What Is A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is an office treatment that utilizes specialized solution to exfoliate and remove the top layer of the skin. As we age cellular turnover slows down leaving our skin appearing dull, damaged and uneven; a chemical peel can speed up this cellular turnover improving the texture, tone and the overall appearance of the skin.
What Are The Benefits Of Chemical Peels?
- It can be tailored to suit your skin type and skin concerns
- Minimal downtime 0-3 days
- Pigmentation improvement
- Improvement in fine lines
- Smoother fresher skin
- Reduction in redness
- Refreshed healthier complexion
Candidates For Chemical Peels
This treatment is suitable for all patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Both superficial and medium peels are safe to be used on ALL skin types including very light and darker skin tones. Darker skin tones usually need extra care when they are treated to avoid pigmentation issues.
Chemical peels are not advised for those with severe acne or have used Accutane in the last 6months.
Chemical Peel Procedure
Before the treatment the Medical Aesthetician will asses your skin to determine the skin concerns and select the appropriate peel. The skin will be thoroughly cleansed before the peel is applies. The Medical Aesthetician will use a brush to apply the chemical solution, typically containing glycolic, lactic or salicyclic acid. Depending on the type of peel used, mild tingling and warm sensation can be felt. Pain relief is not required for a chemical peel. A neutraliser solution or water is than applied to remove the chemical solution. Moisturizer and SPF is applied to the skin before leaving the office.
Chemical peels can be done at different depths—light, medium, or deep—depending on your desired results.
How Should I Prepare For A Chemical Peel?
Please advise us prior to treatment if you have suffered in the past with cold sores on the skin or lips. This viral infection may be re-activated in these areas by laser treatments. Prior to a chemical skin peel, it is important for a patient to inform the medical esthetician of any past history of keloids, unusual scarring tendencies, extensive radiation to the face, for proper precautions to be taken.
Can Chemical Peels Be Combined With Botox Treatment?
No. Lasers, Botox and Dermal Filler treatments cannot be done for 1 week before or 1 week after chemical peel treatments.
Can Skin Peels Be Used If I Am Taking Accutane?
No. Accutane must be stopped for 6 months prior to this treatment
How Many Chemical Peels Are Needed For Best Results?
When it comes to chemical peels the best results come from multiple treatments. A superficial peel typically requires repeated applications every 3-4 weeks till the desired effect is achieved.
After these treatments are complete, some patients may require maintenance therapy once every few months.
When Will I See Results After A Chemical Peel?
The results of a chemical peel are cumulative, which means that each treatment you perform will offer improvement to your overall complexion. The results for a medium-depth peel can be seen immediately, you'll notice a decrease in sun damage, signs of aging, scarring, acne and uneven skin tone. A superficial peel can reduce some issues but does not eliminate sun damage and signs of aging.
How Long Is The Downtime After A Chemical Peel?
Overall, chemical peels will not require much downtime. It is recommended to avoid any gym work for the first 24 hours after the treatment. Swimming and sun exposure should be avoided for one week.
Possible Side Effects Of Chemical Peels
Swelling redness along with the feeling of sunburn can be expected for the first 4-6 hours. By day 2 or 3 the skin may begin to peel or flake around the mouth and forehead. Light peels may not have any flaking. Deep peels have longer recovery.
Cost Of Chemical Peel Treatment
Please contact us for the cost of treatment.
Schedule A Consultation
Do you have questions or want to know if you are a candidate for a chemical peel treatment? We can be reached at (416) 925-5775. Call to schedule an appointment at our office in in Toronto, ON.
