Microneedling vs. Laser: Which Is Better?

From dark spots and wrinkles to spider veins and acne scars, our skin suffers a range of aesthetic and medical issues as we age. Luckily, the cosmetic industry has developed several technologically advanced skin rejuvenation treatments in the past decades. Today, we’ll talk about two of the most popular: microneedling and laser skin resurfacing.

Let’s see how microneedling and laser resurfacing differ and how to determine which procedure is a better option for your skin concerns.

Differences between microneedling and laser resurfacing

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves using an FDA-approved device called a microneedling pen to make tiny punctures on the skin’s surface. The process stimulates collagen production and regenerates the skin.

Note: Learn more about the importance of collagen for the skin and ways to increase its production.

What Is a Laser Treatment?

Laser resurfacing is a cosmetic treatment in which a laser device blasts light energy into the dermis to induce collagen production.

There are two types of laser skin resurfacing:

Ablative laser resurfacing - This laser therapy removes the surface skin layer and heats the skin. The procedure may require the use of anesthetic or sedatives.
Non-ablative laser resurfacing - This procedure doesn’t remove outer skin layers and heats dermal layers only. It causes very little pain.

Microneedling vs. Laser: What Are the Differences?

Microneedling and laser therapy have several key differences.

	Microneedling	Laser
How it works	A microneedling pen makes tiny puncture wounds on the skin’s surface to induce collagen production as part of the body’s natural healing process.	The laser uses light energy to penetrate the dermal layers and induce collagen production to regenerate the skin.
Skin issues it treats	Scarring, uneven skin tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, large pores.	Scarring, uneven skin tone, texture, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, skin laxity, spider veins.
Downtime	Minimal or no downtime.	Up to one week, depending on the type of laser.
Side effects	Common: redness, swelling, tenderness	Common: redness, swelling, itching
Treatment duration	30 minutes	30-120 minutes
Results	Reduced aging signs, tighter skin, even skin tone. Maintenance treatments are required for continued effect.	Reduced aging signs, tighter skin, even skin tone. Maintenance treatments may be needed depending on the skin issue.

Microneedling vs. Laser: The Ideal Candidate

Both treatments require candidates to be healthy. There is no age limit for these procedures, but medical providers typically perform them on adults. They target various skin concerns, most often premature aging signs. Some skin types and concerns respond better to laser therapy while other benefit more from microneedling.

Microneedling

Men and women who want to reduce wrinkles, age spots, blemishes, scarring, large pores, and improve skin tone and texture may benefit from microneedling.

Laser Therapy

Most healthy people with aesthetic or medical skin issues may undergo laser resurfacing. It is a common treatment for wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone and texture. It also helps tighten loose skin and remove spider veins.

Microneedling vs. Laser: The Procedures

Microneedling and laser resurfacing are quick, non-surgical procedures that require minimal or no downtime.

Microneedling

First, the medical provider applies a numbing cream to the patient’s skin. When the skin is numb, the provider moves the microneedling pen over the treatment area in all directions. The device’s tiny needles make minor injuries on the skin’s surface to initiate the body’s natural healing process and boost collagen and elastin production.

After microneedling, the medical provider may apply a serum with growth factors to enhance the effects of the procedure.

A microneedling session takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Laser

The medical provider applies a numbing cream or sedates the patient, depending on the laser treatment type.

During ablative laser resurfacing therapy, the laser destroys the epidermis and heats deeper skin layers. The body increases collagen production to repair the wounds caused by the laser.

During non-ablative laser resurfacing treatments, the laser doesn’t wound the surface layer. It only sends heat into the skin.

Both procedures initiate collagen production, but the effects and downtime of non-ablative laser resurfacing are less dramatic.

