Which facial treatment to choose? Hydrafacial Vs. Chemical Peels

By Mary Basiadima, 15 July 2020

Why do we need a facial?

We all want to have glamorous skin. But what determines a great skin? An even skin tone, the regular skin texture, well-hydrated complexion, no noticeable pores, no marks, no spots…

Did you know our skin constantly renews itself.

The new skin cells are made on the lower layers of the epidermis. Within 4 weeks, these new skin cells move to the surface of the skin. And old skin sheds itself to leave the top layer to the fresh new skin cells.

However, by the time we age, the skin renewal gets slower. Our diet and daily habits also affect the skin process. For example smoking, alcohol, nutrition-poor diet, and not getting enough sleep slow down the metabolism and the cell turnover.

clean, exfoliate, tone, nourish and hydrate the skin. And they provide the extra help that your skin needs to renew, glow and remain healthy.

There are many facials treatment options, but not every facial is for everyone. Some are very harsh on the skin and not suitable for ; such as some or some . But there are also other facial treatments which are suitable for all skin types such as Hydrafacial.

Hydrafacial is a world recognised skin treatment which clears, exfoliates and hydrates your skin without the downtime and side effects.

On this article, we will compare the Hydrafacial treatment with other chemical facial treatments. If you are looking to have a facial but don’t know what is the best option for you, this guide may help you.

What is a facial?

A facial is the basic skin treatment which helps skin to clear and regenerate by cleaning, exfoliating and hydrating. The main effect of a facial is the peeling. This is when the top layer of the skin is exfoliated by (mostly) chemical ingredients. It creates controlled damage on the skin and promotes the body’s natural response.

When we say facial, we use it as an umbrella term for skincare treatments that rejuvenates, renews, and helps with many skin conditions. And chemical peels are the most common form of the facial.

Hydrafacial vs regular facial

In the olden days, doctors used to look at one’s skin and determine their health condition.

Today we also know we can use our skin like a map to our health. From the touch of your skin, you can understand if your body is hydrated or not. From where acne occurs on your face, you can determine some health conditions.  But today with the help of modern science and dermatology, we have a better health system to care ourselves and secret weapons to perfect our skin.

As living organisms, our bodies regenerate every day. As a daily work. Then why don’t we always look like in our 20s if our bodies keep renewing itself? Because the regeneration always starts from the most needed area.

The full renewal of your skin takes years. And during this time we get to many internal and external elements which are affecting our skin negatively. Such as stress, bad eating habits, drinking and smoking etc.

Have you ever wondered how do you keep the same wrinkles for years around your eyes or mouth, but when you cut your skin by mistake, it fixes itself perfectly in a week or two?

It is because the body always gives priority and its primary attention to the wounds. Which is the survival instinct.

Most of the facial treatments, create small wounds to the skin to promote the renewal process. These wounds are usually so small to see or for any negative effect. But your body feels the need to work on the wound and the skin on the area. It treats the controlled damage on your skin as a wound. And wakes up the healing organisms on the area. Once the skin is renewed, it looks much younger and smoother than before.

How do chemical peels work?

Chemical peels strip off the top layer of the skin. While your body is already working on the skin renewal, now it starts doing the cell turnover much faster to make sure the skin can its duty of . The chemical peels leave your skin thinner than before. So your skin is encouraged to generate more fresh skin cells within the natural .

There are 3 types of chemical peels, which are separated by their power and intensity.

Is Hydrafacial different than a regular facial?

Hydrafacial is much more than just a facial. It still gives your skin the peeling effect as it exfoliates your skin and promotes the cell turnover, but it also clears the pores, hydrates

If we were to compare hydrafacial with chemical peels in terms of its peeling effect; we could place it between and medium peels. 

As HydraFacial clears the skin and pores, it is much deeper than any artificial and some medium peels. But unlike peels, it doesn’t have any downtime. As there is no deep damage to the skin. It only clears up the dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin – like a superficial peel. And also clears the pores off – which is actually deeper than more medium chemical peel- but without the damaging effect.

Is hydrafacial a chemical peel?

At the process, treatment uses some chemical ingredients. Which can cause for it to be confused as a chemical peel. But, Hydrafacial is not a chemical peel.

