Should you book a facial or go for a chemical peel? They both promise smoother, brighter skin but they’re not the same thing. Facials are meant for hydration, mild exfoliation, and a little TLC. Chemical peels are much more intensive, using active ingredients to target pigmentation, acne scars, and rough texture.
So which one should you choose? This guide breaks down all you need to know.
Quick Look at Differences Between Facials and Chemical Peels
|
Factor |
Facial |
Chemical Peel |
|
Sessions Required |
Typically monthly for general maintenance and hydration |
3–6 sessions for noticeable results in pigmentation, acne, or textural concerns |
|
Cost |
~$120–$400 per session depending on type and add-ons |
~$50–$140+ per session depending on the depth and formulation |
|
How Often |
Every 2–4 weeks |
Every 4–6 weeks, depending on peel strength and skin recovery |
|
Treatments It Pairs With |
LED Light Therapy, Microdermabrasion, Hydrojelly Masks, Massage |
LED Light Therapy, Skin Needling, post-peel hydration treatments |
|
Prep Needed |
Avoid exfoliants and retinoids 1–2 days before; come with clean, makeup-free skin |
Discontinue retinoids and active acids 5–7 days before; prioritise SPF and avoid waxing or shaving area |
|
What’s Involved |
Cleanse → gentle exfoliation → mask → massage → hydration and SPF |
Cleanse → acid application → neutralisation (if required) → repair serums and SPF |
|
Best For |
Dry, sensitive, dehydrated, or dull skin in need of a moisture boost |
Acne-prone, congested, pigmented, sun-damaged, or textured skin |
|
Results / Benefits |
Immediate glow, smoother texture, plumper-looking skin, improved hydration |
Refined pores, brighter skin tone, faded dark spots, smoother texture, long-term cell turnover benefits |
|
Who It’s Not For |
Those with active acne breakouts, severe eczema/rosacea flares, or allergy-prone skin |
Those with highly sensitive/reactive skin, on strong prescription meds, or pregnant/breastfeeding |
Types of Regular Facials
If you're still exploring your options or wondering what makes Laser Clinics’ approach different, it helps to understand what a typical facial looks like elsewhere. Here are the most common types you’ll find at traditional salons:
- Cleansing facials: A basic facial that includes gentle cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions, and a mask.
- Brightening facials: Targets dullness and uneven tone using exfoliating enzymes, vitamin C, or mild acids.
- Hydrating facials: Designed to replenish moisture levels in dehydrated skin using humectant-rich serums and nourishing masks.
- Anti-ageing facials: Focuses on improving skin elasticity and smoothing fine lines, often using massage, firming masks, and antioxidant ingredients.
- Acne facials: Tailored to oily or breakout-prone skin. May include deep pore cleansing, gentle exfoliation, extractions, and calming masks to reduce inflammation.
- Sensitive skin facials: Uses mild, fragrance-free products aimed at calming redness, irritation, or reactivity. Avoids aggressive exfoliants or heat-based tools.
Types of Advanced Facials at Laser Clinics Australia
🛈 Note: These are the standard facials common in day spas or salons. Laser Clinics New Zealand does not offer regular facials—instead, our focus is on advanced, targeted skin treatments designed for long-term results.
Traditional facials are often non-customized for various skin types and concerns. At Laser Clinics Australia, our Advanced Facials are a step further, incorporating clinical-grade technology, targeted ingredients, and combination techniques for more noticeable results.
At Laser Clinics Australia, treatments are tailored to specific concerns—hydration, ageing, congestion, pigmentation—using a combination of science-backed methods and expert care.
Here are some of the Advanced Facials you can find at Laser Clinics Australia
- HydraFacial: A three-step treatment that deeply cleanses, hydrates, and protects using targeted serums and vortex technology. Great for dry, congested, or uneven skin that needs an instant glow.
- Revive & Repair: Combines Microdermabrasion, a peptide-rich hyaluronic mask, and Yellow LED Light Therapy. Works to resurface, hydrate, and restore tired or congested skin—perfect for overall skin refresh and recovery.
- Expert Firming Facial: Targets loss of firmness and visible signs of ageing using Microdermabrasion, LED Light Therapy, and a lifting, hydrating mask packed with peptides. Skin feels smoother, firmer, and visibly more youthful.
- Boost & Brighten Package: A powerful trio: Skin Needling to stimulate collagen, Yellow LED Light Therapy to support healing, and a cooling, hydrating mask to calm and re-energise skin. Best suited for dullness, fine lines, or uneven texture.
Types of Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels at Laser Clinics New Zealand
While advanced facials focus on hydration, exfoliation, and skin nourishment, cosmetic-grade peels go a step further by targeting deeper concerns like pigmentation, acne, and textural issues. If your skin needs more intensive renewal, here are the peel options available at Laser Clinics Australia:
- Calm & Hydrate Peel: A gentle, fruit enzyme-based peel that exfoliates without irritation—perfect for dry, flaking, or sensitive skin. Helps smooth rough texture and restore moisture. Zero downtime. Best paired with a Hydrojelly™ Mask or LED Light Therapy.
- Clear & Bright Peel: Combines AHAs like Glycolic, Lactic, and Mandelic Acid to boost cell turnover, fade pigmentation, and manage oiliness. Ideal for uneven skin tone, texture issues, or breakouts. Expect slight peeling and improved clarity. Best paired with LED Light Therapy.
- Anti-Ageing Peel: This medium-depth peel uses retinol to support collagen production and help smooth the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring. A great option for skin showing signs of ageing or persistent breakouts.
- Advanced Clearing & Brightening Peel: Designed for more intensive resurfacing, this peel blends AHAs and BHAs to improve cell turnover, reduce pigmentation, and target stubborn acne. The skin may peel for up to 14 days post-treatment.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Facial or a Chemical Peel?
It really comes down to what your skin needs right now.
If you’re after a gentler, hydrating treatment to boost your glow or maintain skin health, an Advanced Facial might be the way to go. If you’re targeting deeper concerns—like acne, pigmentation, or signs of ageing—a Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peel can deliver more intensive results over time.
Still unsure? The team at Laser Clinics New Zealand can assess your skin in person and tailor a treatment plan based on your goals. Whether you’re after a smoother texture, fewer breakouts, or that post-treatment glow, there’s a science-backed solution waiting for you.
Book a consultation at your nearest Laser Clinics New Zealand location and let’s figure out what works best for your skin.
