Skin Resurfacing Treatment Options

Written by Dérmica MedEsthetics on April 6, 2023. Posted in Skin Care

Located in Edmonton, our skin resurfacing treatment menu includes photofacials, peels, and dermaplaning.

Skin resurfacing is an esthetic procedure or personal use of an exfoliating product/tool that removes layers of damaged skin. It boosts the regeneration rate of skin cells and promotes collagen production. As a result, it enhances the overall appearance and texture of the skin. Additionally, it improves circulation and absorptive ability of the skin.

Skin resurfacing treatments

Methods of resurfacing include: chemical, mechanical, and light-based treatments.

LIGHT-BASED

ALISA photofacial

Photofacials emit light energy into the skin. The light beam destroys specified targets without damaging the surrounding tissue.

CHEMICAL

Chemical Peels

This type of resurfacing causes a chemical reaction at the surface of the skin that dissolves the bonds between the skin cells.

MECHANICAL

Dermaplane

The technician performs feathery strokes typically using a 10 gauge blade held at an angle over the skin to remove the surface level.

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Try our Treatment Selection Guide. This easy-to-use, digital guide makes selecting the correct treatment for your skin type and concerns a breeze! Our Skin questionnaire allows us to understand your skin type and concerns. With the information you provide, we are able to recommend treatments to address specific skin concerns.

Book your Skin Resurfacing Treatment in Edmonton!

Peace, Love, and Great Skin!

Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Skin Resurfacing

Written by Dérmica MedEsthetics on April 23, 2018. Posted in Ask Dérmica, Skin Care

Ask Dérmica: WHAT is Skin Resurfacing?

• An esthetic procedure or personal use of an exfoliating product/tool that removes layers of damaged skin.
• Improves the overall appearance and texture of the skin.
• Boosts the regeneration rate of skin cells and promotes collagen production.
• Improves circulation and absorptive ability of the skin.
• Recommended for all skin types as part of a healthy skin care routine or to treat skin conditions.
• Methods of resurfacing include: chemical, mechanical, and light-based treatment.

CHEMICAL METHODS AND BENEFITS

Chemical Resurfacing

• There are different classifications of chemical resurfacing: AHA, BHA, Retinols, TCA, Enzymes.
• Causes a chemical reaction at the surface of the skin that dissolves the bonds between the skin cells.
• Varying intensity and penetration.
• Can be delivered in low doses on a daily basis or as a stand alone treatment delivered by a trained technician.

• Skin may require pre-treating with lower dose prior to procedure.
• Down time varies depending on the dose delivered.
• Topical products used for homecare may need to be prescribed by a physician.

Benefits:

• Can treat a wide range of conditions.
• Can be used as part of a daily maintenance routine.
• Broad range of penetration level available from mild – deep.
• Improves texture of the skin.
• Reduces unwanted pigmentation.
• Treats acne and related scarring.

Click here for FULL TREATMENT DESCRIPTION

MECHANICAL METHODS AND BENEFITS

Granular Exfoliants

• Granular product that is massaged over the skin.
• Lifts dead surface layer of skin.
• Available in various formulations and intensity.
• Product contain microbeads or granules that slough the outer layer.
• Mild resurfacing.
• Not typically recommended for acneic or sensitive skin.

Benefits:

• • Instant results.
  • Can be used daily as part of a regular skin care routine.
  • No downtime.
  • Increases absorption of products.
  • Stimulates circulation.

Dermaplaning

• Technician performs feathery strokes typically using a 10 gauge blade held at an angle over the surface of the skin.
• Removes surface layer of the skin.
• Form of mechanical skin resurfacing.

Benefits:

• • Also removes the vellus hair in the area treated.
  • Delivers instant results.
  • Minimal downtime.
  • Can alleviate and treat eczema, skin irritations, and excessively dry patches.
  • Promotes increased hydration and penetration of topical medications and treatment product.

Microdermabrasion

• Technician uses a wand over the skin to remove superficial layers.
• Can be performed with a diamond encrusted tip being dragged over the skin or using a crystal spray to gently “sandblast” the surface of the skin.
• Not recommended for acneic skin or highly sensitive skin types.
• Mild – mid level resurfacing.

Benefits:

• • Minimal downtime required.
  • Can be paired with other methods of resurfacing for optimal results.
  • Improves circulation.
  • Improves texture.
  • Lightens pigmentation.

Abrasive Materials

• Used to lift the dead surface layer of the skin by causing friction.
• Brushes bristles vary from soft – hard.
• Can be used with products for added cleansing.
• Abrasive materials include loofas, pumice, and other textured materials in varying coarseness.
• Mild resurfacing.
• Not recommended for sensitive or sensitized skin

Benefits:

• • Can be used as part of a daily routine or in a professional service.
  • Instant results.
  • No downtime.
  • Increases circulation.