Microneedling vs. Laser: The Results

The results of microneedling and laser treatments depend on the patient’s skin concern, their age, and how many treatments they undergo. Both treatments visibly rejuvenate the skin,

Microneedling

The increase in collagen production after a microneedling session results in smoother, tighter, and youthful skin. The first results are visible within a few weeks of the procedure, becoming more apparent within three to six months.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy induces collagen production, resulting in firmer skin and improved skin tone. Ablative lasers provide more dramatic results, while the effects of non-ablative laser therapy are more subtle.

Microneedling vs. Laser: Side Effects

Microneedling and laser resurfacing are considered minimally invasive, but they often cause mild to moderate side effects, as the skin takes time to heal.

Microneedling

It is considered gentler than laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and most other skin rejuvenation treatments.

Common microneedling side effects subside within 24 hours of the procedure, and they include:

Redness
Swelling
Peeling
Burning
Dryness
Tightness
Discomfort

Laser Therapy

Laser resurfacing side effects are more intense than those of microneedling and take longer to heal. They include:

Redness
Swelling
Itching
Changes in skin color

More severe side effects, such as infection and scarring, are rare, especially with non-ablative lasers.

Microneedling vs. Laser: Who Should Avoid the Treatments?

During the initial consultation, medical providers emphasize that microneedling and laser therapy are safe for healthy patients. Candidates with certain medical conditions may need to seek other cosmetic solutions.

Microneedling

The procedure is not suitable for people with the following conditions:

Clotting or bleeding disorders
High blood sugar
Taking blood-thinning medications
Taking acne medication that contains isotretinoin
Skin infections
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
Hepatitis or HIV
Auto-immune disease
Rash or cold sores
Pregnancy or lactation

Laser Therapy

The procedure is not suitable for people with the following conditions:

Auto-immune disease
Proclivity towards scarring
Taking medication with isotretinoin
Cold sores
Herpes
Pregnancy or lactation

Laser treatments can be riskier for people with darker skin tones because the melanin in their skin absorbs more of the laser’s energy, increasing the chance of burns and pigmentation issues. There are newer types of lasers on the market (such as Nd:YAG lasers), which are safer for darker skin so check with your provider whether laser treatment is suitable for you.

Microneedling vs. Laser: Cost

Cosmetic treatment prices vary depending on the patients’ aesthetic concerns and goals, the med spa location, and the provider’s expertise,

Microneedling

At Vibrant Skin Bar, one microneedling session costs $300. The total cost of the procedure depends on the number of required treatments.

Microneedling | $300

Laser

Our skin experts offer several types of ablative and non-ablative laser treatments.

Halo Pro Laser is a powerful ablative laser and the treatment costs $2,400.

Halo Pro | $2400

Halo Laser is a fractional laser combining ablative and non-ablative technology, and it costs $1,200 per session.

Halo | $1200

Laser Photofacial is a non-ablative laser and costs $350 per session.

Laser Photofacial | $350

The total cost of a laser treatment at Vibrant Skin Bar depends on the number of required sessions.

Is Microneedling Better Than Laser?

Microneedling and laser skin resurfacing treat similar skin issues, but the technologies are different. Both have advantages and disadvantages that may help you choose one over the other. For example, laser therapy sometimes doesn’t work for darker skin tones. On the other hand, microneedling doesn’t address spider veins.

Conclusion

Microneedling and laser resurfacing are two of the most popular non-surgical treatments for skin rejuvenation. Sometimes one is better than the other for a specific skin issue, but they generally complement each other.

Choose an experienced, board-certified cosmetic provider who will advise you on the best course of action for your skin.

Chemical Peel Vs. Laser: Which Treatment Is Best for You?

Advances in the cosmetics industry have brought forth numerous ways to reverse the signs of aging. Chemical peels and laser therapy are among the most popular anti-aging treatments because of their versatility and the multiple benefits they offer. Both treatments have several levels of intensity, providing customizable options for the patient’s skin concerns.

Let’s look at how chemical peels are different from laser resurfacing, which conditions they treat, and how to determine what’s best for you.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment. Exfoliation is achieved by the application of chemical solutions that penetrate the skin. They cause controlled damage, removing dead cells and promoting the growth of new, youthful-looking skin.

