Choosing between a chemical peel and a facial can get confusing when both promise better-looking skin. The real difference depends on what you want to improve. A facial can provide hydration, cleansing, and routine maintenance, while a chemical peel is generally better suited to concerns that call for deeper exfoliation.
At Silk: A Medical Spa in Encino, CA, our skincare team is overseen by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. George Sanders and Dr. Stephen Bresnick. Their extensive training and decades of aesthetic experience, together with the expertise of our skilled medical aestheticians, help us recommend treatments based on your skin and what you hope to improve.
Chemical Peel vs. Facial: What’s the Difference?
Both treatments can support healthier-looking skin, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Facial | Chemical Peel |
| Main purpose | Supports routine skin maintenance while cleansing, hydrating, and nourishing the skin | Provides targeted exfoliation to improve visible skin concerns and encourage skin renewal |
| Best for | Dullness, dehydration, clogged pores, and skin that needs regular professional care | Sun damage, discoloration, uneven tone, fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, and rough texture |
| How it works | Typically combines cleansing, gentle exfoliation, hydration, extractions, or other steps based on your skin | Applies a carefully selected chemical solution that exfoliates damaged surface layers of the skin |
| Exfoliation level | Usually provides gentle surface exfoliation | Can provide light to deeper exfoliation depending on the type and strength of the peel |
| Downtime | Typically little to no downtime, making it convenient for busy schedules | Downtime varies, with some peels causing temporary redness, dryness, flaking, or visible peeling |
| Before an event | Often suitable for a quick skin boost | Requires planning around possible peeling |
Can You Include Both in Your Skincare Routine?
Absolutely. You do not necessarily have to pick one treatment forever. Facials can support ongoing skin maintenance, while chemical peels may be scheduled when your skin needs more targeted resurfacing.
Find the Right Treatment for Your Skin in Encino, CA
Still debating a chemical peel vs. facial? Let us take a closer look at your skin and discuss what you would like to change.
Schedule a consultation with Silk: A Medical Spa in Encino, CA, and call 818-981-8888 to find the treatment that suits your skin goals.
