Since the beginning of time women have been looking for ways to reverse the sign of aging. Cleopatra and ancient Romans used various food acids to peel their skin. Turkish women took it to the extreme by burning their skin to peel off their superficial layer. Other women in ancient world bathed in sour mild, or rubbed fermented grape skins to enhance beauty. In the early 1900’s European and American women underwent “non-medical” peels in salons with secret formula, which were probably mild acids.

Today, there is no beauty professional who would not know that chemical peeling is a procedure of the controlled chemical burn of the skin. The purpose is to stress the skin to stimulate reparative processes in skin structure.

Peelings are characterized by the depth of penetration as: shallow surface, surface, middle and deep. Other categories of peelings include acting ingridients such as AHA, TSA, phenol and retinoid.


Shallow surface peeling is considered to be a form of soft purification, and is comparable with ultrasound peeling. Enzymes dissolve protein structures and this way contribute to removal of dead cells of the superficial layer.

Surface peelings act on the depth of epidermis up to the basal lamina, but they do not disrupt it. Preparation prior to peeling is not required and after the treatment peeling of the skin is observed.

The majority of surface peeling agents contain alpha–hydroxy acids (AHA) and glycol. The use of glycol acid with concentration higher than 50% stimulates fibroblast to strengthen the synthesis of elastin and collagen. On the other hand, the solution with concentration of up to 30% makes it possible to remove only the surface layers of dead skin, providing short term improvement in the exterior look of the skin.  Almond, wine, malic, lactic, salycilic acids, and also their combinations are used besides glycol acid.

Mild peeling penetrates not only epidermis, basal lamina, but also the part of the derma: its papillary layer and even the upper parts of reticulated layer.

This type of peeling is used for eliminating more serious defects of the skin: deep wrinkles on face, scars, stretch marks pigmentation as well as provides noticeable rejuvenating and lifting effect.

Most often middle peeling is carried out with the aid of the trichloracetic acid (TSA) in concentration 15-25%. Procedure is carried out only by dermatologists. It requires powerful neutralizers and preparatory procedures and takes approximately one week for the restoration of the skin with constant application of moistening and calming substances.

Deep Chemical Peel. Deep Chemical Peels penetrate deeper layers of the skin (dermis). Phenol peel is the standard chemical that is used in this kind of facial peeling. Phenol peels are performed under carefully monitored conditions, usually in doctor’s office because the technique requires sedation and proper cardiac monitoring. Postoperative convalescence is a prolonged two-week period of time; however the ultimate result is highly satisfactory and successful.

Here is the list of top 10 peels by leading manufacturers

Peeling you need (Paris)
Sothys offers one professional peeling treatment that is unique as it incorporates both Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA) as well as a mechanical exfoliation.  Glycolic acid is coupled with acacia gum. This combination promotes peeling action without irritation that the use of glycolic acid alone can cause; and acacia gum prevents any irritation from salicylic acid.  Incorporating both types of acids makes this peel very effective in eliminating dead cells, diminishing the thickness of the Stratum Corneum and promoting skin cell renewal.  After the AHA’s and BHA’s are removed, a mechanical “Gommage” exfoliation is carried out to further enhance the results of the treatment, leaving the skin soft and supple.

This is an incredible peel for minimizing pigmentation, diminishing signs of aging, improving the condition of seborrheic skin, refining the skin texture, minimizing pores, brightening the complexion, promoting cell renewal, and facilitating and enhancing the benefits of other products used.

Advantages of our peel are that they give incredible results without causing irritation to the skin; there is no pain and almost no recovery period.  It is contra-indicated for active acne, sensitive skin, or Rosacea.

Overall results will depend on the condition and concerns of the skin that is being treated, however expectations will include the following:

• The skin will have a renewed healthy glow
• Circulation will be improved facilitating cellular nutrition and detoxification
• The refined thickness of the Stratum Corneum will help to prevent future comedones and blemishes from developing
• Refining the Stratum Corneum will help to regulate sebum secretion and facilitate better hydration of the skin 

Pro Alpha Six Layer Peel: when you need results
This medium peeling was developed by Dr. Montaque-King. 

The Six Layer Peel is an effective resurfacing procedure for those desiring dramatic results. This professionally applied treatment removes dead skin cells and instigates collagen development. Medically speaking, the treatment is considered to have an effect similar to laser treatments or medical peels without the risk of trauma, long convalescence or possible contraindications. This treatment is safe for use on all skin types and will be adjusted in concentration to your particular skin type and level of sensitivity. Danne peels successfully treat sun damaged and aged skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring and pigmented skin. The Six Layer Peel is an exclusive blend of natural plant and fruit sugar acids, applied systematically in layers: Pro Alpha # 1-15% with a pH of 3 contains a blend of glycolic, lactic, malic, and citric acid from fruits and sugars and Pro Alpha # 2 -20% with a pH of 2.6 contains a blend of glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and resorcinol acids. To prepare skin skin for the peel, it is recommended to use Retosin beginning 7-14 days prior to this treatment.

ERICSON LABORATOIRE (Paris)

Micro-dermabrasion & 9 Acids peeling Complex

NOVACID+ is unique due to its concentration of ingredients their strength. Ericson Laboratories also took the inspiration of the mechanical micro-dermabrasion procedure to create a scrub based on aluminum oxide crystals.   

Ericson’s research laboratories have developed formulas of different concentrations for products for “Professional” use or for “Home” use.

Professional products for Salon treatments are highly concentrated in AHAs, and contain 70% glycolic acid.

Home use products have been formulated with AHA concentrations that have been secially devised to give quasi-immedicate results in terms of exfoliation, without any discomfort.