Types of Chemical Peel

There are three types of chemical peels:

Light peels provide subtle results that last about one month and require no downtime.
Medium peels penetrate deeper skin layers and provide more visible results but need recovery time of up to one week.
Deep peels cause a dramatic skin transformation that lasts for years, but the procedure carries more risk and requires anesthesia and recovery time of up to several months.

Skin experts often recommend laser resurfacing instead of deep peels because the two treatments provide similar results, with the laser therapy carrying less risk of complications.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser resurfacing involves using a laser device that sends controlled pulsed light to the target area. The light energy heats skin layers and stimulates increased collagen production. The procedure tightens skin, improves tone, and reduces irregularities such as wrinkles, acne scars, and blemishes.

Note: Read our article and learn about BBL laser treatment.

Types of Laser Techniques

All laser techniques are grouped into two main categories:

Non-ablative lasers that heat the skin to stimulate collagen production without peeling the skin’s top layer. They promote cell turnover and bring rejuvenated skin to the surface.
Ablative laser treatments peel off the skin’s outer layer (epidermis) and heat the underlying layer (dermis). This stimulates the production of collagen. They are more invasive than non-ablative treatments and produce more dramatic results but require more downtime.

Note: Find out what are the benefits of collagen for the skin and how can you restore it.

Chemical Peel Vs. Laser Treatment

The following table sums up the main differences between chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments.

	Chemical Peel	Laser Treatment
How it works	A chemical solution removes the skin’s top layers to bring new, improved skin to the surface.	A laser device heats the outer skin layers to stimulate collagen production and bring new, improved skin to the surface.
Conditions it treats	Age spots, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, acne scars.	Fine lines and deep wrinkles, acne scars, blemishes, sagging skin.
Risks and side effects	Common: redness, swelling, itching, scaling. Severe: infection, scarring, discoloration. Deep peels may cause liver, heart, or kidney damage.	Common: redness, swelling, itching Severe: infection, scarring, hyperpigmentation.
Recovery time	No downtime for light peels. Up to one week for medium peels. Up to several months for deep peels.	Up to two weeks.
Results duration	One month for light peels. Four to six months for medium peels. Several years for deep peels.	Several years.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: What Conditions Can Be Treated?

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are good for treating sun-damaged skin, age spots, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, acne, and fine lines. Medium and deep peels effectively remove atrophic scars that are left by severe acne or chickenpox.

Note: Find out how to remove age spots and what treatment might work for you.

Laser

Photo facial laser therapy targets pigmentation issues and fine lines. Halo Pro resurfacing is a better solution for more prominent wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, blemishes, and deep scars. It also tightens pores and treats skin laxity.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: The Procedures

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve the use of chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin. Light peels don’t require a numbing cream and anesthesia before the procedure. Medium peels may require sedation. Deep peels require IV sedation and local or general anesthesia.

The medical provider brushes a chemical solution to the target area and leaves it to penetrate the skin for 10-30 minutes, depending on the chemical peel type. The provider then washes your face and neutralizes the chemical solution.

Laser

For non-ablative laser treatment, you may receive a numbing cream. Some ablative techniques, such as CO2 laser therapy, require sedation and anesthesia.

The medical provider handles a laser device to send pulsating light to the target area during the treatment. Unlike chemical peels that cover the whole treatment area (i.e., the face), lasers can provide spot treatment, focusing on one specific area – a scar, crow’s feet, etc.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: The Ideal Candidate

If you want to rejuvenate your skin, reverse the effects of sun damage, or remove acne and acne scars, you are a good candidate for chemical peels and laser therapy. Your medical provider will help you choose the best treatment for your skin condition.

You need to resolve an active skin infection, open wound, cold sores, or acne breakout before you can get a peel or laser treatment.

Pregnancy, keloid scarring, and the use of certain medications may prevent you from having the treatment.

