Chemical Peel vs. Laser Treatment: Which Is Best for Your Skin?

Dreaming of that flawless, wedding-ready complexion? In the world of skin resurfacing, two treatments stand out. No doubt you’ve heard a lot about the wonders of chemical peels and laser treatments. But which technique is right for you? Well, that depends. To help you decide between these two popular pre-wedding skincare treatments, we tapped celebrity aesthetician Jordana Mattioli to help break down the benefits, recovery, and costs—so basically everything!—associated with chemical peels and laser treatments.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about chemical peels and laser treatments before your wedding.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a facial treatment that works to improve skin's overall appearance and target issues like wrinkles, acne, scarring, and uneven skin tone. It essentially peels away the top layers of the skin, so it can grow back smoother than before. If you're worried that a chemical peel may be too harsh on your skin, consider that it comes in different levels—mild, medium, and deep—so you can tailor your peel to your skin type. 

Pros of Chemical Peels

Peels are great for superficial irregularities, and all skin types can benefit from mild to medium-strength peels. However, Mattioli urges that the stronger ones should be used with caution on darker complexions, which tend to be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Another pro for peels is that they tend to be more wallet-friendly at $150 to $500 a pop. There are also great at-home options from brands like Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare and Peter Thomas Roth. “I recommend Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel to my clients," notes Mattioli. "It’s easy, affordable, and gives instant gratification."

Cons of Chemical Peels

Which brings us to downtime. In terms of recovery, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. “In-office peel options are endless. Some will require no downtime at all. You might experience a little redness and flaking, but that’s it,” says Mattioli. “There are hundreds of different lasers. Many offer mild resurfacing with little or no recovery period, while others (namely ablative) can leave you looking pink and swollen for up to a week.”

But again, this varies depending on the specific procedure. Aftercare, however, does not. Mattioli advises patients to avoid scrubs, cleansing brushes, washcloths, retinoids, topical acne medication, and alpha/beta hydroxy acids so as not to interfere with the healing process for about a week. In terms of topicals, stick to a gentle cleanser with antibacterial support, soothing moisturizer, hydrating serum, and broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen. Following treatment, it’s also best to skip strenuous exercise and heavy sweating for 72 hours.

What Is a Laser Treatment?

A laser peel is a treatment that uses lasers to remove the outer layers of the skin and heat the underlying layer, the dermis, of the skin. The treatment is often used to help deep wrinkles, acne scars, sun-damaged skin, and other deeper-rooted skin concerns.

Pros of Laser Treatment

If you are looking for a treatment that targets deep skin issues, a laser treatment might be the best option. “For wrinkles, stubborn pigment, and vascular issues [veins], we need to get deeper into the skin with lasers.” It's also better for collagen remodeling and superior in terms of precision, too. For example, when using a laser to target acne scars or a few brown spots, it’s possible to focus on them individually. “It also delivers faster results than peels, and there are color-blind models that can safely treat darker skin.”

Cons of Laser Treatment

A con to laser treatments is that they aren't as gentle on your wallet as peels are. You can expect your treatment to run anywhere between $300 and $3,000 per session.

How to Pick the Best Option for Your Skin

Overall, chemical peels and lasers share virtually the same goal: to improve skin’s overall appearance and erase imperfections. While these procedures tackle many similar concerns—including discoloration, fine lines, and rough texture—that doesn’t mean they are interchangeable.

“There are a few points to think about when I’m deciding what is best for my client. Ultimately, it depends on the issues being treated, how fast they want results, and budget,” explains Mattioli.

Even though both procedures deliver enduring results, it depends on the issue being tackled. “When you smooth out wrinkles, that deeper collagen is there for a long time. Pigment can be tricky. Normally, you can get months or years of even tone if you are diligent with SPF and have a solid skincare routine.”

So, what’s the takeaway? The choice essentially comes down to what complexion woes you want erased. For certain conditions, it’s worth the money to splurge on a laser for stronger results, whereas for other concerns, a peel will definitely do the trick. When in doubt, seek out the advice of a licensed dermatologist or aesthetician.