Should You Get a HydraFacial or a Chemical Peel?
It all depends on what you’re trying to address. There are actually three types of chemical peels – superficial, medium, and deep – and they are used to reduce common imperfections in the skin. Meanwhile, the HydraFacial is a patented multi-step medical-grade resurfacing treatment. Interestingly enough, one of those steps is actually an extremely mild peel. So in a way, the two procedures are related. But when it comes down to deciding whether a HydraFacial or a chemical peel will be right for you, it helps to understand the differences between the two.
The Hydrafacial Procedure
The HydraFacial is an extremely effective way to clean and clear out your pores. But it also hydrates the skin.
The first order of business with the HydraFacial treatment is to cleanse the skin by removing the dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin.
Next comes a very mild peel. A mix of salicylic and glycolic acids are applied to the skin to break up any oil or dirt that’s clogging your pores without causing the skin to peel.
Finally, a pen-like device called the HydraPeel Tip basically vacuums out blackheads, dirt, oil, and impurities. Meanwhile, hydrating serums are simultaneously applied to plump and nourish the skin.
How It Differs from Microdermabrasion
Perhaps you’ve heard of microdermabrasion.
It’s a very effective procedure that uses micro-crystals to exfoliate the skin. But the crystals can be irritating for those who are prone to acne or have sensitive skin.
By contrast, HydraFacial uses water as the exfoliating medium. So it’s essentially like a facial and microdermabrasion all in one.
Plus, you can discuss with your skincare professional ways to incorporate add-ons or boosters to customize your HydraFacial.
Recovery from HydraFacial
HydraFacial has minimal side effects.
Beyond a little redness immediately following the treatment, there is almost no downtime.
You just need to allow your skin to rest for a day so that you can absorb all of the benefits of the facial. Then the next day, you can pop out of bed, put on your makeup, and return to your everyday activities.
So Should You Get a HydraFacial or a Chemical Peel?
The HydraFacial is wonderful for cleaning, resurfacing, and hydrating your skin.
But if you’re looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and under the eyes, or you want to remove spotting from sun damage, aging, or genetics, the chemical peel is a better option.
It can even treat certain types of acne.
With a chemical peel, a solution is applied to your entire face that causes the surface layer of the skin to blister and peel off. This prompts your body to generate more collagen which results in a new layer of healthier skin that’s clear of blemishes.
A superficial peel only penetrates the outermost layer of skin.
A medium peel uses stronger chemicals to reach the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells.
And finally, a deep peel fully penetrates the middle layer to ensure the removal of deeply damaged skin cells.
Recovery after a Chemical Peel
The recovery time for a chemical peel will depend on which type you have.
Superficial peels require one to seven days to heal. Lotion or cream can be applied during healing and makeup can usually be worn the next day.
Medium peels require a longer recovery time. They typically take 1-2 weeks to heal – with swelling worsening for the first 48 hours. Ointment needs to be applied and sun exposure is prohibited until healing is complete.
Finally, a deep peel requires 2-3 weeks to heal and the treated area will be bandaged. Skin will require soaking, ointment, and thick moisturizers as healing continues. Sun exposure should be avoided for 3-6 months.
Bring New Life Back into Your Face!
To determine whether you’re better suited for a HydraFacial or chemical peel, contact us today for a free consultation.
Once you discuss all your options with one of our skincare professionals, you’ll be ready to take the next step toward glowing and younger-looking skin.
Don’t hesitate!