Note: Find what is the best chemical peel for acne scars and how to choose the best treatment for your skin.

Does Skin Tone Affect What Treatment I Get?

Your skin tone will largely affect what treatment your medical provider recommends. Peels and laser resurfacing are both equally effective for lighter skin tones. Patients with darker complexions may benefit more from chemical peels as laser treatments pose the risk of unwanted results.

Consult your medical provider to determine the best course of action for your skin tone and the issue you want to treat.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: The Results

Chemical peels improve the tone and texture of sun-damaged skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars, and rejuvenate the skin.

Light chemical peels require maintenance treatments every four to six weeks, while deep peels provide long-lasting results.

The benefits of laser therapy are similar to the benefits of chemical peels, but laser resurfacing is more effective at reducing acne scars and deep wrinkles.

The results after a laser treatment may last up to five years, depending on the laser treatment type.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: Risks and Side Effects

Chemical peels and laser treatments are generally safe when performed by licensed and experienced medical professionals. The safety of the procedure also depends on your adherence to pre and post-treatment skincare routines recommended by your medical provider. However, there are some side effects that these two treatments may cause:

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels may cause the following reactions:

Common side effects	Rare side effects
Redness Swelling Itching Scaling Pigmentation	Infection Scarring Heart, kidney, liver damage (with deep peels)

Laser

Laser resurfacing may cause the following reactions:

Common side effects	Rare side effects
Redness Swelling Itching Pigmentation	Infection Scarring Acne (with an ablative laser) Scarring (with an ablative laser) Ectropion or turning of the eyelid (with an ablative laser)

The types of chemical peel and laser therapy determine their potential risks.

Deep chemical peel risks are comparable to those of laser resurfacing. Light chemical peel risks are comparable to those of photo laser treatments.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: Aftercare

Follow your medical provider’s aftercare recommendations to minimize the risks of side effects and complications from chemical peels and laser resurfacing.

Here are some general aftercare tips:

Avoid the sun, tanning beds, saunas, hot tubs.
Avoid intensive physical activity.
Use gentle skin care products.
Use moisturizers regularly.
Apply sunscreen when outdoors.

Note: If you are wondering how to choose a sunscreen, check out our article and find out the things you need to consider.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser: Cost

The cost of a chemical peel and laser treatment depends on the type of treatment, the severity of the skin issue, and the medical provider’s expertise and location.

At Vibrant Skin Bar, light chemical peels cost $99, medium chemical peels cost $125, and laser treatments cost from $350 for photo facial laser therapy to $1,200 for Vibrant resurfacing laser treatment.

Chemical Peel Vs. Laser: Which One Is Better?

Chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments provide similar effects, but the procedures are different. Depending on your skin issue, one may be better than the other. You will determine this during a consultation with your medical provider.

Chemical peels are usually better for patients with darker skin, while patients with deep wrinkles or scars benefit more from laser therapy. Sometimes, skin experts recommend a combination of these two treatments for the best results.

Your skin goals, budget, and how much time you can spend in recovery will also affect your choice of treatment.

Conclusion

Chemical peels and laser therapy are highly effective procedures for the treatment of damaged skin and they both leave you with a younger-looking complexion.

Think about the pros and cons of each treatment and consult with a trusted medical provider to determine the best way to reverse signs of aging and enjoy a youthful glow.

What Is BBL Laser Treatment?

Non-invasive cosmetic procedures that promote youthful-looking skin and natural beauty are taking precedence over plastic surgery. One of the more recent trends in skin rejuvenation involves using lasers and pulsed light to stimulate the growth of fresh new skin.

This article focuses on the BBL laser treatment and explains how the device’s intense light and heat energy improve a range of cosmetic issues, from acne and blemishes to wrinkles and lax skin.

What Is the BBL Laser Treatment?

The BBL™ or BroadBand Light is a technology developed by Sciton and is a next-generation version of the IPL photofacial treatment. The BBL device sends light energy in a wide range of wavelengths and durations, achieving a variety of effects on the skin.

