Chemical peel and Botox are two of the most popular, non-invasive anti-aging treatments available in the market today. Both of these procedures result in a more youthful appearance, but they are pretty different regarding what they involve. Let’s review some of the differences between these two (2) and help us determine which cosmetic procedure is the best and suitable for your skin issues and concerns. We’ll learn the basics, and then we can decide which of the two cosmetic treatments is genuinely above the other.
What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel requires applying a chemical solution to the skin, so it naturally blisters and eventually peels off, resulting in that younger-looking appearance. Typically, chemical peels are administered on the face, neck, and hands, treating various “aged skin” concerns and issues. Such problems include fine lines located around the mouth and under the eye, damage caused by exposure to the sun, age spots, acne scars, freckles, and dark patches. In addition, chemical peels are also used in improving the skin’s overall look and feel.
Among the options for chemical peels, glycolic acid is the most common one, with others including malic acid, salicylic acid, carbolic acid, tartaric acid, trichloroacetic acid, and even fruit enzymes. These options vary in strength and are used individually depending on the peel you’ll be receiving–whether a superficial or light peel, a bit deeper or medium-depth peel, or the-deepest-of-them-all deep peel.
Although there’s very little to no risk involving superficial peels, side effects are still associated with the medium-depth and deep peel ones. Medium-depth peels have side effects that include temporary brown or white patches, hyperpigmentation, especially when sunscreen isn’t applied outdoors, redness of the skin, and even scarring. On the other hand, deep peels have side effects that include skin pigment loss and scarring.
After a medium or deep peel, the recovery time generally takes a couple of weeks, with the most taking around two (2) weeks off their work. Four (4) to six (6) peels are generally suggested, and all it will take is achieving your most desired results, with deeper peels offering more lasting effects.
How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
The exact process behind each chemical peel varies depending on your chosen peel. Your skin needs thorough cleaning and preparations for your treatment to start the process and the eventual application of the peel. Once you’re ready, a chemical solution is applied to your skin left in place for a specific time. While waiting, the peel solution is already exfoliating your skin. Once the peel has done its work, it is removed and peeled away, revealing your new and regenerated skin.
Benefits of Chemical Peel
There is a chemical peel for almost every common skin concern and issue, depending on the individual. Here are some top benefits you’ll get from a chemical peel:
- Balances skin texture
- Erases unwanted fine lines and wrinkles
- Fades discoloration
- Lifts sagging skin
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Non-Invasive and safe treatment
- Smoothens the skin
- Soothes scarring and its effects
- Treats acne and acne-related scars
Risks and Side Effects
A chemical peel can also cause different side effects, which may include:
- Changes in skin color
- Heart, kidney, or liver damage
- Infections
- Redness, scabbing, and swelling
- Scarring
Chemical peels are not for everybody. Your doctor or healthcare provider might warn you against chemical peels or certain types of it if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have frequent or severe cold sore outbreaks
- Have a personal or family background of ridged areas caused by keloids, or overgrowth of scar tissues
- Have taken oral acne medications like isotretinoin (Myorisan, Claravis, others) in the last six (6) months
What is Botox?
Botox, short for Botulinum toxin, is a famous injectable toxin used initially to treat muscle disorders. More recently, its use became more related to beauty treatments, with results-producing a prevalent anti-aging treatment. The toxin injected into the muscles prevents muscle contractions that create wrinkles. This process eventually results in a smoother, youthful appearance.
Much like a chemical peel, Botox may also treat different facial skin issues. These issues include smoker’s lines around the mouth area, Crow’s Feet lines around the eye area, vertical lines in between the eyebrows, horizontal lines found on the forehead, those droopy corners of the mouth, etc.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox help block specific chemical signals from nerves, mostly those signals that cause most muscles to start contracting. Some of the most common use of these injectables is to temporarily relax facial muscles that cause wrinkles located in the forehead and around the area of the eyes. Botox is also used in treating conditions that affect how the body generally functions.
Benefits of Botox
Botox is also noted primarily for its ability to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, much like with chemical peels. In addition, they’re also used to treat particular conditions. These conditions include neck spasms, cervical dystonia, hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. It also consists of an overactive bladder and lazy eyes. Botox, when injected, may also help prevent most chronic migraines.
Risks and Side Effects
Like chemical peels and any other cosmetic procedures, Botox has potential after-effects every once in a while. But in general, they are relatively safe, especially when administered by an experienced doctor or practitioner. Possible side effects and complications may include:
- Crooked smile or drooling
- Droopy eyelid or cockeyed eyebrows
- Eye dryness or excessive tearing
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Pain felt, bruising, or swelling seen at the site of injection
Although there’s a minimal chance, it’s still entirely possible for the toxins in this injectable to spread in your body. Quickly, call your doctor or healthcare provider if you start noticing any of the following effects hours to weeks after having your Botox treatment:
- Breathing problems and anything related
- Loss of control over your bladder
- Muscle weakness and deterioration
- Trouble speaking or swallowing
- Vision problems and the likes
Doctors and healthcare providers usually suggest a stand against using Botox whenever someone is pregnant or breastfeeding. And more importantly, Botox should be avoided by people who are allergic to the protein in cow’s milk.
What Should I Choose – Chemical Peel or Botox?
Chemical peels are popular over Botox because they can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles way better than the latter. The advantage of chemical peels over Botox is that this ability is unique to chemical peels that allow you to lighten scars and even your skin tone through the process. Chemical peels involve the application of an acid solution to the face. So, quite frankly, chemical peels are much better of an option compared to Botox.
Chemical Peel VS Botox – Takeaways
Chemical peels and Botox are two (2) of the same cosmetic bird that flocks different from one another. Whenever you feel like being at the crossroads and cannot decide which of these two (2) popular cosmetic treatments to choose from – the golden rule is to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider first to know which one will work best for the condition you’re into at the moment. Chemical peels and Botox: not much of a difference, to be honest. You only need to know what will be best for you for the time being.
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