Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re serious about skin care, knowing how to safely perform a chemical peel is essential. That’s why you’ll take a chemical peel course in Winnipeg as part of our Skin Care Technician Program—because real skin pros need to understand when chemical exfoliation beats physical exfoliation.
So when is it the better choice?
Not All Skin Loves Physical Exfoliation
Sure, scrubs and tools can give skin that fresh, polished look. But sometimes, they do more harm than good.
Here’s when physical exfoliation (like microdermabrasion or dermaplaning) isn’t the best choice:
- Widespread active acne or inflamed breakouts — It can irritate lesions, spread bacteria and make inflamation worse.
- Sensitive skin types — Think rosacea, or people who flush easily.
- Hyperpigmentation-prone skin — Sometimes friction can actually trigger more pigment.
That’s where chemical peels come in.
Regular professional exfoliation keeps skin clear, smooth, and glowing by removing buildup that dulls the surface. But not everyone’s skin is a match for a dermaplaning blade or diamond-tip device. That’s why we train you in different methods. Chemical peels offer powerful exfoliation without the need for manual buffing or scraping—perfect for when skin needs a gentler touch.
Why Learn Peels in Our Skin Technician Program?
In our program, we teach chemical peels as part of a full skin care toolkit. You’ll learn how to:
- Choose the right peel for different skin concerns.
- Layer each pass of chemical safely for custom results.
- Recognize when chemical exfoliation is safer than physical exfoliation.
It’s not just about applying a solution. It’s about reading the skin and responding like a pro.
What are the three types of chemical peels?
Chemical peels come in three main levels: light, medium, and deep. The level depends on how deeply they work in the skin.
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Light peels work on the outermost layer (the epidermis). They’re great for treating acne, dark spots, and slightly rough skin.
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Medium peels go a bit deeper, reaching the top layers of the dermis (just below the surface). These help with dark spots, rough patches, mild acne scars, and fine lines.
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Deep peels work the deepest, into the middle layers of the dermis. They’re used for more serious concerns like deep wrinkles and severe acne scars.
You will learn to choose the perfect peel based on what the skin needs and the results the client wants.
What Chemical Peels Do That Physical Exfoliation Can’t
Chemical peels use ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid to break down the bonds between dead skin cells. No scrubbing. No friction.
Why we love this:
- It can penetrate deeper to target issues like acne, pigmentation, or dullness.
- It’s gentler on inflamed skin (when done right).
- You can tailor the strength and type of peel to match your client’s needs.
What does the chemical do to the skin?
Let’s break it down (literally!). When you apply a chemical peel, ingredients like salicylic acid or lactic acid go to work on the bonds that glue dead skin cells together.
👉 Think of your skin’s outer layer as a giant stack of sticky note pages. Over time, the top pages get crumpled, dull, and rough. Acids in a peel act like a gentle solvent that unsticks those top layers—no physical scrubbing needed.
Salicylic acid (oil-soluble MVP)
Salicylic acid is like a little oil-seeking missile. Because it’s oil-soluble, it can slide down into oily pores and break apart the gunk inside. It dissolves the sticky mix of dead skin and sebum that clogs pores, making it amazing for acne-prone skin.
Lactic acid (hydrating hero)
Lactic acid loves water. It breaks the bonds between dead skin cells but also draws moisture in as it works. It’s like dusting off a snake plant leaf while misting it with water to keep it polished and hydrated.
👉 On a molecular level:
These acids weaken or break down ‘desmosomes’—tiny structures that hold skin cells tight. Once loosened, dead cells shed naturally, revealing fresher skin underneath.
In simple terms?
Acids = tiny helpers that clean up the dead skin party without causing drama.
What to Expect From Our Chemical Peels Course in Winnipeg
In the Skin Care Technician Program, our chemical peel training gives you:
- Hands-on practice with real models.
- Safety know-how for pro-level results.
- The confidence to handle common skin concerns with the right exfoliation choice.
Chemical peels aren’t one-size-fits-all—but once you know how to work with them, you’ll be a total chemical skin care powerhouse.
If you’re ready to level up your skills, learn to choose the best exfoliation method for every client, and stand out in the skin care world, you’ve found your happy place in the Skin Care Technician Program.