What is a peel?

A peel is a broad term for a professional level exfoliation.  

Why do you recommend a consultation before scheduling a peeling service?

Some of the peels offered here are quite assertive and require preparing your skin for the level of exfoliation that it is about to receive. It is equally important for you to be prepared so that you can form reasonable expectations for social down-time and what kind of results are attainable.  It is also important to have the proper home care to support your skin while the regenerating and healing process is taking place and to support your services in order for you to maximize the effects of your service. 

What is "social down-time"?

Social down-time is the period of time following your service that your skin is visibly shedding and that could require planning around for important social events. 

How is a peel different from a facial?

Peels are a far more clinical experience than most facial services and offer a higher level of exfoliation than is achievable in a facial service.  

There are so many types of peels to choose from, how do I know which is right for me?

Every peel is unique and is best suited for different conditions as well as your own unique expectations. We strongly recommend that you either schedule an Express facial or a consultation before booking. Although there is detailed information available on our site regarding each peel, we will always provide you with guidance and recommendations for peeling procedures to make sure that the proper selection has been made before any service is performed.

I don't really want visible shedding of my skin, should I avoid a peel?

No. Not all of the peeling services result in actual peeling or flaking of the skin and some can even be performed directly before an important event and without any pre-treatment at all.

How much discomfort should I expect during my service?

Some peels are very mild and are not really described as being uncomfortable at all but as more of a tingling sensation while others are more powerful and can be uncomfortable. The discomfort usually only last for about 30 seconds or so and then dissipates. After the solution is removed no additional tingling or heat will be present.

What should I expect after my service?

Your expectations should vary with each treatment.  The peeling services that use enzymes as the active ingredients result in smooth, soft skin with maybe a little bit of flushing in the skin directly after with no flaking or tightness to the skin after.  With acid-based peels it is not uncommon for the skin to feel tight, dry and sensitive for a day or so post-peel (feeling more profound with more assertive peels) and flaking beginning a day 1/2 - 2 days post-peel. 

How should I care for my skin after a peeling service?

After a peel your skin need time to heal and restore. Treating your skin very kindly by protecting it with sunscreen, replenishing with moisturizer and using only your hands to gently cleanse will help this process along. Now is not the time to illicit response from your skin with additional exfoliants, which could result in a chemical burn. 

Is there anything that I should have on hand to care for my skin after my service?

Yes. Along with the recommended home care products available in our store,  a cortisone cream is very handy to have immediate access to and can help to alleviate irritation.

Why is a series of 6 recommended?

6 seems to be the magic number for most clinical skin rejuvenation procedures. A deeper level of exfoliation is reached with each consecutive peeling service,  bringing more profound results to the surface as the healing process takes place. Having 6 treatments, one every 2 weeks until completion, will spark far more change and deliver much more noticeable results than having those same 6 peels sporadically throughout the year.

What do I do after I finish a series of 6 treatments?

Upon completion of your 6 treatment service plan, a maintenance program will be discussed and recommendations will be given at that time. A typical maintenance plan allows your skin to rest and restore for several weeks before any maintenance peels take place, which are then usually given quarterly.

Why do some peels require pre-treatment?

Pre-treatment is necessary for more assertive peels and is done to speed healing time and minimize discomfort and the chance of an abnormal response.

You say abnormal response, what are the potential risks involved?

Some of the peeling procedures we do in our office are very assertive and carry with them the very small risk of causing damage to the skin which is often transient and will clear up on its own if allowed to heal properly. Some of these risks include hyperpigmentation (dark patches), hypopigmentation (white patches) and chemical burn. Some people can experience an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the peel, but it is very rare. Pretreatment of the skin and full disclosure of any and all medications, natural supplements, other types of esthetic services and sun exposure greatly reduces the risk of experiencing any of these side effects and when treated properly your skin will often times heal itself with little to no intervention. We always strive for excellence and err on the side of caution while still providing an effective service. It is very important that you understand all of the benefits and risks associated with peeling procedures prior to beginning your treatment plan. Before treatment a consent form detailing the benefits and risks is given to each client to read carefully before acknowledging the risks, contraindications and compliance necessary before treatment can begin.