Chemical Peels and Facials

Introduction

Chemical Peels and Professional Facials for glowing, more youthful skin.

If you are exploring options for more rejuvenated, glowing skin, then you may want to consider professional facials or chemical peels at IVONNE.  Facials and chemical peels are a common way to improve the appearance of your skin.

Clinical skincare treatments can be an excellent choice to complement or kick-off your home skincare routine - and a home skincare routine can be an effective way to boost pre-clinical results.  Investing in a customized combination of both at-home and in-clinic skincare will provide the most optimal results. Given the amount of options and information it can often be difficult to determine which professional skincare options are best for you.

If you are considering chemical peels or facials, you likely have a number of questions, including:

• What types of facials and peels are available?
• How much does it cost to have professional skincare, and what are the upkeep costs?
• How do I know what is best for my skin type, concerns, and objectives?
• Isn't all skincare pretty much the same?
• What are the risks in chemical peels and facials?
• What are the alternatives to chemical peels and facials?

This webpage provides important facts on professional skincare (e.g. facials, chemical peels, and at-home skincare products) to help you be more informed, supporting you to make the right choice for your skin type, concerns, and objectives. Using these questions as a guide, this webpage describes the most common types of professional skincare, and discusses the factors involved in choosing, scheduling, and maintaining a chemical peel or peel routine.

This webpage is intended for clients who are looking for background information on chemical peels, or facials as a professional skincare option in order to support informed decision making regarding service selection, purchasing, and maintenance.  The information provided here is general, and specific details may vary depending on your skin type, concerns, goals, and service provider.  This webpage should not replace working with a dermatologist, a physician, or even a trained skincare professional, who will ensure that your skincare plan meets your needs and desired objectives.

Professional skincare in general is an important way to protect our skin from damage, and to resolve the effects of aging. When thinking skincare in the context of your overall health and wellness, it is recommended that you factor in your state of mental well-being, as well as your body's ability to recover from some chemical peel procedures when subscribing to professional skincare service.

Cosmetic products or services should never be used to mask what could be an underlying medical condition. Using them without the oversight of your physician could make it more difficult to diagnose chronic conditions or even disease states.  Please consult first with your primary physician before subscribing to any cosmetic products or aesthetic services.

Chemical peels cause controlled damage to the epidermis and or the dermis with the goal of stimulating new tissue to improve skin texture and tone. This process reveals a smoother and more radiant complexion.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

Superficial chemical peels decrease the pH at the surface of the skin and change the pH gradient of the stratum corneum. This loosens the connections between dead skin cells inducing exfoliation and stimulating new cell growth. Medium and deep chemical peels cause protein calculation and cell necrosis (cell death) in the epidermis and dermis. This induces inflammation and the wound healing cascade. Both types of peels thicken the epidermis, increased dermal volume and stimulate collagen. The result is a smoother and more radiant complexion.

What Is Our Peel Philosophy

We offer superficial to medium depth peels known for their excellent results and safety profile. We believe in repeated treatments for progressive and gradual results, and to avoid the side effects and downtime associated with deeper peels. Chemical peel should be performed by a trained skin care professional in a clinical setting so that they are delivered safely and effectively. Chemical peels encourage exfoliation by sloughing off dead skin cells, forcing your body to quickly replenish them with new cells. When peels are performed regularly, the skin gets used to this process and begins to rejuvenate itself like younger skin. To be sure that the body doesn’t react to this deep exfoliation as it would to trauma, which can lead to pigment changes, exfoliation must be introduced to gradually giving the skin time to adjust. Pre-treatment products precondition the skin, accelerate results, and minimize complications. Post treatment products minimize complications, heal and sooth the skin and maintain the results. Professional treatments enhance the result of your home care products.

Chemical Peel Treatment Expectations

Beautiful, healthy skin doesn’t happen overnight, and treatments take time to show results. A single chemical peel can provide the immediate effect of bright and radiant skin; however, more significant result in treating textural issues, fine lines and inflamed acne could take longer. Use home care products consistently and as directed to achieve optimal results. Just as you take time to exercise, you need to take time for your “daily skincare workout regimen” in the morning and night. 

On What Areas Of The Body Can Chemical Peels Be Used?

Chemical peels are usually performed on the face, but may also be used on the neck, décolleté, back, back of arms and hands. * It is important to note that if you are peeling the body you should only peel a maximum of 20% of the body at once.

How Can Chemical Peels Benefit The Skin?

Peel treatment rejuvenate the skin. They improve skin texture and firmness, decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. Peels also even out skin tone, improve acne prone skin and reduce the appearance of pore size.

Some common peeling agents include alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acid, and retinol. Alpha hydroxy acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and mandelic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid. The strength of a chemical peel is determined by the type of ingredients used, their concentration and the pH of the formulation. Not all peels are created equally, and one peel type doesn’t suit all. Certain ingredients may be more effective for treating acne, while others may be more successful in treating hyperpigmentation or the signs of aging.