The NOVACID+ treatment will bring visible changes to the client's skin after the very first treatment. Adjectives such as clear, bright, soft, revitalized skin are just some of the comments receive after a single treatment. It is a powerful skin correction treatment that works on skin surface defects and speeds up te renewal of skin tissue. Clients can expect reduction of surface wrinkles, youthful, radiant, hydrated and softer skin with regular use

Green Peel Comfort Treatment (Germany)
The original GREEN PEEL® Herbal Peeling Treatment method designed by Dr. med. Christine Schrammek is a dermatologically-developed, biologically-based method for skin peeling with exclusively natural plant ingredients such as: horsetail, marigold, spirulina, chamomile, pansy and aloe to name a few.

Contrary to other peeling products, GREEN PEEL® contains no chemicals, harmful substances or synthetic peeling agents. How does the herbal peeling treatment work without any chemical substances?

This peel enhances the circulation and metabolism of the skin and boosts the oxygen supply to individual cells. Three days later the skin begins to peel. The natural active substances in the herbs support the normalizing and regeneration processes of the skin.

Right after the peeling treatment, the skin will be flushed and slight burning sensation similar to slight sunburn can be felt. Between day 3 and day 5 after the treatment, the “old” skin normally begins to loosen and peel off by itself. Until then the client can go about her daily business without interruption.

The Green Peel® comfort method can be repeated several times without any harmful side effects, or as a preventative measure it can be carried out 1-2 times a year in the salon booth.  

The main purpose of Green Peel® comfort is to minimize wrinkles, induce firming effect, heal acneic conditions, minimize scars, combat photo-pigmentation and promote even skin texture.


Cosmetiques France Laure Paris
France Laure, based in Quebec offers three peels: mechanical, enzymatic and glycolic. Every peel is used to facilitate the extraction of comedones and to get rid of any superficial dead cells that have stayed on the surface of the epidermis; therefore making sure that the skin gets all the benefits of the treatment products use thereafter. There is no preparation for this peel and it is included with regular facial treatment. Patient does not feel any discomfort after the treatment, but results can vary with different skin type. After the treatment, the PH level of the skin is restored and it will palliate to any redness, dehydration or any secondary effect of the peeling. Peels by France Laure help with collagen production and hydrolipidic film that is responsible for the balance of water and oil on the skin. In order to achieve desired results 2-4 treatments is needed.

Institut’ DerMed
Hydroxyacid (AHA) or Glycolic Acid peels or “Lunchtime Peels” as they come to be know are very gentle and do not require any recovery period. Trichloracetic Acid (TCA) peel is a deeper peel that goes into the superficial layer of the skin and requires 7-10 days to recover. There is usually a preparation period for these peels for a period of up to 2 weeks. One of the preparations is the elimination of Retin-A prior to the peel. After 1st treatment feeling of some discomfort might be present with skin appearing slightly pink, this will lead to peeling of the skin. With all the discomfort described earlier, the results are outstanding. With the “lunchtime peel” the outcome is softening of fine lines and wrinkles as well as a more refined skin texture. Those who have acne scarring or pigmentation can expect levelling of the scars and fading of hyper pigmentation. Overall they can expect a noticeable freshness and youthful glow.

Pevonia Botanica
Pevonia Botanica (distributed by Spassion) is another company on Canadian market that offers very light peels like Granular, Enzyme and AHA. The purpose of these peels is to digest impurities, sebum, toxins, blackhead and dead skin cells. Pevonia peels also minimize the appearance of fine lines, control hyper pigmentation and treatment of acne scars. Light peels do not require preparation or a recovery period and are incorporated into the treatment. The recommendation after the peel would be less sun exposure and application of sun screen as it might create more hyper pigmentation and defeat the purpose of the peel. In order to achieve desired outcome of silky smooth and radian skin clients should have a series of 3-6 treatments on a weekly basis.

Dr. Mehran
Dr. Mehran is a company specializing in light to medium peels. They offer manual peels, which involve rubbing or scrubbing manually to obtain exfoliation; as well as chemical peels where only application is needed to obtain results. The main purpose of both peels is to rid the skin from its upper layer of dead cells to unveil younger and fresher skin layers, at the same time allowing treatment products to have a better impact on the epidermis. There is no preparation or recovery process, where peels do not hurt the epidermis and leave skin healthier, fresher and younger looking. After the treatment Dr. Mehran recommends the use of Essential Support serum that protects the skin from sunrays with appropriate sun blocks right after the treatments and for the next 24 hours. Dr. Mehran recommends one treatment every 10 days with results visible almost immediately.

Bioline Primaluce
Bioline Primaluce is a peel offered by Euro-Essentials acts as an exfoliating and whitening agent due to a revolutionary combination of PHA, AHA, white complex and nanostructures. These active ingredients smooth, renovate, illuminate and brighten the skin at a cosmetic level. The treatment offers four interactive and synergic actions to tackle skin thickenings, skin ageing, hyper pigmentation areas and impurities. There is no preparation or recovery of the skin and the treatment lasts 1 hour. The major advantages of Bioline Primaluce are cell renewal and cell turnover. In order to achieve end results which are smoother and more luminous, blemish less skin, 3-5 treatments are needed.

Gernetic
Gernetics, distributed by National Beauty Supplies, offer glycolic acid 30% peel, lactic acid 30% peel, brightening AHA peel and power C peel, which can be considered light to medium peels. The primary purpose of these peels is to exfoliate dead outer layer of the skin, lighten pigmentation patches as well as stimulate respiration, circulation and speed up the process of cellular renewal. There is no preparation or recovery period for the skin. These peels allow the skin to breathe and they also prepare the skin to readily absorb subsequent treatment products. In order to see results a series of 6 treatments is used with expected results of healthy, bright and younger looking skin.