Our outlets will be closed from 26 Mar (Tue) to 27 Mar (Wed) for our annual team bonding event. We will resume operations on 28 Mar (Thu).
Our outlets will be closed from 26 Mar (Tue) to 27 Mar (Wed) for our annual team bonding event. We will resume operations on 28 Mar (Thu).

Are Chemical Peels and Lasers Obsolete?

Are Chemical Peels and Lasers Obsolete

The aesthetic market is one of the fastest growing industries, with the launch of new treatments almost every year. Despite that, the needs of consumers have never changed – which is to minimise or slow down the effects of ageing. 

What has changed, however, is their preference. Today, consumers are shifting towards collagen banking treatments, or “pre-juvenation” treatments; treatments that grow your collagen supply before ageing takes place. 

For this reason, many are shifting away from conventional, ‘older’ treatments like lasers and chemical peels. However, this is not always necessary because in  “pre-juvenation”, any treatment that kickstarts collagen production is beneficial – lasers and chemical peels included. 

In this article, we’ll revisit these two treatments and understand why they are still very relevant today. 

How Do Chemical Peels And Laser Treatments Work?

While both treatments aim to improve the appearance of the skin, they work in different ways and cater to different skin types and concerns.

Procedure

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the dull outer layers to peel away, which encourages smoother, younger-looking skin to form. The strength and type of chemical peel used depends on the patient’s skin type and the desired results. There are several types of chemical peels, including superficial, medium, and deep peels.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatments work through various mechanisms, such as  vaporising the top layer, destroying unwanted pigments, or stimulating collagen and elastin in the deeper layers. The choice of which laser to use depends on your skin condition and your desired treatment outcomes. It is no wonder that there are so many lasers available in the market today, all with their own specialised functions! 

Intensity Of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels for skin rejuvenation come in different strengths, ranging from mild to deep, each with different levels of intensity and recovery time.

What it’s ideal for Procedure details Downtime and recovery
Superficial peel Addressing minor skin issues

  • uneven skin tone
  • dark complexion
  • minor acne scars
  • wrinkles
  • Gentle and uses mild acids to lightly exfoliate the outer layers of skin
  • Takes around 30 minutes
  • Minimal downtime
  • Patients may experience some redness, flaking and dryness for a few days following treatment
Medium peel Addressing moderate skin issues:

  • deep wrinkles
  • sun damage
  • more severe acne scarring.
  • More intensive, with chemicals targeting middle and outer layers of skin
  • Takes around an hour
  • Recovery may take several days
  • Patients may experience redness, peeling and some discomfort
Deep peel Addressing severe skin concerns:

  • deep wrinkles
  • deep scars
  • Uses powerful acids, penetrating and removing damaged skin cells
  • Takes up to two hours
  • Recovery may take several weeks
  • Patients may experience significant peeling, discomfort, and swelling

Intensity Of Laser Treatment

Laser skin rejuvenation treatments in Singapore use beams of light to penetrate the skin and target either pigment, haemoglobin, or water in the skin. This process can help eliminate pigmentation, reduce redness, acne scars, stretch marks, and treat wrinkles and fine lines. Lasers are classified into two types: ablative and non-ablative.

Ablative Laser

Ablative lasers work by removing the outermost layer of skin, or epidermis, and heating up the underlying skin layers to stimulate collagen production. 

This collagen production helps to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, and can also improve skin texture and tone. Ablative lasers are typically used to treat more severe skin concerns such as deep wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation. 

However, because they remove the top layer of skin, they also come with a longer recovery time and a higher risk of potential side effects such as infection, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.

Non-ablative Laser

Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, work by heating up the deeper layers of skin without damaging the surface. 

Note: While laser therapy can be highly effective, it’s important to note that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The best type of laser and strength of treatment for you will depend on your skin type, concerns, and desired results.

Laser treatments allow for more precise removal of skin cells, which can result in a more refined and youthful appearance. But, like with chemical peels, there are potential risks and side effects that must be considered before undergoing the treatment. 

Skin Rejuvenation Treatments For Individuals With Darker Skin

Individuals with darker skin tones need to be more cautious when choosing laser treatment and chemical peels because they have more melanin in their skin. This means that their skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation, which is a darkening of the skin in areas that have been treated. 

When a laser or chemical peel is used, it can cause the skin to become inflamed and produce excess melanin in response, leading to hyperpigmentation. For this reason, it is important for people with darker skin to seek treatment from experienced practitioners who understand how to adjust the intensity of the treatment to minimise the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Pros and cons

Both skin rejuvenation solutions work by removing old skin to promote new skin growth, but they differ in some important ways. 

Chemical peels

  • Treats a variety of skin concerns, including acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and sun damage like age spots
  • Versatile treatment option that can be tailored to different skin types and concerns
  • May be a better option for individuals with more sensitive skin
  • Generally less expensive than laser treatments

Laser treatment

  • Treats a variety of skin concerns, including acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and sun damage like age spots
  • Precise application can be targeted to specific areas of concern, making them more effective at treating isolated issues like acne scars or sun spots
  • Can stimulate collagen production in deeper layers of the skin, leading to more dramatic and longer-lasting results than chemical peels
  • Highly effective tool for deep collagen remodelling, making them a better option for addressing wrinkles or sagging skin
  • Typically more expensive than chemical peels

Cost Of Skin Rejuvenation Treatments In Singapore

On average, laser treatments are more expensive than chemical peels. The exact cost of these skin rejuvenation treatments can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of treatment, the expertise of the practitioner, and the location of the treatment facility.

The cost of chemical peels can depend on the type of peel used, as well as the size of the treatment area and the number of treatments required to achieve the desired results. The price for a basic face peel starts at around $300

In comparison, laser skin rejuvenation with ablative lasers can cost around $2,000 while non-ablative treatments are generally less expensive starting at $300 per session. The cost of laser treatments can vary based on a number of factors, including the type of laser used, the size of the treatment area, and the number of sessions required to achieve the desired results.

If you start these treatments young for pre-juvenation purposes, the overall cost in the long run might be lower, depending on how much maintenance your doctor thinks is necessary. 

Skin Rejuvenation Solutions By SL Aesthetic Clinic

SL Aesthetic Clinic offers a range of skin rejuvenation solutions, including chemical peels and laser treatments, to address a variety of skin concerns. Whether you’re struggling with acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, or sun damage, our team of experts in Singapore can help determine the best treatment option for your individual skin type and concerns. 

Our practitioners have successfully treated many clients in the past, and we prioritise delivering safe and effective results. We understand that choosing the best treatment can be overwhelming, which is why we offer personalised consultations to determine the most suitable option for your unique skin type and concerns. 

If you’re interested in improving the appearance of your skin, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us to discuss your options.

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