Note: Read our article to find out what are the differences between IPL and BBL.

The BBL laser reaches deep skin layers, destroying the dark pigment (melanin), increasing collagen production, and improving cell regeneration. The result is a brighter, smoother, tighter, and glowing complexion.

The BBL device is precise and can target any area, but it primarily treats sun-damaged skin. The areas most exposed to sunlight include the face, neck, chest, arms, and shoulders.

What Conditions Does BBL Laser Treat?

BBL laser therapy can treat a wide range of skin issues, thanks to the broad spectrum of wavelengths delivered. The treatable conditions include:

Freckles
Blemishes
Dark spots
Hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin tone and texture
Spider veins
Sagging skin
Rosacea
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne
Large pores

Note: Learn how laser compares to chemical peels, another versatile cosmetic treatment.

How to Prepare for a BBL Laser Treatment?

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of the BBL procedure, skin experts recommend the following:

Avoid tanning for four to six weeks.
Don’t use tanning lotions for four weeks.
Avoid smoking for 24-48 hours.
Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours.
Consult your doctor about pausing medications that cause photosensitivity.
Consult your doctor about taking antiviral medication if you are prone to cold sores.
Stop taking retinoids for one week.
Avoid other facial treatments (chemical peels, microdermabrasion) for two weeks.

What to Expect During a BBL Laser Treatment?

The medical provider first cleanses the treatment area. They may apply a topical numbing cream 30-60 minutes before the procedure. The provider then applies a cooling gel and puts safety goggles or glasses on the patient’s eyes to protect them from the laser beam.

The provider passes a handheld BBL device over the patient’s skin, making sure it has close contact with the skin. The device emits intense pulsed light, manifesting as interrupted flashes. The patient may feel a hot or tingling sensation. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes, after which the patient can resume their daily activities.

Note: Learn how laser works for permanent hair removal.

BBL Laser Treatment Results

BBL patients typically notice improvements in skin tone and texture within one week. The results show differently for each patient, depending on what they are treating.

Patients with hyperpigmentation should note that they will experience a worsening in their condition before things get better. This is because the dark pigment becomes darker and rises to the surface of the skin. The dark flecks peel off after a few days.

Most patients need several treatments spaced a few weeks apart to achieve desired results and maintenance treatments every six months.

BBL Laser Side Effects

BBL is a safe, FDA-approved treatment for healthy adults. It doesn’t require downtime, but can cause mild side effects that typically last up to one week and include:

Redness
Bruising
Swelling
Warmth in the treated area
Discomfort

BBL Laser Aftercare

Follow these aftercare best practices to ensure a quick recovery and optimal results:

Avoid tanning for four weeks.
Use sunscreen with SPF 30+.
Use gentle skincare products for several days.
Avoid saunas and other sources of heat for several days.
Avoid high-intensity workouts for several days.
Don’t rub or apply pressure on the treated area.
Use lukewarm water to wash the treated area.
To minimize swelling, apply a cold compress on the treated area.
Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours.

BBL Laser Treatment Cost

At Vibrant Skin Bar, one BBL laser treatment costs $349.

We strongly recommend choosing a reputable, experienced medical provider for your BBL session to avoid any health risks and undesired outcomes.

If you are in the Phoenix, Arizona area, visit us at Vibrant Skin Bar. Our dedicated and experienced team of skincare professionals will evaluate your skin issues and create a personalized plan to restore your skin’s natural glow.

Contact us

What Is a Photofacial Treatment?

The cosmetic industry is fighting against tough adversaries: genetics, the sun, stress, and other skin aging factors. It gave rise to excellent procedures that target specific skin concerns, such as Botox and fillers, and various other treatments that address a range of issues.

The IPL photofacial treatment is one such multipurpose procedure that improves skin imperfections, from blemishes and redness to wrinkles and large pores.

Continue reading to learn how the photofacial treatment works, what conditions it treats, and what results to expect.

