DermaQuest Resurfacer & Zena Cosmetic FAQs - Norfolk County, Ontario

DermaQuest resurfacers are professional chemical exfoliation treatments designed to improve skin tone, texture, clarity, and overall skin health. Using carefully formulated exfoliating acids and active ingredients, these treatments help remove dead skin cells, encourage cellular turnover, and reveal a smoother, brighter, more refreshed complexion.

At Mandelic Medical Aesthetics in Waterford, Ontario, we offer customized DermaQuest resurfacing treatments to address concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, dullness, and visible signs of aging.

Chemical peels and resurfacers both use exfoliating ingredients to improve the appearance of the skin. The primary differences are the formulation, strength, depth of exfoliation, and intended treatment outcome.

Resurfacers are often designed for more superficial exfoliation, while chemical peels can range from superficial to deep treatments.

Lactic Acid Resurfacer: Ideal for clients seeking improved hydration, brightness, and smoother-looking skin. This is a good option for those with more sensitive skin and is a gentle introduction to professional chemical exfoliation

MelaQuest Mango Resurfacer: Targets uneven pigmentation, dullness, and the visible effects of sun damage. This is a great option for someone struggling with melasma as well.

Primary Pumpkin Resurfacer: Designed for acne-prone skin, congestion, enlarged pores, and uneven texture.

Power Pumpkin Resurfacer: A more intensive exfoliating option for suitable clients experiencing stubborn congestion, rough texture, and discoloration.

Power Peptide Resurfacer: This is an advanced anti-aging treatment designed to improve skin firmness, soften fine lines and wrinkles, restore hydration, and reveal a smoother, more luminous complexion.

During your consultation at our Waterford medical aesthetics clinic, we'll assess your skin and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Not necessarily! Despite the name, visible peeling is not required to achieve benefits from a professional resurfacing treatment.

Some clients experience little to no flaking, while others may notice dryness, tightness, or mild peeling several days after treatment.

The amount of peeling depends on the specific resurfacer, skin condition, and treatment intensity. More visible peeling does not automatically mean better results.

Downtime varies depending on the resurfacer used and your skin's individual response.

Some superficial treatments involve minimal downtime, while stronger resurfacing treatments may cause redness, sensitivity, dryness, and visible flaking for several days.

Your aesthetician will explain what to expect and provide detailed aftercare instructions based on your treatment.

Some clients notice brighter, smoother-looking skin after a single treatment. However, concerns such as acne, discoloration, and uneven texture often benefit from a series of professional resurfacing treatments.

A series of approximately 3–6 treatments may be recommended, depending on your skin goals and the resurfacer selected.

Treatment frequency is individualized to allow adequate recovery and minimize irritation.

Certain superficial resurfacers may be appropriate for some clients with sensitive skin, such as the lactic resurfacer, but not every formulation is suitable for every skin type.

Clients with a compromised skin barrier, active irritation, or certain inflammatory skin conditions may need to postpone treatment.

At Mandelic Medical Aesthetics, we evaluate your skin's condition and tolerance before recommending a professional treatment.

You may not be a good candidate if:

• If you are taking Accutane (last dose of this medication at least 1 year prior).

• Pregnant or nursing.

• If you have an Asprin allergy.

• If you have sunburned or compromised skin.

• Have a serious medical condition (Heart condition/problem, Immunity disorder, Diabetes etc.)

• Have active cold sores or lesions, an active facial rash or have severe Rosacea.

• If you are on the medications for Diabetes Type 2, Lupus or chemo.

• Use Retin-A. You must discontinue for 7- 10 days prior to treatment.

• Have permanent cosmetics. Please wait 7 days then cover with occlusive barrier.

• Have had any facial surgery. Doctor’s approval required.

• Have had facial waxing. We require a 72-hour waiting period.

Preparing your skin properly is essential for a safe and effective treatment.

• Please limit sun exposure for 2 weeks prior to treatment. This includes both outdoor sun exposure and exposure from tanning beds. You cannot receive a peel if you are sunburnt.

• Discontinue any topical prescriptions or any products containing Retinol or Vitamin A (avoid any/all products with Retinoids for a minimum of 1 week prior to your treatment)

• Avoid waxing, electrolysis, hair removal creams and laser hair removal treatments for 1- 2 weeks prior to treatment.

• Do not receive Botox or dermal fillers for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.

• Do not have another facial or peel treatment 2-4 weeks prior to treatment.

• Make sure to properly prep the skin. Ask us about our pre treatment peel products.

Following a professional resurfacing treatment, your skin may be temporarily more sensitive to sunlight, heat, and active skincare ingredients.

We generally recommend:

• Avoiding direct sun exposure and tanning

• Wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily

• Temporarily avoiding retinoids, exfoliating acids, and harsh scrubs

• Avoiding excessive heat and sweating as instructed

• Keeping the skin hydrated with recommended products

• Never picking or peeling flaking skin

Your aesthetician will provide specific aftercare instructions based on the strength of your treatment.

Chemical peels can be incorporated into a comprehensive skin rejuvenation plan alongside treatments such as microneedling or IPL photofacials.

However, these treatments should be appropriately spaced to allow the skin to recover and reduce the risk of irritation, burns, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

At Mandelic Medical Aesthetics, we create personalized treatment plans based on your skin goals, treatment history, and individual needs.

DermaQuest resurfacers use chemical exfoliating ingredients and acids to improve concerns such as dullness, acne, uneven texture, and discoloration. They are applied and left on for 3-10 minutes, then neutralized. We let the product do the work.

