Like the rest of your body, your face requires regular care and maintenance, especially as we age. If your daily skincare routine isn’t providing the results you want, it may be time to consider cosmetic treatments that can provide more significant, long-lasting results. Dreams MedSpa’s chemical peels and laser resurfacing options are a great place to start. 

“Facial resurfacing is a non-invasive way to combat skin concerns like acne scarring, dullness, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles,” says Acacia Colson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and existing collagen breaks down more quickly, explains Colson. 

Facial resurfacing removes the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) and parts of the middle layer (the dermis). Resurfacing these layers removes the damaged parts of the skin while naturally stimulating new production of elastin and collagen, providing your skin with a healthier, more radiant appearance. 

Consider facial resurfacing if you want to improve:

• Acne scars and other textural issues.
• Enlarged pores.
• Sun damage.
• Fine lines and wrinkles.

While there are many treatments that fall into the category of facial resurfacing, chemical peels and laser treatments are two common options that can provide varying levels of results. Choosing which option is best for your will depend on your treatment goals, skin type, and your degree of skin damage. A free consultation with a Dreams MedSpa provider can help you determine the best option for you. 

Chemical peels

Chemical peels come in a variety of strengths, each one targeting specific concerns. Light and medium strength peels are ideal for improving skin tone, acne, and unwanted pigmentation. When done regularly, they can also improve the appearance of lines, notes Colson.

Benefits of a light chemical peel

A light peel will gently shed the top layer of skin (epidermis) to remove dead skin cells, providing a healthy glow. This procedure requires little to no downtime. With consistent treatments performed by an esthetician, this type of peel can improve skin tone and texture, improve mild acne and acne scarring, and improve the appearance of fine lines.  For best results, Colson recommends having a light peel four to five times a year.

Medium chemical peel

Medium strength chemical peels provide a deeper exfoliation of the epidermis and dermis and address more severe scarring, deeper sun damage and melasma, and improve the appearance of pores. Expect up to a week of peeling. For the best results, Colson recommends a series of three peels about four weeks apart, followed by a maintenance schedule.

Laser resurfacing

“Laser resurfacing is a more aggressive treatment that will stimulate greater collagen and elastin production than a chemical peel,” says Colson. Dreams MedSpa uses the Sciton Halo®, a hybrid fractional laser that combines both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths, penetrating 15% to 30% of tissue. 

The ablative wavelength targets the top layer of the skin to improve uneven pigmentation, pores and fine lines. The non-ablative wavelength reaches the middle layer of the skin to reduce deep lines and wrinkles while improving the overall quality and health of the skin. It also stimulates elastin and collagen production to help tighten the skin and deliver a more youthful appearance. You should expect about five to seven days of downtime. For best results, Colson recommends an annual maintenance schedule. For melanin-rich skin types and patients with melasma, a series of three treatments at a lower setting is best. 

For patients seeking the most aggressive facial resurfacing option, Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery offers the Sciton TRL (tunable resurfacing laser). This powerful laser penetrates 100% of the skin. Recovery typically takes several weeks and requires more intensive follow-up care, notes Colson. A TRL laser treatment can only be performed by a trained physician. Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery is located in the same building as Dreams MedSpa giving patients convenient access to aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons.

Chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments aren’t for everyone. It’s best to consult with your provider to determine which option is best for you. “In most cases, we can help you find cosmetic procedures that will best address your skin concerns and fit into your budget and time restraints,” says Colson. “Treating yourself to a facial treatment can help boost your self-confidence, improve skin health and give patients a more youthful and vibrant appearance.”