Chemical Peel Toronto

Suitable for almost every skin type, chemical peel treatment works by removing the damaged outer layers of the skin to help unearth the fresh and healthy skin lying beneath the surface.

If you’re looking to treat sun damage, brown spots, age spots, melasma, or dull, uneven skin tone and texture, a chemical peel could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Quick, safe and non-invasive, skin peels at FACET Dermatology in Toronto are always performed by a qualified medical aesthetician.

There are many options for chemical peel treatment; which type of chemical peel is best for you depends entirely on the skin conditions you want to treat and the severity of these skin concerns. The depth of the peel will also affect the length of your recovery period — a deep peel will require more downtime than a light chemical peel or medium peel.

Typically, chemical peels use a form of alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA) to help remove dead skin cells by breaking the bonds holding them to the skin's surface and stimulating cellular turnover. AHAs are best used to address signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, or help improve skin tone issues like pigmentation irregularities. The most common types of alpha hydroxy acid used in chemical peels are glycolic acid and lactic acid.

Another popular type of acid used for chemical peels is the beta hydroxy acid (BHA) salicylic acid. This ingredient can penetrate oil, making it a great pick for those with blemishes and acne.

Beyond AHAs and BHAs, there are other types of chemical peels. We'll break down the depths of treatment and other chemical peels below.

Light peels: Light chemical peels often feature lactic acid (which is quite gentle) as the starring ingredient. There's little to no downtime as they work very superficially in the skin. Many patients opt to book a light chemical peel before a major event because it creates a luminous glow with a low risk of redness or irritation.

Medium peels: Medium chemical peels go further into the skin to trigger collagen production; glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid are popular choices for a medium-depth peel. You'll need a few days of downtime after a medium peel. Upon recovery, you'll see that the medium chemical peel will have smoothed the look of fine lines and created a more even complexion.

Deep peels: A deep chemical peel can usually achieve optimal results in just one treatment, but it may require up to 10 days of downtime; deeper peels profoundly penetrate the skin to correct more advanced skin conditions, like severe acne scars and deeper fine lines and wrinkles. Phenol peels are the most common form of deep peel. In some cases, treatment with deep chemical peels may necessitate the use of anesthesia, including general anesthesia, to ensure the patient stays comfortable.

Although the thought of applying chemicals to your skin may seem scary, chemical peels are one of the oldest cosmetic procedures in the world and are extremely safe compared to other cosmetic procedures. Treatments are typically quick and comfortable, though the sensation of a chemical peel will vary for every individual considering the skin condition. As the chemical peel solution goes to work, you may feel mild itching, tingling or a warm sensation on the treated skin, but the procedure should not be painful. When being treated with some peels, your provider may apply a topical numbing cream or anesthetic to ensure you stay comfortable during the procedure.

Although you’ll likely see noticeable results after just one chemical peel, the true benefits are best achieved with multiple treatments, especially in the case of light peels or medium peels. How many chemical peels you need will also be determined by your skin goals. Your medical aesthetician will work with you to develop a treatment plan suited to your needs.

Suitable for almost every skin type, chemical peels are an effective solution for men and women of all ages looking for a non-invasive treatment for sun damage, brown spots, melasma, or dull, uneven tone and texture.

However, peels are not one size fits all, and those with darker skin tones should discuss the risk of treatment during their chemical peel consultation. Medium peel and deep peel strengths may not be well tolerated by deeper complexions and could result in hyperpigmentation. Light chemical peels may be best for these patients.

Furthermore, patients with extremely sensitive skin may also not be ideal candidates for chemical peel treatment due to the higher risk of irritation. Talk to your provider about an alternative treatment regimen.

If you can't avoid the sun after booking a chemical peel or have plans to go on a sunny vacation, you should wait to schedule your appointment as chemical solutions like glycolic acid and others make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

Once your provider has completed your chemical peel consultation and selected the right peel for your unique skin concerns, they'll cleanse the treatment area to ensure the chemical solution won't have to fight through sunscreen or makeup to get to the treated skin. If you are getting a medium peel, your provider may treat you with a local anesthetic to ensure you don't feel any irritation or discomfort. For a deep chemical peel procedure, you may be placed under sedation or anesthesia.

Then, the solution will be applied to the skin, often with a cotton ball or pad. You might feel a stinging sensation during your peel application — this is normal. Your provider will ask about your comfort level during the course of your treatment. You shouldn't be in pain, so be sure to let them know if you're experiencing significant discomfort. (Some chemical peel treatments, such as those made with glycolic acid, can be instantly deactivated with water to provide immediate relief.)

Your chemical peel procedure may consist of several rounds of application of the chemical solution, multiple steps, or a neutralizer. Ask your provider about your unique treatment so you know exactly what to expect.

Once your provider has completed your chemical peel treatment, they may cleanse the treated skin, neutralize the peel, or leave your skin as is, depending on your specific treatment. They may also apply moisturizer, sunscreen, or both.

Before your treatment, you should avoid tanning or sun exposure for at least two weeks, as well as discontinue use of retinoids and at-home exfoliants, including scrubs and glycolic acid serums, to avoid irritation or skin damage. If you've been provided an antiviral medication to stave off cold sores ahead of your chemical peel procedure, be sure to take them as directed by your physician.