Chemical Peels vs. Facials

Your face is one of the first things somebody notices, and getting the right treatment can be tricky. While getting a facial at a spa or resort might seem like the best option, there might be one that’s more effective and really caters to your age and skin type: chemical peels. These two treatments are often lumped together, but their differences could not be more apparent.

Chemical peel uses

Both chemical peels and facials can treat sun damaged skin and provide a cleaner appearance against acne, but the treatments do contrast quite a bit. Facials exfoliate the skin and moisturize the outer layer, while chemical peels can treat fine lines, acne, and pigmentation issues. Deep chemical peels go beyond the surface for medical grade rejuvenation. They increase cell turnover, which makes the skin glow and look much brighter. To make an analogy, facials are like cleaning a wall while chemical peels strip away the wallpaper to start again.

Chemical peel procedure

Chemical peels and facial both require consultations to keep the patient informed of expectations and results. However, as a medical procedure, chemical peels require extra preparation due to the nature of the treatment. Instead of simply applying products to clean the skin, chemical peels use solutions like glycolic acid to go into the epidermis and beyond to strip the skin cells away for a healthier layer to form. Depending on what type of chemical peel is used, recovery methods and treatments can vary from cold compresses to petroleum jelly for a few days.

Chemical peel benefits

While both treatments can be done once every four weeks, the most noticeable difference is in the final results. With facials, the cleansing nature gives the skin a boost in moisture and bounce. After going through a chemical peel, your face will feel brand new because of the fresh skin cells being created. Deeper chemical peels offer longer and more profound results, especially when it comes to acne and fine lines. Both are temporary solutions, but the latter has more longevity. 

Amanda Mackey, a licensed esthetician at our Fort Mill location, is a proponent for this procedure. "Chemical peels can be a real game changer for patients looking to improve their skin without much down time."

When you’re looking for a fresh face, why not try a chemical peel from a CEENTA specialist? Dr. Neela Rao and Amanda Mackey in our Fort Mill office offer consultations on which chemical peel treatment is right for you based on your age, skin complexion, and goals. Call 704-295-3000 to get more information on this exciting treatment from CEENTA.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with our facial plastic specialists in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.