When it comes to facials, there are so many options you can choose from. Are peels good for first-timers? Or are laser treatments more effective?

While those two facials, in particular, work to treat the same issues like improving skin pigment, tightening texture, and reducing fine lines, it varies in terms of process, price, and recovery time.

So how do you know which facial is right for you? We asked Jordana Mattioli, celebrity aesthetician, to give us the lowdown on the treatments.

Peels

What is it?
“[Peels] work by dissolving the desmosomes that hold together the skin cells, allowing for it to be more easily shed,” says Mattioli. “Removing this outermost layer results in immediately softer, smoother skin. Peels technically produce a very minor skin injury that is responsible for new, healthy keratinocytes being formed to replace abnormal cells.” Mild peels can range between $150 to $300, while medium strength and stronger peels can range from $300 to $500.

Side effects
“You won’t have any side effects with mild peels but with medium strength peels you might have some flaking,” Mattioli explains. “If you have any discoloration, those spots can get a little darker during the peeling process while the new skin emerges.”

Post-peel practices
After receiving a peel treatment, Mattioli encourages you to avoid scrubs, cleansing brushes, washcloths, retinoids, and topical acne medication. It’s also a good idea to stay away from strenuous exercise, heavy sweating, and makeup for about two to three days. If you’re looking for an easy peel treatment in between trips to the dermatologist, Mattioli suggests using, “a weekly at-home peel, like the Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel to extend the results of [your] in-office treatments.”

Lasers

What is it?
“Lasers target a variety of issues, from vascular issues (like broken vessels), signs of aging, or scaring,” says Mattioli. “There are two main types – ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers will have serious downtime, [whereas] non-ablative lasers will have much less since they aren’t breaking the surface of the skin.” Lasers tend to lean on the pricier side and can range from $400 to $2,000, depending on the lasers used.

Side effects
It varies depending on what skin concern you’re treating. “Some lasers offer mild resurfacing with little to no downtime, while others targeted towards aging can have a week of pink, swollen skin,” Mattioli explains.

Post-laser practices
Both lasers and peels require the same steps after treatment. Mattioli suggests using a gentle cleanser to keep skin clean and provide antiseptic and antibacterial support, a moisturizer rich in humectants, antioxidants, growth factors, peptides, and ceramides to accelerate healing, and a broad spectrum mineral based sunscreen to protect the skin.

As always, consult your local dermatologist before moving forward with any skin procedures.

If you’re worried about post-facial breakouts, we share all the ways you can combat those pesky pimples.

xx, The FabFitFun Team