Skin Resurfacing Procedures

Skin resurfacing refers to various procedures and treatments aimed at improving the texture, tone, and overall appearance of the skin by removing damaged outer layers and stimulating new cell growth along with new collagen production. These treatments can address variety of concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and textural imperfections, roughness.

The skin resurfacing methods mentioned below and offered at our clinic+spa are non-invasive treatments with minimal to no downtime and zero evidence you’ve had any work done.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is an applicator based mechanical exfoliation that involves using abrasive material(s) and suction to gently sand away the thick outer layer of the skin to rejuvenate it. This can be achieved either with a diamond tip (called diamond-tip microdermabrasion) where the abrasive surface is pressed and moved on the skin or with edible corundum aka aluminum oxide crystals (called crystal microdermabrasion) where the crystals are “sprayed” onto the skin to lift off old skin cells. Both technique is gentle but effective and has no downtime.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate and remove the outer layers. Unlike their name suggests the solutions are from natural sources, like glycolic acid (GA) is from cane sugar, lactic acid (LA) is from milk, salicylic acid (SA) is from willow bark, mandelic acid (MA) is from bitter almond… to mention a couple.

The depth of the peel generally can vary, ranging from superficial to deep, depending on the concentration, pH of the solution and the specific concerns being targeted. We work with light chemical peels (aka “lunchtime” peels) at Ici Paris that are easily tolerated and have no downtime. They can improve skin texture, tone & clarity, and they are often used to treat acne, rosacea, sun damage, and other forms of pigmentation.

Crushed herbs and sea sponges

Herbal and Phyto peel treatments involve the use of finely ground natural herbs or sponges that are massaged into the skin. The treatments are easily tolerated and have very minimal to social downtime. During the procedure while we massage the material into your skin you will feel heat and prickling sensation, and your skin will turn red accompanied with sunburned sensation after the treatment. These treatments can address a wide variety of concerns from enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) to cumulative sun damage and other age-relating skin changes.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Ablative or skin resurfacing lasers, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium Yag (Er:YAG) lasers, briefly direct an intense burst of laser energy onto the surface of the skin. This energy heats water within the surface layers of the skin, causing both the water and the tissue of the skin to turn to vapour. Every time the laser passes over the skin, some of the outermost layers of the skin are removed in a precise and controlled way to the appropriate depth.

Unlike traditional ablative laser resurfacing, which removes the whole top layer of the skin, fractional technology targets only certain zones in the skin while leaving other zones within it perfectly intact. This leads to tiny white dots or pixel-like treated areas that tend to heal in couple days and usually easy to camouflage.

Laser resurfacing is used for skin rejuvenation, which includes the reduction and possible removal of fine lines and wrinkles, improvement of deeper wrinkles, repair of sun damaged skin, the reduction of age spots and blemishes, acne scars, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation (areas of darker pigment or brown patches in the skin), and an array of other skin irregularities with minimal downtime.

Can be done on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands.

Pixel® 2940 laser device from Alma Lasers uses a specific wavelength of 2940nm Er:YAG (Erbium Yag), while Fractional CO2 Laser emits energy with a peak wavelength of 10,600 nm to create micro-injuries in the skin that are repaired by producing new, healthy skin cells. These treatments depending on the concern and age can be done on a scale from light to deep, where lighter settings can address texture + tone issues, skin irregularities, congestion, fine lines; the deeper procedures are used to treat deeper wrinkles, scars, and rough skin texture.

Please note that unfortunately these procedures are not suitable for all skin types.

Come and meet us to discuss your concerns and determine if you are a candidate!

Microneedling

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), involves using a motorized hand-held device (pen) or a stamping one (MesoGold) with fine needles that create micro channels in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the skin's natural healing processes, leading to new cell, blood vessel, collagen & elastin production. Microneedling can safely improve skin texture & tone, reduce the appearance of scars, plump and tone the skin and enhance overall skin quality without any downtime.

Fractional Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling

This advanced form of microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. Fractional RF microneedling delivers heat energy deep into the skin that is minimum 6x stronger than regular micro needling. Just like regular skin needling it can address concerns from the superficial layers to the deep dermal ones with no to very minimal downtime but with results kicking in faster and more effectively treating deeper wrinkles, acne scars and other form of scars, along with sagging/lax skin and strecth marks.

At-Home Treatments

There are also various at-home treatments available, such as exfoliating scrubs, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion kits. While these options may provide some improvement in skin texture and tone, they are generally less potent than professional treatments and may require longer-term use to achieve noticeable results.

Before undergoing any skin resurfacing treatment, it's essential to consult with a qualified skincare professional to determine the most suitable option for your skin type, condition, concerns, and desired outcomes.

Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our experts, who can assess your skin, discuss treatment options, and develop a personalized plan to help you achieve your skincare goals effectively and safely. Additionally, building a strong daily skin care routine - like following proper skincare practices and protecting your skin from sun damage + blue light - can help maintain the results of skin resurfacing treatments over time and prevent further damages.