Facial peels are a cosmetic medical treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin. Facial peels are a method of exfoliation that reduces or improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, skin texture, scars, and dull or uneven complexions. Facial peels are indicated for all skin types; however, facial peel product choice may vary based on individual considerations. Available chemical peel treatments include the Glycolic Acid, TCA, and Jessner facial peels.
Benefits of Facial Peels
- Exfoliation of the outer layer of skin, revealing a smoother, more youthful skin
- Promotes cell proliferation
- Reduce the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles
- Brightens dull or uneven colouring
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- Improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage, age spots, melasma, and freckles
- Improves the appearance of enlarged pores
- Remove dead skin and debris which clogs the pores contributing to their size
- Minimal to moderate downtime
Client Preparation
- Remove make up prior to appointment.
- Exfoliate daily for a week prior to the appointment to achieve maximum absorption and optimal results.
Facial Peel Procedure
The procedure is very simple with a 30 minute duration. Our licensed cosmetic nurses will begin by assessing the client’s face, skin type, and concerns. The face will be cleansed using a gentle cleanser and peel preparation solution is applied to rid the skin of debris, oil, and reduce the pH for optimal peel penetration. The peel is applied for 5-8 minutes or as long as tolerable and dissolved using a neutralizing spray. Inflammation, redness, and tingling is expected during the treatment. Moisturizer, hyaluronic serum, and sunscreen is then applied for moisture retention and a protective barrier.
Aftercare
Generously apply any moisturizer onto the treated skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (minimum of 30 daily).
Possible Side Effects
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Sensitivity
- Flaking, crusting, or scabbing
- Progressive darkening of the treated area
- White powdery skin
Allow a minimum of 7-10 days for symptoms to subside and the skin to heal.
Facial Peel Exfoliation
Light or Superficial
- Gentle exfoliation that targets the outer layer of the skin (epidermis)
- Indicated for reducing the appearance of fine lines, mild scarring, and minimal hyperpigmentation
- Treatment can be repeated every 2-3 weeks
- Indicated for all skin types
- Glycolic Acid
Medium Exfoliation
- Deeper exfoliation that targets the outer (epidermis) and mid-layer (dermis) of the skin
- Indicated for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, pores, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage
- Jessner or TCA
Deep Exfoliation
- Deepest exfoliation that reaches the deepest layer of the skin (subcutaneous)
- Indicated for deep wrinkles, scarring, melasma, and sun damage
- Not indicated for darker skin types due to the potential risk of hypopigmentation
- TCA
Types Of Facial Peels
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is derivative from sugar cane and has been used throughout history for beautification purposes. Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which are mild facial exfoliants that work by dissolving the bonds between the dead skin cells so that they can be easily wiped away and allow for new, healthy cell growth. Glycolic acid peels are recommended for all skin types, including those new to facial peels, and normal/dry/combination skin types. Glycolic acid peels have minimal downtime with mild flaking.
Glycolic 30%
- Mild strength
- Indicated for fine lines and wrinkles
- Mild hyperpigmentation
- Indicated for sensitive skin, normal to dry or combination skin types
- Excellent beginner peel
Glycolic 50%
- Medium strength
- Indicated for fine lines and wrinkles
- More pronounced hyperpigmentation
- Indicated for combination or dry skin types
- Excellent beginner peel
Glycolic 70%
- Deep strength
- Indicated for deeper lines and wrinkles
- More pronounced hyperpigmentation
- Indicated for combination or dry skin types
- Excellent experienced peel
Jessner
Jessner facial peels are composed of three different acids including Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Resorcinol. The aforementioned acids work in combination to brighten, smoothen, and promote cell proliferation. Jessner is a medium strength peel that is indicated for many concerns such as enlarged pores, overproduction of sebum, and hyperpigmentation. Jessner peel is contraindicated for darker skin tones due to the potential for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. There is minimal to moderate downtime.
TCA
TCA or Trichloroacetic Acid, is a facial peel that penetrates deeper and faster than AHA and BHA peels. TCA peels are indicated for a range of skin due to aging and environmental damage such as skin tone irregularities, melasma, acne and acne scarring, and fine lines and wrinkles. TCA is contraindicated for darker skin tones due to the potential for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. There is mild to moderate downtime.
TCA 10%
- Mild strength
- Indicated for skin tightening, dullness, deep wrinkles, and texture
- Excellent beginner peel
TCA 20%
- Medium strength
- Indicated for skin tightening, dullness, deep wrinkles, and texture
- Moderate downtime
- Excellent experienced peel
AHA Vitamin C
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which are, as previously mentioned, mild facial exfoliants that work by dissolving the bonds between the dead skin cells so that they can be easily wiped away and allow for new, healthy cell growth. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents age and environmental damage. The combination of both the AHA and the Vitamin C in the facial peel aids in treating sun spots, hyperpigmentation, dullness, and fine lines and wrinkles. There is minimal to no downtime.
AHA Vitamin C 30%
- Mild strength
- Indicated for the fine lines, dullness, and discolouration
- Indicated for sensitive skin, normal, dry skin and all skin tones
- Excellent beginner peel
AHA Vitamin C 50%
- Medium strength
- Indicated for hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles
- Indicated for normal to dry or combination skin and all skin tones
- Excellent beginner peel
AHA Vitamin C 70%
- Deep strength
- Indicated for hyperpigmentation, age spots, skin tone irregularities, scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles
- Indicated for normal to dry skin and all skin tone
