Facials & Peels
About Facials & Peels?
Facials and peels cleanse, exfoliate or resurface the skin's outer layers. They can improve dullness, rough texture, clogged pores, uneven tone and early sun damage. This category includes gentle options like hydradermabrasion facials, dermaplaning, enzyme facials and LED-assisted facials, plus superficial, medium and deep chemical peels.
How do the treatments differ? They differ in how they exfoliate and how deeply they work.
Hydradermabrasion uses suction to cleanse, exfoliate and apply serums for congestion and dullness; HydraFacial is one branded version, and results vary by device and products.
Dermaplaning uses a sterile blade to remove dead skin and fine facial hair; the smoothing is short-lived, and it isn't done over active acne.
Enzyme facials use fruit enzymes such as papain for gentler exfoliation; research is limited and some people react.
LED-assisted facials add blue or red light. A 2025 review found repeated at-home LED use improved mild to moderate acne; an occasional clinic session may not do the same.
Superficial chemical peels use glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid for dullness, acne and mild pigmentation.
Skin tone matters. Medium and deep skin tones have a higher risk of dark patches (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) after stronger treatments.
Newer add-ons to ask about. Health Canada notes that exosome products intended for microneedling or injection aren't cosmetics, and a cosmetic notification isn't approval. Salmon DNA (PDRN) is a separate ingredient with still-limited evidence — ask exactly which product is used and how it's authorized.
How many sessions are needed, and how long do results last? It depends on the treatment. Gentle facials give a quick improvement that fades over weeks, so they're repeated for maintenance. Superficial peels are often done as a series a few weeks apart. Medium and deep peels are planned individually and repeated less often, if at all. No result is permanent, and daily sunscreen helps maintain improvements.
What does treatment and recovery involve? Gentle facials usually involve little or no downtime. Superficial peels sting briefly and may cause redness or flaking for up to a week. Medium and deep peels involve more discomfort and recovery of about one to several weeks; avoid the sun, don't pick at peeling skin, and pause retinoids as advised.
What are the side effects and risks? Common, temporary effects include redness, tightness, dryness, flaking and sun sensitivity; swelling and crusting can follow deeper peels. Less common complications include lasting pigment change, infection, cold sore flare-ups, allergic reactions and, rarely, scarring. Tell your provider about active acne, rosacea, cold sores, recent isotretinoin, light-sensitizing medications or pregnancy — and contact them promptly about increasing pain, pus, spreading redness, fever or blistering.
A qualified provider can assess your skin and recommend the treatment and strength that suit you.
Sources
Common Concerns
Available Treatments
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