Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure useful for treatment of a wide range of conditions including acnebrown spots (sun spots / age spots), and wrinkles.

It involves application of a chemical solution onto skin to produce a controlled chemical burn. Sounds terrible, but not necessarily so, as the severity of the “burn” is controlled, so as to produce a benefit rather than damage. The (controlled) injury that is inflicted onto the skin by a peel procedure stimulates body’s healing process, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance of the treated area. The chemicals used for a chemical peel can vary in potency from:

  • “light” such as glycolic acid; to,
  • “medium” such as Trichlor-acetic acid (TCA); to,
  • “deep”, such as Phenol.

As the strength of the chemical used for the peel escalates, so does the risk of the procedure, with glycolic acid peel being the safest, to phenol peel being the most risky.

Although light and medium chemical peels are still popular, the deeper chemical peels are being replaced by laser peel (laser resurfacing) due to greater control of the depth of the peel with laser, as well as greater safety of laser peels over deep chemical peels.

 

Major Benefits

Mild chemical peels, such as glycolic acid peel and peels involving salicylic acid, are a very useful tool in treating acne and pores, stimulating dermal collagen production, and addressing the tone and radiance of the skin.

Medium peels, such as TCA peel, can still be used to target pigmentation and wrinkles. Phenol peel, while very effective in treating pigmentation and wrinkles, is substantially more risky than a laser peel, and is performed more rarely.

However, over-expectations should be avoided as no chemical peel can produce miracles. Chemical peels can’t remove deep scars, deep wrinkles and folds or tighten sagging skin.

Book Your Consultation

Call us at 604-284-5501 for any questions or book online for a consultation with our doctor to discuss your needs and options. No obligation to proceed with any treatment or service – just information so you can decide when you want to make an enhancement of your natural beauty. We are all happy to help you every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between light, medium, and deep peels?

Each kind removes the top layers of your skin to different depths, which lets smooth skin grow back.

  • Superficial light peels use mild acids that remove dull, dead skin cells to brighten the skin.
  • Medium-depth peels involve slightly stronger acids that go deeper.They’re better at targeting age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
  • Deep peels use even stronger acids to make more dramatic improvements in the skin’s appearance. These work best on fair-skinned people with moderate lines or shallow scars. They also carry more risk for side effects, including changes in skin color and even scarring.

Can everyone benefit from chemical peels?

While most people react to chemical peels, some people who want more dramatic results may need to opt for other treatments for more noticeable improvement in their skin quality.

Peels aren’t for you if you’re prone to brown spots or discoloration. People with darker skin tones should also be cautious and assessed before having the treatment. Risks can usually be reduced by having lighter peels over many sessions.

Schedule an assessment today to find out if you are an ideal candidate for chemical peels.

Is It Safe?

As the strength of the chemical used for the peel escalates, so does the risk of the procedure, with glycolic acid peel being the safest, to phenol peel being the most risky. Although light and medium chemical peels are still popular, the deeper chemical peels are being replaced by laser peel (laser resurfacing) due to greater control of the depth of the peel with laser, as well as greater safety of laser peels over deep chemical peels. Also the safety of the operation depends greatly on the knowledge and experience of the practitioner.

At Medical Spa Club clinic, our team is well-trained and knowledgeable on the operation procedure. Your safety is our top priority. To find out more about the chemical peel treatment, please make a consultation appointment by booking online.

Does it hurt?

Beauty sometimes comes with a price, in the case of chemical peels, part of it is pain. How much it hurts depends on several things such as your skin sensitivity, the peel’s strength and the targeted area.

  • Mild peels: some stinging
  • Deeper peels: more painful and the pain may linger

Is there a recovery time?

Yes, it may take from 3 days to 2 weeks to fully recover, depending on the strength of the peel you got.

  • Light peels: 3-7 days. You can usually wear makeup the next day if you wish.
  • Medium peels: at least one week, up to two weeks. You can use cosmetics to conceal any redness after 5-7 days.
  • Deep peels: up to three weeks for full recovery. You can use cosmetics to conceal any redness after 2 weeks.

What are the side effects?

The most common side effects include redness, irritation, and crusting.

Although most side effects are temporary, there’s a slight chance that you could end up with scarring or a permanent change in your skin color. It is important to get well assessed and find an experienced professional practitioner to perform the peel on you before you decide to have the procedure.

What post-treatment care should I take?

You will have to have sufficient sun protection. And avoid picking, rubbing or scratching your skin. It may take several months before your skin color returns to normal and you can see the full results of the peel.

You’ll likely need several follow-up visits soon after your treatment so that your doctor can monitor your healing.

Am I A Good Candidate?

People with fair skin tone and light complexions are ideal for chemical peels. You should not have the procedure if you:

  • Have an infection
  • Are pregnant or nursing
  • Have recently used the acne treatments isotretinoin or tretinoin
  • Have an active skin disease
  • Have cut / broken skin, open wounds
  • Have sunburned or inflammed skin

We will need to assess your candidacy by examining your skin and health condition first. To find out more about the chemical peel treatment, please make a consultation appointment.