It’s been almost seven years since we first introduced the Skin Ceuticals Micropeel. It was just before Thanksgiving in 2014 and I had only worked here for five months. Our Skin Ceuticals rep at that time was Brittany, and we made fast friends. She actually got me into yoga and bought me my first GOOD yoga mat – a thick, purple Lululemon mat. The day of the staff training for the Micropeel, Brittany showed up with the trainer, and we spent a few hours learning, practicing and joking around. It was one of those moments for me where I felt so grateful to have gotten such an awesome job surrounded by miraculous people. Over seven years later and that feeling still never escapes me.
The Micropeel quickly became a staff favorite back then, just as Hydra Facial would a few years later. The Micropeel lost popularity to Hydra Facial over the years though, but they're both very effective non-laser skin resurfacing treatments with no downtime, and they each have their unique benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the three-step Micropeel:
Step 1: Dermaplaning.
Dermaplaning is a great stand-alone service, but paired with the other steps in the Micropeel, it takes on a bigger role than just removing peach fuzz. Dermaplaning uses a special surgical blade to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and also removes vellus facial hair. When used as the first step of the Micropeel, the removal of the dead skin cells not only allows for cell renewal, but also allows for better penetration of the chemical peel (second step of the Micropeel), which is customized for your skin type and needs.
What does dermaplaning feel like? It feels like a slight scraping sensation that is not uncomfortable at all. My skin sometimes feels slightly itchy afterwards. Don’t exercise afterwards though! The sweat will burn the delicate skin of your newly exfoliated face.
Step 2: Chemical Peel.
Several options are available for the chemical peel portion of the Micropeel, including sensitive skin solution, pigment balancing, lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. Which peel is used will be based on your skin type and goals.
What does the peel feel like? It feels like some stinging and itching for about 30 seconds and then it calms down. Very tolerable!
Step 3: Cryogenic Therapy
This feels amazing and has great benefits! This is a clinical skin freezing procedure (a small ball of CO2 is drawn rapidly over the face) used to immediately increase the rate of the skin cell turnover. This causes sun-damaged cells to be shed, provides more even skin tone, and diminishes the appearance of large pores. Due to its low temperature, this anti-bacterial treatment sanitizes skin and has an anti-inflammatory response, which calms inflamed skin. Repeated cryogenic therapy treatments result in noticeably smoother skin texture and a radiant glow.
If you’ve never had one, or it’s been awhile, try it out again over the holidays. It such a perfect no downtime treatment that truly leaves you glowing!