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Exfoliation removes built-up dead skin cells so your skin can function more efficiently and look smoother, brighter, and more even. But not all exfoliation is the same—and stronger isn’t always better.
At Complexion Co., we choose the type and depth of exfoliation based on your skin, your goals, and what your skin can safely tolerate.
Gentle • Effective • Skin-Smoothing
Enzymes help loosen and digest dead skin cells sitting on the surface of the skin. They can improve dullness, rough texture, congestion, and help prepare the skin for the rest of your treatment.
Usually warm, mildly tingly, or sometimes barely noticeable. Some enzymes may feel more active depending on the formula and your skin.
Targeted • Corrective • Customizable
Despite the name, a chemical peel doesn’t necessarily mean your skin will visibly peel.
Professional acids are used to create controlled exfoliation at a selected depth. Depending on the peel, they can target concerns such as acne and congestion, uneven tone, hyperpigmentation, texture, fine lines, and overall skin clarity.
You may experience tingling, warmth, itching, or a temporary stinging sensation. The intensity varies depending on the peel and your skin.
Maybe—but not always. Some peels cause little to no visible flaking, while others may cause dryness or peeling over the following days.
Visible peeling isn’t required for a treatment to be effective.
Polishing • Smoothing • Refining
Physical exfoliation mechanically removes dead surface cells rather than dissolving or loosening them chemically. Depending on the treatment, this may involve professional tools, techniques, or exfoliating products.
It can help immediately improve rough texture and leave the skin feeling smoother and more polished.
Typically like gentle polishing or light abrasion across the skin. The technique and intensity are adjusted to your skin.
Not sure where to start
You don’t have to know which one to book—that’s our job.
Every skin treatment includes the appropriate form of exfoliation for your individual needs. At the beginning of every treatment, we discuss your skin during a thorough skin analysis and determine which exfoliation method, if any, is best suited to your current condition, goals, and tolerance.
Before exfoliating, we consider:
Sensitivity, hydration, barrier health, active breakouts, irritation, and current skin condition.
Whether we’re addressing acne, pigmentation, texture, aging, dullness, congestion, or general maintenance.
Retinoids, acids, exfoliants, prescriptions, and other active products can change what your skin can safely tolerate.
If you’re new to exfoliation, we may begin conservatively and gradually progress your treatments as we learn how your skin responds.
Have an important event coming up? Don’t want visible flaking? We take that into consideration too.
Levels, not strength
Think of exfoliation as levels rather than weak vs. strong.
Removes buildup and refreshes the skin with minimal downtime.
Provides more targeted correction for concerns like congestion, pigmentation, and texture.
Used selectively when appropriate for the skin, treatment goals, and professional scope.
The goal isn’t to choose the deepest exfoliation possible.
The goal is to choose the level that gives your skin the best result without unnecessarily compromising its barrier.
Our philosophy
Your treatment is customized to what your skin needs today—and may change from appointment to appointment as your skin progresses.
Start with a skin analysis
Book a treatment with Complexion Co. Skin Studio and we’ll begin with a personalized skin analysis to determine the most appropriate exfoliation and treatment approach for you.
Have questions?
Have more questions? Contact us to schedule a consultation.
