A guide to chemical peels, microneedling, laser facials, European facials, and microdermabrasion, and how to know which is right for you
by Dr. Janna Bentley & team
Skin concerns rarely have a single cause, which is why there is no single facial treatment that works for everyone. Sun damage, fine lines, uneven texture, dehydration, and enlarged pores each respond differently depending on the approach used, and the right plan often depends as much on your skin type and goals as it does on the concern itself.
At Lakeshore Vein & Aesthetics Clinic in Kelowna, Advanced Facials is our umbrella category for five distinct treatments: chemical peels, microneedling, laser facials, European facials, and microdermabrasion. Each works differently, and most patients benefit from a combination tailored to their skin during a consultation, rather than a single stand-alone treatment.
What Falls Under Advanced Facials at Our Clinic
Below is a general overview of each option. Your provider will recommend a specific treatment, or combination of treatments, based on your skin and goals during a consultation.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to exfoliate and remove damaged outer layers of skin, encouraging smoother, more even-toned skin underneath. We offer two options: the Vivier Peel, suited to aging skin, dark spots, dehydrated skin, and oily or acne-prone skin, and the deeper Vivier TX Jessner Plus, suited to age spots, enlarged pores, and a dull complexion. Both are in-clinic treatments with minimal to no downtime.
Microneedling
Microneedling uses fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, encouraging your body to produce its own collagen and elastin. Over time, this can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, firm the skin, reduce pore size, and improve the appearance of scarring and sun or age spots. Microneedling also increases how well the skin absorbs therapeutic serums applied during treatment. Downtime is typically limited to mild redness for a short period.
Laser Facials
Laser facials use tailored 2D and 3D laser packages to address concerns at multiple layers of the skin, including redness, sun damage, fine lines, dark spots, and broken capillaries. Because packages are combined and tailored, laser facials often work well for patients dealing with more than one concern at once.
European Facials
European facials are a luxurious, multi-step treatment using the Vivier product line, involving cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, a circulation-stimulating massage, and a conditioning mask. This option tends to suit patients looking to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity, or address acne, dehydration, and early signs of aging, in a more spa-like setting.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion gently resurfaces the outermost layer of skin to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath. It is non-invasive, involves minimal downtime, and is often used as a lighter option for patients newer to in-clinic skin treatments, or as a maintenance treatment between more intensive procedures.
Not sure which of these fits your skin? Book a consultation and our team will walk you through what’s realistic for your goals.
How to Choose the Right Facial for You
A few starting points that often come up in consultations:
- Sun damage, pigmentation, or dullness: chemical peels or laser facials are often discussed first.
- Fine lines, texture, or early signs of aging: microneedling is commonly recommended, often alongside other treatments.
- Dehydrated or reactive skin, or a relaxing entry point: European facials or microdermabrasion tend to be gentler starting places.
- Multiple concerns at once: a combination approach, built during your consultation, is often more effective than any single treatment alone.
These treatments can also complement other services, including Botox Cosmetic and dermal fillers, as part of a broader anti-aging plan. If sun damage or uneven tone and texture is your primary concern, our skin tone, texture, and sun damage condition page covers this in more depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many treatments will I need?
This varies by treatment and by patient. Peels and European facials are often done as a short package, while microneedling and laser facials may involve a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart for best results.
Is there downtime?
Most Advanced Facials involve little to no downtime. Some redness or mild sensitivity is common for a short period, particularly after chemical peels or microneedling, and your provider will walk you through what to expect for your specific treatment.
Can these treatments be combined?
Often, yes. Many patients benefit from pairing treatments, such as microneedling with a chemical peel, based on their specific goals. This is something your provider will discuss during your consultation.
Which treatment is best for sun damage?
Chemical peels and laser facials are commonly recommended for sun damage and pigmentation, though the right option depends on your skin type and the severity of the concern.
How do I know which facial is right for me?
A consultation is the most reliable way to find out. Your provider will assess your skin and goals and recommend a treatment, or combination of treatments, suited to you.
Physician-Led Advanced Facials in Kelowna
With five distinct treatments under one category, Advanced Facials at Lakeshore Vein & Aesthetics Clinic can be tailored to a wide range of skin concerns and goals, from a relaxing refresh to a more targeted approach to sun damage, texture, or fine lines.
If you are not sure where to start, a consultation is the best next step. Our physician-led team can walk you through which treatment, or combination of treatments, is right for your skin.
Call 250-860-9919 to schedule a consultation, or book your consultation online.