The ZENA Algae Peel uses algae-derived spicules to create a different type of exfoliating and skin-stimulating treatment experience. The product is a mechanical exfoliation, as it is massaged into the skin. There is no neutralizer needed. There is significantly more downtime with this treatment.

The treatments differ in their mechanisms, intensity, aftercare requirements, and expected downtime.

During your consultation, we'll help you determine which option is best suited to your skin concerns and lifestyle.

The ZENA Algae Peel is a 100% natural spicule-based resurfacing treatment designed to stimulate cellular renewal, smooth texture, and brighten the skin through controlled micro-exfoliation. Unlike acid peels, this treatment uses microscopic spicules (marine algae microneedles) that penetrate the epidermis, activating regeneration and collagen synthesis from within.

Each treatment is fully customizable — pressure, timing, and layering are adjusted to match the client’s skin type, goals, and tolerance. Every treatment, we up your timing by 1-2 minutes.

Clients with shellfish or iodine allergies should avoid this treatment, as the peel contains iodine.

We're not going to sugarcoat it—this treatment is SPICY! Unlike a traditional relaxing facial, the ZENA Algae Peel creates an intense prickling sensation during application. Your skin may remain sensitive to touch for several days afterward. We'll explain exactly what to expect before your treatment.

Plan for approximately 7–10 days of downtime. During this period, you may experience redness, tightness, sensitivity, dryness, and visible peeling. Recovery varies from person to person, so we recommend scheduling your treatment well before any important events.

Yes, visible peeling is common, especially with more intensive ZENA protocols. Shedding typically begins a few days after treatment. It's essential to let your skin peel naturally—never pick, scrub, or pull away flaking skin.

Makeup should be avoided during the initial healing period and until your skin is sufficiently recovered, according to your personalized aftercare instructions. Applying makeup too soon can increase irritation and interfere with recovery.

The ZENA Algae Peel is an intensive skin resurfacing treatment, so expect some downtime! Immediately following your treatment, your skin may feel warm, tight, red, and sensitive to touch. A prickling or tingling sensation may continue for several days as the microscopic spicules remain in the skin's outer layers.

Over the following days, your skin may become dry, tight, and begin to visibly peel and shed. Peeling commonly begins around days 2–4, although everyone's skin responds differently.

We recommend planning for approximately 7–10 days of downtime, depending on your skin and treatment intensity.

As your skin recovers, you may notice a smoother, brighter, more refreshed complexion. Results vary, and improvements in specific skin concerns may require multiple treatments.

Proper aftercare is essential! Avoid picking or peeling the skin, follow your prescribed skincare routine, and protect your skin from sun exposure. We'll provide detailed post-treatment instructions to support a safe recovery and we retail appropriate after care kits.

The ZENA Natural Pro Retinol Peel is a professional, acid-free skin resurfacing treatment designed to gently exfoliate, brighten, and rejuvenate the skin without the intensity of traditional chemical peels. This innovative treatment combines nutrient-rich algae, bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative), natural enzymes, and antioxidants to support cellular renewal, improve skin texture, and promote a healthier-looking complexion.

At Mandelic Medical Aesthetics in Waterford, Ontario, we offer this treatment as a gentle introduction to professional skin resurfacing, particularly for clients with sensitive skin or those new to advanced skincare treatments.

The ZENA Natural Pro Retinol Peel offers multiple skin-rejuvenating benefits, including:

• Improving dullness and uneven skin tone

• Reducing the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots

• Smoothing rough or uneven skin texture

• Softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Supporting collagen production and skin elasticity

• Improving hydration and skin barrier function

• Helping calm the appearance of inflammation

• Addressing mild congestion and post-acne skin concerns

This treatment is ideal for anyone looking to achieve smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking skin without aggressive exfoliation.

No. Unlike traditional chemical peels that rely on exfoliating acids, the ZENA Natural Pro Retinol Peel uses natural enzymes, algae, antioxidants, and bakuchiol to encourage gentle skin renewal.

This makes it an excellent option for clients who prefer an acid-free resurfacing treatment or are not ready for more intensive chemical peels.

The ZENA Natural Pro Retinol Peel is designed to offer minimal downtime compared to more intensive resurfacing treatments.

Although significant visible peeling is not typically expected, proper aftercare is essential. Clients are instructed to avoid washing the treated area or applying additional skincare products for the first 12–24 hours.

After 24 hours, a gentle skincare routine can be introduced, with exfoliating acids, retinoids, and other active ingredients avoided for approximately one week or until the skin has fully settled.

Both treatments are designed to improve skin tone, texture, and overall skin appearance, but they differ significantly in intensity and recovery.

ZENA Natural Pro Retinol Peel: A gentle, acid-free resurfacing treatment ideal for beginners, sensitive skin, mild pigmentation, dullness, and routine skin maintenance. It requires minimal downtime.

ZENA Algae Peel: A more intensive resurfacing treatment that uses algae-derived microscopic structures to stimulate exfoliation and skin renewal. It is commonly selected for more advanced concerns such as acne scarring, stubborn pigmentation, uneven texture, and signs of aging. This treatment involves a more noticeable recovery period, typically 7–10 days.

The Natural Pro Retinol Peel can also serve as an introductory treatment before progressing to the more intensive ZENA Algae Peel.

For ongoing skin maintenance and rejuvenation, the ZENA Natural Pro Retinol Peel can be performed approximately every 4–6 weeks.

Treatment frequency will depend on your individual skin concerns, sensitivity, skincare routine, and long-term goals.

Regular treatments combined with an appropriate home skincare regimen can help maintain smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking skin.