Uncertain about your situation? When in doubt, always seek the advice of a dermatologist.

THE BEST ACNE SCAR TREATMENT

A chemical peel for hyperpigmentation. Laser skin treatments are more effective for textural changes such as atrophic or indented scars. However, a TCA chemical peel can also help with these acne scars. Combination approaches, combining laser, peels, subcision, and/or dermal fillers, are frequently required.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IF THIS IS MY FIRST TIME GETTING A CHEMICAL PEEL/LASER TREATMENT?

Depending on the type of peel, expect some redness and peeling afterward with chemical peels. Not all peels cause visible peeling. Depending on the laser, post-laser skin side effects may include redness, peeling, swelling, and bruising.

If you use topical treatments, you should stop using them a few days before. Depending on the peel and laser, you may be advised to discontinue the use of retinoids, hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, or other harsh, drying, and potentially irritating ingredients. Patients with a history of cold sores may also be given antiviral medications as a preventative measure.

WILL A CHEMICAL PEEL OR A LASER TREATMENT SUIT MY SKIN?

Avoid chemical peels and laser treatments if you have any of the following conditions:

- Active infections in the areas to be treated

- Will be exposed to sunlight following treatment.

- Have had keloids or hypertrophic scars in the past.

- Failure to provide adequate post-treatment recovery time.

- Have a darker complexion (this applies to certain types of chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments).

There is a resurfacing skin solution for you out there, whether you choose a chemical peel or a laser treatment!

Call 9930993600 to book your consultation with Dr Niketa Sonavane

Best Skin Specialist in Mumbai