Dermabrasion

• Performed by a medical professional.
• Anesthetic is used to numb the skin prior to treatment.
• In some cases a prescribed relaxant may be given to ease the patient.
• Technician operates a high-speed device that scrapes away layers of skin.
• Mid – deep resurfacing.

Benefits:

• • Delivers deep resurfacing with minimal sessions.
  • Can remove deep imperfections.
  • Dramatic results can be achieved.

Microneedling

• Pierces fine needles into the surface of the skin creating micro-lesions.
• Varying levels of intensity depending on the device.
• Minimal – no downtime required.

Benefits:

• • Tightens pores and smooths texture.
  • Effective on minimizing the appearance of stretch marks and acne scarring.
  • Improves circulation.
  • Stimulates collagen and elastin production.

LIGHT-BASED METHODS AND BENEFITS

IPL Skin Rejuvenation

• Stands for Intense Pulsed Light.
• Device emits a broad band light energy into the skin.
• Works below the surface of the skin on a cellular level, leaving the surface layer intact.
• Depth of penetration varies medium – deep.

Benefits:

• • Minimal down time, if any.
  • Reduces redness and surface capillaries.
  • Removes pigmentation and evens skin tone.
  • Improves texture and tightens pores.
  • Reduces fine lines and pre-mature aging.
  • Treats acne and related scarring.

Click here for FULL TREATMENT DESCRIPTION

LASER Skin Resurfacing

• Acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
• Device emits a focused beam of light energy into the skin.
• Depth of penetration varies from medium – deep.
• Down time ranges depending on the type of laser used.

Benefits:

• • Improves textural damage.
  • Reduces signs of aging.
  • Reduces redness and vascularity from facial and body region.
  • Removes unwanted pigmented lesions.
  • Treats acne and related scarring.

Get in Touch

Skin Resurfacing Edmonton- FAQs

Written by Dérmica MedEsthetics on June 3, 2015. Posted in Ask Dérmica, Skin Care

ALISA is Dérmica’s very own Skin Resurfacing/ Skin Rejuvenation/ Skin Tightening laser treatment in Edmonton.

Skin Resurfacing Edmonton, ALISA – FAQs

How does the ALISA ME Rx work?

ALISA is a Skin Rejuvenation or Skin Resurfacing treatment. In other words, it reverses the signs of aging through the non-traumatic removal of skin surface layers that induce neocollagenesis (the production of new collagen).

Following the removal of surface skin layers though selective photothermolysis, the body’s natural wound-healing response begins to regenerate the epidermis and the underlying wounded skin layers, which gives an overall glow and youthful look to the skin, but more specifically, treats fine lines and wrinkles and minimizes large pores.

What is Selective Photothermolysis?

Selective Photothermolysis is a method that destroys a specified target without damaging the surrounding tissue. The method consists of irradiating the target with pulsed visible radiation. As a result, the targeted area is heated above body temperature which causes the proteins to coagulate. Because the target absorbs the radiation much more strongly than the surrounding tissue, this surrounding tissue is almost not heated at all.

Is the ALISA ME Rx safe at 65 years old?

Absolutely! There are no contraindications based on age since light-based treatments are safe and non-invasive.

How many treatments are required?

Your skin needs the time needed to recover and produce new collagen. Therefore, the typical regimen is an average of 5 treatment sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart. However, the number of treatments is completely up to you depending on the results you desire. Having said that, we do not recommend over 12 treatments in one year.

How long is the recovery phase? Is there any downtime?

ALISA does NOT require any downtime whatsoever! You can come in during your lunch hour and return to work and no one will ever know why you look better than you did in the morning! ;)

How long does a treatment take?

This depends on the different treatments you would like during your session, however, a full ALISA photofacial takes 15-30 minutes, after which you can continue your daily routine.

Are photofacials safe?

Our Skin Experts are knowledgeable on our technology and on the biology of the skin. Our team is lead by experts in the field with over 15 years of experience in medical esthetics treatments. This increases the safety of all of our treatments. Our treatments are non-invasive and safe, with minimum side effects if any at all. Side effects could possibly include:

• Discomfort (stinging sensation up to one hour after treatment)
• Change of pigmentation (most cases occur on people with darker skin and can be avoided by conducting a test patch)
• Fragile Skin (skin may become temporarily fragile)
• Purpura (purple bruising lasting from 5-15 days)
• Scarring (may happen on darker skin but still, very rare)

Questions or concerns? We’d be happy to hear from you!

Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885-7108
dermica.ca
Love, Peace, and Great Skin!