The Importance of Post-Treatment Care

Home care products prepare your skin for chemical peels and then maintain the results post treatment. Patient participation and education is required, emphasizing the importance of sun protection and the use of an appropriate skin care routine, which includes cleansing, exfoliation and moisturizing. Topical retinoid maintenance therapy can also help maintain the skin rejuvenation results achieved with a Chemical Peel. The patient should be warned about the possible lack of desired effects if the peels are not repeated often enough and not accompanied by daily topical treatment. 

Chemical Peel Service Types

Renew 30

A multi functional alpha hydroxy acid resurfacing peel containing lactic acid to decrease the visible signs of ageing and hyper pigmentation.

Benefits

• Exfoliates dead skin cells and boosts skin turnover
• Improves skin texture and tone
• Targets multiple skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, discolouration, sun damage and large pores

Ingredient science:

30% lactic acid: naturally found in milk and part of the alpha hydroxy acid family, lactic acid is bio synthesized for cosmetic formulations. It exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Good for: Dehydrated and sensitive skin.

AHA Duo

A combination alpha hydroxy acid resurfacing peel containing lactic acid and glycolic acid to decrease the visible signs of ageing and hyperpigmentation.

Benefits:

Exfoliate dead skin cells and boost skin turnover

Improve skin texture and tone

Targets multiple skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, discolouration, sun damage and large pores.

Ingredient science:

20% lactic acid: naturally found in milk and part of the alpha hydroxy acid family, lactic acid is biosynthesized for cosmetic formulations. Exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

10% glycolic acid: naturally found in sugarcane, and part of the alpha hydroxy acid family, Glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin cells and increases cell turnover. It improves skin texture and tone and gives skin a new glow.

Good for: Dry/mature skin. Aging and hyperpigmentation.

BHA 20

A salicylic acid Resurfacing peel that both reduces the signs of acne and helps correct skin discolouration.

Benefits:

Improves skin texture by exfoliating dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and within pores.

Reduce acne pimples and minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.

Ideal for oily and acne prone skin.

Ingredient science:

20% salicylic acid: known as a beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is an exfoliant with soothing properties.

It is oil soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and control acne pimples.

Good for: Oily and acne prone 

Allergy alert:

Do not book this peel if you have an aspirin allergy.

Glow Peel

A light, brightening solution that improves the signs of ageing and hyperpigmentation with minimal downtime.

Benefits:

Exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulates skin renewal.

Effective in minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation issues like age spots, discolouration and uneven skin tone.

Can be customized in strength by the number of layers applied.

Ingredient science:

7% lactic acid: naturally found in milk and part of the alpha hydroxy acid family, lactic acid is bio synthesized for cosmetic formulations. Exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

7% salicylic acid: known as a beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is an exfoliant with soothing properties. It is oil soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to effectively exfoliate skin cells and control acne pimples.

7% resorcinol: A peeling agent that works by breaking down rough, scaly or hardened skin and is one of the key ingredients in a Jessner peel. Resorcinol is also an anti-septic.

Good for: Most skin types. Brightening, resurfacing, ageing and hyperpigmentation. 

Allergy alert:

Do not book this peel if you have an aspirin allergy.

Power Glow Peel

A light, brightening solution that improves the signs of ageing and hyperpigmentation with minimal downtime.

Benefits:

Exfoliates dead skin cells and stimulates skin renewal.

Effective in minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation issues like age spots, discolouration and uneven skin tone.

Can be customized in strength by the number of layers applied.

Ingredient science:

14% lactic acid: naturally found in milk and part of the alpha hydroxy acid family, lactic acid is bio synthesized for cosmetic formulations. Exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

14% salicylic acid: known as a beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is an exfoliants with soothing properties. It is oil soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to effectively exfoliated skin cells and control acne pimples.

14% resorcinol: A peeling agent that works by breaking down rough, scaly or hardened skin and is one of the key ingredients in a Jessner peel. Resorcinol is also an anti-septic.

Good for: Most skin types. Brightening, resurfacing, ageing and hyperpigmentation. 

Allergy alert:

Do not book this peel if you have an aspirin allergy.

Chemical Peel Recommendations

Your skin concerns will determine which chemical peel option is best suited for you. Please contact us by email or phone so that we can better recommend the best skin treatment service for you.

Alternatives To Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are used to treat sun-damaged skin, acne, skin discoloration and other skin imperfections such as wrinkles. It involves the application of peeling agents such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acid (BHAs), and retinol to the skin for a certain period of time, after which the peeling agent is removed. This results in the gradual peeling off of layers of skin to reveal new skin. Alternatives to chemical peels include at home products such as the Enzyme Peel, Microderm Polish, laser resurfacing and the application of retinol. 

