Chemical Peels

What are chemical peels?

Skin peels are aesthetic procedures meant for rejuvenation, softening fine lines and wrinkles, as well as managing skin discoloration and pigmentation. Most people are not aware that mild scarring and certain types of acne can also be treated with chemical peels as well. Pigmentations of the skin, such as sun spots, liver spots, age spots, blotching from birth control pills (hormonal pigmentation), freckles and skin that is dull or flat coloured or textured, can be improved from chemical peeling.

The benefits of Chemical Peels

As we age, excess layers of superficial skin accumulate leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as dull, lifeless skin. Long term sun exposure results in pigmentation of the skin on the face and parts of the body exposed to the sun. Chemical Peels lifts dead, dull cells off the surface of the skin and stimulates the growth of new healthy cells and collagen. The procedure stimulates a “burst of renewal” within the skin to bring healthy, young, living cells to the surface and address the signs of facial aging.

What visible results can I expect?

• Fine lines and wrinkles become less apparent
• Skin tone evens out
• Texture becomes more refined
• Oily or acne-prone skin is improved
• Enlarged pores appear smaller
• Blackheads are reduced
• Superficial scars appear reduced
• Skin appears healthier and more youthful
• Pigmentation is reduced in all skin types (with repeated peels)

Note: results will depend on the level of pigmentation in your skin

Can chemical peels be performed on dark/ethnic skin?

Yes, chemical peels are suited for any skin type.

What will my skin feel like after a chemical peel?

The state of your skin after a peel depends on the type of chemical used and your skin type. Superficial peels have limited effects. Medium peels may cause some redness and the deeper peels may require 10-14 days to recover.

How many peels will I need?

Generally chemical peels are done once every 2-4 weeks, until the desired results are achieved. Maintenance peels can then be performed depending on your skins needs.

How long after a chemical peel before I can return to normal activities?

Light Peels - The light peel takes approximately three to five days to complete the shedding process. No downtime required.

Medium Peels - Medium peels usually persist for five to seven days. The skin may or may not flake and fall away. They can produce some redness with little or no flaking, depending on the individual.

Deep Peels - May take several weeks to fully recover. This type of peel is usually effective in treating hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles.

Pre-Peel Instructions

Between now and the time of your Chemical Peel procedure you should treat your skin gently.

For best results, it is advisable to avoid the following products and procedures during the week before your Chemical Peel procedure as well as a week after your Chemical Peel procedure.

• Retinol
• Tretinoin
• Electrolysis
• Waxing
• Masks
• Loofah (or any other exfoliating products)
• Any products that may be drying or irritating (including products containing salicylic acid or an alpha-hydroxy acid [AHA], such as glycolic, lactic, citric and malic acid).

Additionally, make sure you have discussed these issues with your skin therapist:

• Expectations for improvement
• Medications you are using
• Prior sun sensitivity or allergic reactions, including allergy to aspirin
• Previous peeling procedures
• Previous plastic surgery procedures
• History of skin conditions
• History of viral infections, including herpes simplex (cold sores)
• Currently pregnant or nursing

If there is anything on the preceding list that you forgot to mention when you talked to your skin therapist about your Chemical Peel, please make her aware of it before you proceed with your treatment.

Post-Peel Instructions

For the next seven days, your skin will experience the post Chemical Peel renewal. It is possible that your skin will shed its dead outer layer. You may or may not be able to see the peeling. When it is visible, peeling begins two to three days after the Chemical Peel and usually lasts about three days. In addition, you may feel some mild tightness or itching.

To achieve the best results from your Chemical Peel treatment, follow these guidelines:

• Apply Post Peel Barrier Repair Cream twice daily or as often as needed. If you feel a sense of tightness of the skin, you may re-apply.
• Avoid sun exposure, artificial tanning devices and direct heat sources. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen beginning the day after the peel procedure or as soon as you can tolerate it.
• When washing your face, do not scrub. Use a gentle cleanser.
• Resist any urge to peel, pick, or scratch the treated area. This may result in infection and scarring.
• Do not have any other facial treatments for at least one week after the Peel procedure.(See pre peel instructions)
• Avoid use of products that may be irritating (AHA’s, salicylic acid, retinoids) until skin has fully healed.
• Your skin therapist has been well trained in the use of the Chemical Peel and will be more than willing and capable to answer your questions or concerns.