Skin rejuvenation procedures are some of the most popular. Among the multitude of procedures, chemical peels and laser treatments, such as Fraxel®, are the go-to for many men and women. They reduce pigmentation marks and boost collagen production, leading to a more youthful complexion.

That said, while both Fraxel® and chemical peels are useful to turn the clock back on aging, their intended purpose is slightly different. It’s important to determine which one meets your goals to obtain perfect results. Keep reading to find out more insight into the two. 

How Chemical Peels Work

Chemical peels are treatments that use a special acid solution (e.g., salicylic, glycolic, or Trichloroacetic acid) to trigger an exfoliation process. These acids dissolve the bonds that hold the dead skin cells together, allowing the top layer to “peel” off. The chemical peeling process can take as little as a few days or more, depending on the type of treatment.

These treatments are categorized by their depth, going from superficial to medium and deep, depending on the acid. The solution can be used on different areas like the hands, neck, and face, being effective for pigmentation spots and signs of aging. 

How Is Fraxel® Laser Different

The Fraxel® laser is a fractional resurfacing treatment that creates small, microscopic injuries in the skin, leaving the surrounding tissue untouched. This triggers the skin’s healing system, which boosts the production of elastin and collagen to close the micro-injury. Since these thermal zones penetrate deep into the skin, Fraxel® is effective for treating both the epidermis and dermis areas.

Fraxel® technology can come in multiple wavelengths, depending on the technology used. Fraxel® Restore uses a 1550nm wavelength to target both shallow imperfections and deeper skin problems. Thanks to its non-ablative technology, it can treat deep concerns without breaking the skin’s surface. 

There is also the option of Fraxel® CO2, which sends focused carbon dioxide energy into the skin. This targets one fraction of the skin at a time while performing an ablation process. This prompts the body to remove the damaged cells, revealing the healthy layer underneath.

Comparing the Differences

At their core, both chemical peels and Fraxel® treatments are effective in removing the top damaged layers, revealing the healthy cells underneath. However, several key differences potentially influence a patient’s choice. This includes the following: 

1. Main Goal

Fraxel®’s main purpose is to rebuild the structure of the skin from within, creating thermal zones in the skin that trigger collagen production. This makes it effective when the goal is to restore skin firmness and improve smoothness. 

Chemical peels focus on exfoliating the outer layer of the skin. Their action is superficial in most cases, unless you go for a deeper peel. Roughly 62% individuals prefer a 20% glycolic acid peel, which improves skin glow and clarity.

2. Side Effects and Recovery

Chemical peels offer shorter recovery times, depending on the strength of the acid. For most mild to medium chemical peels, superficial redness can occur over the first one to three days, followed by flaking or peeling starting on the third day. Most of the recovery symptoms are over within seven days. 

Fraxel® treatments go deeper compared to chemical peels, which means the side effects are more pronounced. Clients can expect redness and swelling over the next three to five days, along with a sandpaper-like texture as the skin renews. Bronzing and micro-crusting can also appear before the skin gets a fresher look. 

3. Ideal Skin Type

Chemical peels do not use heat, which makes them a safer option for most skin types. They can be tailored based on strength and type for most skin colors and issues, with the mild peels being safe for everyone when it comes to routine brightening.

Fraxel® can also be customized based on strength, depending on the type, but it has a slightly narrower skin type scope. It is generally preferred for those who have thicker, resilient skin types and deeper acne scarring. It also requires careful customization for those with darker skin tones, who are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.4.

4. Results Longevity

Fraxel® treatments stimulate collagen and elastin at deeper levels in the skin, restructuring it from within. As such, their results can last for a year or more, especially with a good skincare routine and maintenance. 

With chemical peels, the results are aimed to be temporary and require maintenance. Depending on sun exposure and skincare, the effects can last anything from a few weeks to a few months before another round is needed.

5. Number of Treatments

Chemical peels require at least three to six treatments in the initial stages to achieve the best results. These are spaced several weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every few months. However, despite the sessions being more frequent, their intensity is lighter.

With Fraxel®, usually one treatment is enough to obtain visible results. Patients with more severe skin concerns may need more treatments, with three to five sessions spaced every month. The sessions are more intensive, but once the initial stage is done, patients rarely need more than one to two sessions a year.

Schedule Your Skin Rejuvenation Treatment Today!

When it comes to choosing between the two options, there’s hardly a universal winner. Chemical peels are the better choice if your skin issues are superficial, whereas Fraxel® is better suited for deep-rooted concerns. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ariel Ostad and see which option works best for your needs!

To learn more about skin rejuvenation treatments, contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900 . He can offer the insight needed on Fraxel® and chemical peels to make your decision easier. As an alternative, fill out the online contact form, and we will get in touch soon!