Chemical Peels

Many people don't realize the wonders that light and medium peels can do for the skin on a consistent basis. Chemical peels, when performed and used correctly, can keep skin clear, firm, and nearly ageless when combined with quality skin care and daily sun protection. If you are looking to eliminate your fine lines, large pores, hyperpigmentation, melasma, dark spots, acne, wrinkles, and sagging skin, a chemical peel may be right for you. If you are someone who isn't able to avoid the sun, perhaps due to your work or lifestyle, a chemical peel will likely not be the right choice for you. It's important to fade your tan for a few weeks before a chemical peel. 

Our Chemical Peels are best performed in a series of 6 sessions, spaced 1 week apart, or for advanced clients who have already been receiving our peel protocols and using our prep skincare for 2+ weeks. Each 8 week series should be repeated every 6 months at most. A-la-Cart peels can only be purchased by advanced clients who have already completed a peel series and established care with an esthetician. You might not notice a tremendous effect from your first peel, but over the course of a few peels you will see major improvements. If you don't receive regular facials, we do not suggest coming in for one single peel as this will typically not be enough to produce optimum results. We offer packages of 6 peels to allow you to prebook them 1 week apart and receive the best results over a 6-8 week period. 

For the TCA peels, it's perfectly normal for the skin to get darker while it's in the peeling process. It is a temporary discoloration of the dead skin that will flake right off and is nothing at all to worry about. 

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) on the other hand is side effect and is actually very common in ethnic and darker skin types. It is actually so common that it is considered an “acceptable outcome” when performing peels professionally. We prefer to pretreat the skin with melanin inhibitors to greatly reduce this outcome instead. This is why using the home care is essential 2x daily for at least 2 weeks before getting a peel, preferably up to 4 weeks for darker skin tones. When you reduce the melanin formation in the skin you decrease the risk of PIH. 

Another cause of PIH is excessive heat in the skin. This can be caused by exercising that causes sweating. Heat builds up in the skin and can then lead to the formation of pigmentation. *Sweat can also get trapped under the skin and lead to bubbling as well - so it is best to limit your exercise choices while in the peeling phase. 

Going into the sun without adequate SPF is going to cause trouble with your pigmentation darkening. Remember it is always easier to PREVENT PIH than it is to treat it. 

So USE your SPF no matter what. 

The most common contraindications are breastfeeding, pregnancy, oral acne medications, diabetes, sun exposure, hormone replacement therapy, Retin-A, or previous skin treatments such as surgery, other facial peels, and treatments.

Your esthetician will be able to make the best recommendation for which peel is right for you. Lactic Acid is a milk based ingredient commonly used for hydrating and exfoliating the skin in a gentle manner. Our 20% Lactic Acid peel also includes two superb lighteners and produces a softness and amazing glow even after just one treatment. If you are looking for gentle and hydrating anti-aging effects, we recommend Lactic Acid. 

Our 30% Glycolic Peel is an excellent cell renewal peel and is a great classic exfoliator, great for acneic, oily, and even normal or dry skin. Glycolic acid also helps boost collagen for firmer and smoother skin along with helping to eliminate acne.

TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) tightens, brightens and addresses wrinkles, sagging, and texture issues. The peel we use is mild but very effective and delivers lighteners down to the melanocyte without traumatizing the skin. The TCA Peel is buffered with azelaic, arbutin and kojic acids, which are tyrosinase inhibitors that control hyperpigmentation, melasma, or sun damage for all shades and skin tones. The combination of these acids is a beautiful peeling treatment for evening skin tone, reducing acne, and retexturing the skin. Typically 4-8 layers are used per treatment and it is not washed off for 8 hours after treatment. 

The first step is to book an appointment for a facial and receive a consultation with one of our estheticians. This will allow your skin professional to analyze your skin and make the best recommendation for your skin goals. At this appointment you will be able to purchase the skincare that you are required to use daily for at least 2 weeks before your peel. This Skincare will differ based on your skin type but includes:

1. Glycolic cleanser
2. Secondary Skin Script cleanser or Le Bijou Handmade Soap
3. Skin Script Retinol Refining Scrub/Mask
4. Skin Script Glycolic & Retinol Pads
5. Le Bijou Aloe Toning Mister
6. Le Bijou Florale Sunscreen Butter
7. Optional: Skin Script Tri-Peptide Eye Cream

*Please be prepared to purchase the required skin care kit ($160 or more plus tax, depending on your personalized kit) to properly prepare your skin for the peel, and heal the skin after the peel. If you are new to facials and enzymes or peels, additional facials may be recommended to you to work your way up to a peel and see how your skin reacts to less intense enzymes and other great fruit-based exfoliating treatments that we use in our standard facials. 

Your first peel would best be purchased as a package. You can purchase the 8 Week Peel protocol to start your peel journey and discover all 3 peels (Lactic, Glycolic, and TCA) to see which you may like to further invest in. Alternatively, we offer packages of individual peels to purchase once you are an experienced peel connoisseur.