What Is a Photofacial?

A photofacial is a minimally invasive corrective phototherapy procedure that provides impressive results.

Photofacial involves the use of a laser to rejuvenate the skin, improving tone and texture. The photofacial laser heats the epidermis, damaging the pigment melanin and red blood cells and stimulating the production of collagen fibers.

Damaged cells stimulate blood flow, causing the skin to absorb the damaged melanin and reduce imperfections. The collagen boost aids the process by firming and smoothing the skin.

Types of Photofacial

The two primary photofacial types are:

1. Intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial

IPL photofacial uses a laser device placed directly on the skin and emits broad-spectrum light. It provides deeper, more intense laser light penetration than a LED photofacial. It rejuvenates the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, spider veins, and stretch marks.

Note: Read our article to find out the differences between IPL and BBL.

2. Light-emitting diode (LED) photofacial

LED photofacial is a gentle laser treatment that uses narrow-spectrum, low-level light to increase collagen production, kill acne bacteria, and rejuvenate the skin.

What Parts of the Body Can Be Treated with a Photofacial?

Photofacials treat all areas most exposed to the sun, except around the eyes.

Typical photofacial treatment areas are:

Face
Neck
Chest
Shoulders
Back
Hands and arms
Legs

What Conditions Can Be Treated with a Photofacial?

The photofacial treatment addresses a variety of skin aging issues, including:

Age spots
Freckles
Rosacea
Redness
Uneven skin tone
Wrinkles
Large pores
Acne
Broken capillaries
Spider veins

Photofacial Treatment Results

Results appear gradually after a photofacial treatment because it takes time to build new collagen. The first results typically show within a week.

Photofacials are performed in a series of four to six treatments spaced four weeks apart. After the series is complete, we recommend quarterly treatment to maintain the results.

What Can You Expect During the Photofacial Treatment?

The treatment starts with your chosen medical provider applying a a cooling gel to prevent redness and burning during the procedure and giving you dark glasses to protect your eyes.

The provider places a handheld laser device on the treatment area and moves it along while intense pulses of light penetrate the skin and cause controlled damage to hemoglobin and melanin.

At the end of the session, your provider wipes off the cooling gel and applies a moisturizer and sunscreen.

Each treatment lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area size and skin concern.

Is a Photofacial Treatment Painful?

Some patients report slight discomfort and brief stinging pain that resembles the sensation of a rubber band snapping on their skin. Patients also report feeling like their skin is sunburned for a few days after the treatment.

Risks and Side Effects of the Photofacial Treatment

The photofacial treatment is considered safe when performed by trained medical experts.

It requires no downtime and causes mild side effects that subside after a day or two.

Mild, common side effects include:

Redness
Bruising
Temporary brown spots and freckles
Flaking
Crusting

Rare, more severe side effects include:

Burns
Blistering
Scabbing
Pigmentation issues

To avoid complications during a photofacial, don’t tan for three to four weeks before the treatment and avoid using self-tanner lotion or sprays for at least 10 days before the procedure. Also, discontinue the use of blood-thinning medications (as instructed by your doctor). Follow all your medical provider’s recommendations for a safe and effective treatment.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from an IPL Photofacial?

The IPL photofacial is a minimally invasive procedure requiring no recovery. Mild, typical side effects resolve on their own after 24 hours. If you experience severe side effects, your doctor will advise you on the best course of action.

You can resume your daily activities after the treatment if you wear sunscreen and avoid direct exposure to sunlight.

How Much Does Photofacial Cost?

The cost of a photofacial depends on the skin concern, treated area size, and the medical provider’s expertise.

At Vibrant Skin Bar, one laser photofacial session costs $350.

Conclusion

The photofacial treatment is a safe, non-surgical procedure that brightens skin tone, reduces the appearance of imperfections, and treats sun-related aging signs.

Schedule a free consultation with the Vibrant Skin Bar skin experts to learn if photofacial is a good option for your skin concerns.