In this day and age, there is a wide variety of great skincare treatments available to us, making it quite daunting to determine the most suitable treatment for your skin condition or skin type. The two most popular skincare treatments used today are chemical peels and clinical facials. Yuvati Shah, owner of Spa Royale at the Royal Palm Hotel gives us the basic breakdown of the difference between the two.

What is a chemical peel?

Chemical peels are cosmetic, skin resurfacing treatments that can be used to improve the appearance and feel of the skin. They can be used to reduce pigmentation, mild scars, freckles and age spots. Chemical peels can also slightly tighten up the skin in order to minimize wrinkles and reduce fine lines around the mouth and under the eyes. However, the peel will not remove severe wrinkles as the peel is designed to remove the top layer of skin and only has minor skin firming effects.

Top three recommended chemical peels:

• The glycolic peel has the smallest molecular size and penetrates the deepest. It’s great for the exfoliation and rejuvenation of aging skin. Glycolic peels come in different strengths, depending on the results you’re looking for.
• Derived from milk, the lactic peel is ideal for skin that’s dry or sensitive to active ingredients like retinol. If you’re concerned about having an adverse reaction, the lactic peel is easier on the skin.
• The beta peel is used to treat acne in both younger and older patients. It uses salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin, help with oil control, and target the bacteria that causes acne.

Recovery time after a chemical peel depends on what kind of peel was done and how deep it was. With all types of peels, proper care of the skin after the peel is very important to speed healing, help results last longer, prevent infection, and avoid colour changes in the treated area caused by sun exposure. Proper skin care after a peel is very similar to the care used to prepare for a peel and typically involves cleansing the skin frequently; moisturizing the skin daily and avoiding any sun exposure until peeling has stopped. After the peeling has stopped, sunscreen should be used every day as new skin is more susceptible to sun damage.

What is a facial?

Facials are topical skincare treatments that can be used to clean pores, remove blackheads/whiteheads, exfoliate and remove bacteria as well as remove dirt and dead skin cells. Getting into the routine of clinical facial treatments will reduce toxins, dirt and grease found in your skin, which will reduce the chances of acne and uneven skin tone. Clinical facials are also great for increasing the blood circulation in your face, helping you look younger for longer.