Facial Peels vs. At-Home Exfoliation
You might wonder: can’t I just use exfoliating serums or scrubs at home? Here’s the difference:
Strength: Professional peels use higher concentrations of actives for deeper results.
Precision: Estheticians control application depth and tailor it to your skin.
Safety: Risks of irritation, burns, or pigmentation are minimized.
Results: At-home exfoliation maintains skin; peels transform it.
Want something gentler than a peel but still transformative? Explore our laser facial or enhance results with a Pumpkin Enzyme Peel.
What Exactly Is a Facial Peel? (The Science Behind It)
At its core, a facial peel—also known as a chemical peel—is a treatment that uses exfoliating agents (usually acids or active complexes) to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. This controlled exfoliation stimulates new cell turnover, clears clogged pores, and triggers repair processes beneath the surface.
Your skin naturally renews itself every 28–40 days. But that cycle slows with age, stress, and sun exposure. Dead skin cells build up, making skin look rough, dull, and uneven. Peels accelerate this process, helping your skin shed old layers more efficiently and encouraging collagen production in deeper layers.
The Science of Exfoliating Acids
Not all acids are created equal. Professional peels often combine different families of acids to achieve both surface-level and deeper results.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Examples: Glycolic, lactic, mandelic, citric acids
How they work: AHAs are water-soluble and primarily work on the skin’s surface. They dissolve the bonds between dead cells, smooth rough texture, and brighten uneven tone.
Best for: Dry, dull, sun-damaged, or uneven skin
Mandelic acid, found in the Evolution Peel, is a gentler AHA with a larger molecule size. It penetrates more slowly, making it ideal for sensitive skin or year-round use.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
Example: Salicylic acid
How they work: BHAs are oil-soluble, meaning they penetrate deeper into pores, dissolving oil and debris. They’re anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, making them a powerhouse for acne-prone skin.
Best for: Oily, congested, or acne-prone skin
Carbon-Based Peels
Unlike AHAs and BHAs, carbon peels (like our Hollywood Peel) use activated carbon particles that bind to oil, dirt, and impurities on the skin. When combined with acids, the carbon magnifies exfoliation while deeply detoxifying. This unique dual mechanism makes it excellent for both acne and anti-aging.
How Peels Stimulate Collagen and Renewal
Beyond exfoliation, the real magic of peels lies in how they stimulate the skin’s repair mechanisms. When the top layers are shed, the body responds as if there’s been a mild “injury.” This sends signals to fibroblasts—the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin.
Collagen: Provides firmness and structure. Peels boost new collagen fibers, softening fine lines and tightening skin.
Elastin: Gives skin its ability to “snap back.” Peels help restore elasticity, especially in sun-damaged skin.
Cellular turnover: Speeds up the replacement of old cells with younger, healthier ones.
This is why professional peels can address not just surface issues like dullness but also deeper concerns like fine lines, scarring, and loss of elasticity.
To further amplify collagen production, inquire about our RF Lift Facial and add-exosome boosters for next-level renewal.
TenSkin Rx Peels: Options for Every Skin
At TenSkin Rx in Winnipeg, our peel menu is built around results, customization, and safety. Each peel is selected to meet specific needs, whether you want an event-ready glow up or deep renewal.
5-Day Regenerative Marine Peel
($169 | 30 mins)
This is the most intensive peel we offer—a transformative treatment with visible peeling and a five-day journey to new skin.
Science in action:
Marine actives deliver minerals and antioxidants that support healing.
Advanced acids break down damaged surface layers while stimulating oxygenation and blood flow.
The process triggers collagen renewal, reduces pigmentation, and improves elasticity.
Best for:
Visible sun damage or pigmentation
Acne scars and post-acne marks
Fine lines and loss of tone
Clients willing to take 4–5 days of downtime
The 5-day journey:
Day 1–2: Redness, tightness, “sunburned” look
Day 3–4: Active peeling and flaking (transformation phase)
Day 5: Fresh, radiant skin revealed
The included aftercare kit supports each stage of healing, from soothing redness to hydrating new skin.
Evolution Peel
($129 | 30 mins | $342 for a series of 3)
A gentler, no-downtime peel that combines exfoliation with lifting and hydration.
Key actives:
Mandelic acid (AHA): Smooths and brightens with minimal irritation
Kojic acid: Inhibits melanin production to target pigmentation
Centella Asiatica: Enhances collagen and calms inflammation
Best for:
Year-round peel users
Sensitive skin types
Clients seeking glow, lift, and even tone without peelin
This treatment can be done as a single refresh or in a series for cumulative benefits.
Carbon Face Peel ("Hollywood Peel")
($129 | 30 mins)
This peel is ideal for acne-prone or event-ready skin, offering instant clarity and glow.
Science in action:
Carbon film: Binds to impurities and amplifies exfoliation
Acid solution: Dissolves dead cells and stimulates renewal
Carbon spray: Detoxifies and tightens skin
Best for:
Oily, congested, or acne-prone skin
Enlarged pores or uneven texture
A radiant boost before a big event
Post-Care Essentials
No matter the peel, aftercare is crucial. Post-peel skin is vulnerable, and what you do in the days following makes all the difference.
Golden Rules of Aftercare:
SPF daily: Protects against post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Gentle hydration: Support barrier repair with nourishing, non-irritating formulas.
No picking: Let peeling skin shed naturally to avoid scarring or pigmentation.
Avoid actives: Pause retinol, scrubs, or strong acids until fully healed.
Seasonal Skin Biology: Why Winnipeg Needs Special Care
Living in Winnipeg means our skin endures extremes: hot, dry summers and frigid winters. This impacts skin biology in several ways:
Summer: Higher oil production, sweat, and UV damage.
Fall/Winter: Reduced humidity leads to dryness, flaking, and impaired barrier function.
Spring: Skin often looks dull and uneven from winter buildup.
By timing treatments seasonally, you maximize results:
Late summer/early fall peels: Reset UV damage and congestion.
Winter hydration facials: Rebuild barrier strength.
Spring brightening peels: Refresh after the long winter.
Is a Peel Right for You?
If you recognize any of these, a peel may be perfect:
Dull, tired-looking skin
Fine lines or early wrinkles
Pigmentation, sunspots, or acne scars
Enlarged pores or congestion
Uneven tone or texture
At TenSkin Rx, our experts will assess your skin and recommend the right peel for your needs.
Your End-of-Summer Reset
Facial peels aren’t just cosmetic—they’re scientifically grounded treatments that reset skin from the inside out. Whether you need a deep regeneration, a lifting refresh, or an instant Hollywood glow, TenSkin Rx in Winnipeg has a peel tailored for you.
As summer fades, now is the time to give your skin a new beginning. Step into fall with clarity, confidence, and radiance.
✨ Book your peel at TenSkin Rx today and experience why we’re Winnipeg’s trusted destination for advanced skincare.