Having a Chemical Peel can be a rejuvenating and refreshing way to feel better about ourselves. There are however other aesthetic treatments that can achieve the same (although shorter term effect). These include:

• Facials
• Microneedling
• Laser Skincare Treatments

Each alternative to Chemical Peels come with its own unique risks and benefits. Speak with your skincare provider to find out more about these risks and benefits.

The Province of Ontario, through its local Public Health Units oversee Chemical Peels and Facials as a Personal Service Setting under O. Reg 136/18. Through annual, or period inspections, Public Health officers of a local Public Health Unit will assess a Personal Service Setting for its compliance with the regulations and report its findings to the public through the mandatory display of inspection certificates, and through its online database of inspection results.

Public health units do not assess the practitioner's skill, ability, or credentials as it relates to Chemical Peels or Facials. Instead public health inspectors ensure that the environment and related processes to deliver Chemical Peels are safe, and in accordance with the prevailing Infection Prevention And Control best practices.

Health Canada is responsible for overseeing regulation of cosmetics in Canada. Through their regulations they have set out what ingredients can, and cannot be included in cosmetic products, and at what concentration levels.

Health Canada does not have an approval process for products used in Chemical Peels, and does not, as an ongoing practice assess products for their chemical or toxic ingredient composition.

To ensure that your skincare professional is complying with the established safety protocols and regulations it is recommended  to search the name of their business in any local Public Health Inspections database.

When choosing a skincare provider for Chemical Peels or Facials consider the following:

• Am I comfortable with them? Can I communicate my expectations clearly and do we understand each other? Do we have a good rapport?

You will be having a skin treatment on the day of your appointment. Please follow the instructions below to prepare:

Use of AlumierMD home care products prior to your peel are recommended to prepare the skin, allow for a better treatment result and reduce the risk of complications. Please consult your physician or skin care professional for appropriate recommendations for your skin type and condition. 

It is recommended that you take the following into consideration:

• For best results and to reduce the risk of complications, it is recommended that you use AlumierMD home care products for 10 to 14 days prior to your treatment.
• If you are Lactating, pregnant, or maybe pregnant, consult your physician before receiving any treatment.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks prior to treatment.
• Avoid the use of retinoid products (ex. retinol, Retin A, Tazorac) and high levels of AHA and BHA products for approximately seven days prior to treatment. Consult your physician before temporary discontinuing the use of any prescription medications.

AlumierMD skin treatments result in minimal to no downtime but create dramatic and visible results. Treatment may cause slight redness, tightness, peeling, flaking or temporary dryness. Most patients do not find it necessary to apply makeup, as the skin will be smooth, dewy and radiant following your treatment.

It is recommended to first complete a (virtual) consultation with your skincare provider before proceeding with any service. This can be done several weeks before scheduling your appointment.

Once you have made the decision to proceed with your chemical peel be sure to schedule your initial and follow-ups about 1 month apart. Doing so ensures that you have access to a perfectly-timed peel schedule.

During the scheduled appointment your skincare professional will perform a preliminary analysis where you will:

• Review the condition of your skin
• Assess any new changes, concerns or improvements
• Receive the chemical peel treatment

Your initial chemical peel will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes. It's a great idea to plan your day by having a snack before your appointment and using the toilet when you arrive.

Follow These Important Steps Before Your Chemical Peel Appointment

For best results, and to reduce the risk of complications, it is recommended to that you use AlumierMD home care products for 10-14 days prior to your treatment.

Follow These Important Steps After Your Peel or Facial Appointment

You should take note of several important things to maintain your skin. Remember:

• Find a Skincare Routine. Great skin is the best foundation for any clinical skincare treatment. Adopt a consistent skincare routine and tackle any skincare concerns to support your clinical investment.
• Schedule Your Appointments Around Botox, Fillers, or Surgery. Be sure to leave yourself enough space on either side of a Botox or filler service (2 weeks) and up to a month before or after any plastic surgery or eye surgery.
• Avoid The Sun. Prevent from burning and prolonged exposure to sun. Support healthy, glowing skin by avoiding sun tanning/burning altogether.
• Plan Ahead. Great skincare providers are often booked for months in advance. Be sure to pre-book your follow-ups early.

It might seem like a good idea to choose a lower-cost, or first-available option when scheduling a chemical peel or facial. This can sometimes lead to unexpected or undesirable results. Receiving bad professional skincare can be emotionally difficult, time consuming, and cost considerably more than if you had made a different choice.

If you or someone you know has recently had a bad experience with chemical peels, facials, or professional skincare, then please consider these options:

• Immediately make contact with your skincare provider so that they can hear your feedback, and provide you with guidance and instruction. If they are unwilling to work with you then reach out to their educator, or certifying body in case they can refer you to an alternative resource.
• If your skincare provider is no longer available, or you do not feel comfortable working with them again then you can also ask your social network for recommendations for a new provider, sending them the criteria from this webpage.