HydraFacial® or Chemical Peel: Which One Do I Need?

Today, people who want ways to improve their skin have more options than they can count. But it’s a double-edged sword. With so many different choices, it’s hard to know which one will give you the best results. 

That’s why Lee K. Thornton, MD, FACS and Mark S. Elliott, MD, FACS at Meridian Plastic Surgery handpicked two of the most popular medical-grade skin treatments — HydraFacial® and chemical peels — to compare for you. Use this guide to figure out which of these skin-transforming treatments, performed in our office here in Meridian, Mississippi, is best for you. 

If you want anti-aging effects

Your skin has younger, less blemished cells waiting just beneath the surface. The problem is that the older cells on the top layer of your skin get in the way, leaving you with age spots, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and a whole host of other imperfections. 

Fortunately, our team at Meridian Plastic Surgery has a way to get rid of those older, damaged cells to reveal the younger, healthier ones underneath. With a chemical peel, we cause the top layer of skin to exfoliate (or peel, hence the name) away, leaving you with a rejuvenated appearance. 

If your skin needs nourishment

That said, chemical peels can be harsh. We customize the chemicals used to cause the peel based on your skin, but in order to create peeling, we do have to cause a chemical reaction in the top layer of your skin.

If your skin is dehydrated or irritated, this might not be right for you. Instead, a soothing, nourishing HydraFacial™ can give your skin what it needs to calm, leaving you glowing. 

If you can deal with some downtime

A chemical peel delivers more dramatic results than a HydraFacial — but at a cost: downtime. Your downtime depends on the depth of your peel, which we personalize after a conversation with you about your skin goals. A superficial peel leaves you with just a few days of flaking and redness, but a deeper peel can mean exfoliation that lasts a couple of weeks. When you choose a deeper peel, be ready for some social downtime. 

Whether you choose a superficial or deep peel, you also need to be extra diligent about protecting your skin afterward. Make sure you stay out of the sun for a couple of weeks after your peel. 

If you’ve got a big event around the corner

Clearly, a chemical peel isn’t ideal if you have a big event coming up this weekend. Fortunately, a HydraFacial can help you get radiant, perfected skin in time for whatever you’ve got planned. With a HydraFacial, our team can help your skin looks its best even if your upcoming activity is the next day. If you’re tight on time, consider a HydraFacial instead.  

Ultimately, both a chemical peel and a HydraFacial can help you get luminous, even-toned skin. But the best treatment for you depends on your skin goals, your upcoming calendar, and your preferences. We’re here to help you pick the right option for your unique skin. To get started, call our office at 601-693-7742 or book your appointment online today.