Firstly, unlike chemical peels, Hydrafacial is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment. Hydrafacial and chemical peels both exfoliate your skin but unlike chemical peels, Hydrafacial doesn’t cause any skin damage. Plus it gives Hydrating benefit which cannot be gained from peels.

Is Hydrafacial better than regular facial?

Which facial treatment you may need on your skin type, skin conditions and skin goals. Hydrafacial is great for subtle changes on your skin.

Hydrafacial is one of our most popular treatments which is suitable for all skin types and most skin . 

Our clients prefer Hydrafacial for a deep cleanse, refreshed and youthful look. The treatment is highly effective on

and much more.

If you are looking for a regular skin purifying without any downtime and side effects, then Hydrafacial may be the best option for you. It doesn’t only clears your skin but also hydrates, balances and calms it. And most importantly -unlike most other facials- with the led therapy at the end of the 6 step procedure, Hydrafacial leaves your skin more defending to acne and blemishes.

However, if you are suffering from severe pigmentation or , we would recommend a stronger facial, which should always be decided after your consultation with skin experts.

What chemicals used in hydrafacial vs chemical peels

On exfoliation, acids such as glycolic and salicylic are used.

Glycolic acid is a mild ingredient used in many skin care products. It is found in some sugar crops and is water-soluble – which helps your skin to from the Hydrafacial treatment. It removes the very outer layer of dead skin without causing any damage. Leaves you with refreshed and brighter skin.

Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid, with antibacterial properties. It is widely used on many skincare products. Salicylic acid dissolves the debris and fragments collected in the skin pores (Which mainly causes the acne other skin imperfections). Once the dirt on the skin is dissolved by the salicylic acid, the hydra vacuum can then clean inside the pores.

The main ingredients of the chemical peels differ. Some chemical peels use fruit acids like citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid and tartaric acid. And some chemical peels use alpha-hydroxy acids.

The main difference between the Hydrafacial and chemical peels is usually; while chemical peels use acids to work on and peel off the top layer of the skin with strong ingredients, Hydrafacial uses specific acids that will work on the dirt, sebum and the dead skin cells with rather milder elements.

hydrafacial vs chemical peel for acne

Acne forms from the bacteria accumulation on the pores. The bacteria mixes with the dirt, dust and the pollution as well as the excess sebum oil on the skin and clogs the pores on the skin. There are different types of acne formation such as blackheads, whiteheads, pustules etc. the main difference between the acne types is the form of the pus created by the bacteria, dirt and sebum.

Some acne types can be easily cleared off by hydrafacial. Such as blackheads and . The hydra suction clears off the pores while the top layer of your skin and leaves you with a clean and look.

On the other hand, some acne such as nodules, cannot be treated with . These acne types are formed on the middle layer of the skin and usually don’t open to the surface with the pores. Hence, Hydrafacial cannot reach them.

Some chemical peels are great at clearing skin and stripping off. And they can be used to treat many acne formations. However many of them would be insufficient to clear some forms of acne as well; such as nodules and cysts.

If you are unsure of which skin treatment is the most suitable for your acne condition, you can further read our guide. 

how long does hydrafacial vs chemical peel last

The glowing and hydrating effects of Hydrafacial usually last 5-7 days and depending on your skin type; often longer. We usually recommend the repeat treatment in every 4-6 weeks to give your skin a deep cleansing and glow. However, this depends on your skin type, condition and lifestyle.

With chemical peels, the results depend on the type of the peel. The peeling time and the optimum results usually depend on the strength of the chemical peel.

How much hydrafacial vs chemical peel cost

The price of Hydrafacial treatment depends on the steps and what it includes. At some London clinics, you can have Hydrafacial treatments for cheaper but they will be the shorter treatments which don’t all steps. At Premier Laser and Skin clinics we offer 6 steps HydraFacial which is the HydraFacial treatment with prices starting from 126. We also have special offers on skincare treatments you can benefit from.

Prices of chemical peels depending on the treatment. They differ from 80 to 950.

Combining skin treatments

Every skin has different needs and a different threshold. Hence there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to skincare. Your skin can benefit from combining different skin care treatments. But you should always before taking any steps.

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