A chemical peel is a safe,
non-surgical way to transform your complexion
What is a chemical peel? /
Here at Lip Doctor, you can get all the information you need on chemical peel treatment. The skin on our face, neck and hands is exposed most often to damaging UV rays and wear and tear..
This is the reason why these areas often begin to show visible signs of aging first and a chemical peel with your local skin care expert is an effective way to turn back the clock and get fresh, young skin back. These chemical peel treatments are called, “peels” because the chemical solution applied to the skin causes the surface layer to exfoliate and peel off. This process can stimulate the skin’s natural renewal process, boost collagen and elastin and reveal plump skin cells which do not show dullness or pigmentation related to damage. Generally, the types of chemical peels which exist can be divided into three categories: Light or, “lunchtime” peels, medium and deep peels. We offer a variety of light, medium and combination chemical peels in Toronto ranging in strengths to suit our client’s specific complexion and needs.
Skin concerns which can be effectively addressed with the benefits of a chemical peel include:
- Acne and other scars
- Wrinkles
- Sagging/aging skin
- Crow’s feet
- Sun damaged skin
- Enlarged pores
- Wrinkles/fine lines
- Hyperpigmentation
Types & use of chemical peels /
Alpha-hydroxy is a type of mild acid used to affect only the outer layer of skin and provide gentle exfoliation with chemical peel. Dull-looking skin, fine lines and mild acne often improve through the application of mild chemical peels and depending on the amount of product applied and skin sensitivity, only mild skin flaking or none at all may be experienced after its application.
Glycolic acid is a type of gentle AHA acid and in low strengths, has almost no side effects such as redness and skin peeling. Glycolic acid is recommended for all skin types and ages including dry or sensitive skin. This peel type is ideal for those who want a, “lunch time” peel for skin brightening, a dewy complexion, easier make-up application and absorption of skin care products.
A similar, light chemical peel treatment option is Salicylic acid which is a beta hydroxy acid. Salicylic acid is a gentle option to treat skin conditions like acne. Salicylic acid helps to reverse the effects of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation issues. It also clears pores to improve acne blemishes as it reduces excess oil production. Salicylic acid is known to be anti-inflammatory and antiseptic so it is soothing rather than harsh on acne prone skin.
Another AHA chemical peel option in Toronto which is mild is a Lactic acid peel is and is available at our clinic. It is derived from milk, so for people with sensitive skin or who are new to exfoliating chemical peels, a lactic acid peel will be a comfortable but effective choice. Lactic acid is beneficial for mature skin, dry and oily skin. Ideally, more than one peel spaced 4-6 weeks apart will yield optimal results. More than one chemical peel is usually needed for the desired effect. Any redness or flaking of the skin will usually be resolved within 2-3 days after a mild peel.
What AHA chemical peels do? /
AHA chemical peels help to increase collagen and elastin production in the skin.
They create more flexible and resilient skin. AHA strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier and this helps to retain moisture for increased hydration and suppleness. They gently slough away the upper, dull layers of skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. They clear away debris that blocks pores which prevents acne and facilitates better absorption of quality skin care products. Chemical peel also helps to balance Ph levels in the skin and boost natural cell turnover. They are appropriate for hands, face, neck and back.
Medium chemical peels include glycolic and trichloroacetic acid. They penetrate the surface and middle layers of the skin to exfoliate damaged, aged skin cells. TCA, Trichloroacetic acid, provides more dramatic and accelerated results than Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Beta Hydroxy Acid peels. The recovery time for a medium chemical peel is longer with skin redness and peeling expected to last roughly one week. They are appropriate to treat a wide range of skin concerns from acne to melsama, fine lines to wrinkles.
TCA stimulates collagen and elastin production /
TCA results in firmer looking skin and fewer wrinkles.
Mild acne scarring can be improved through the use of TCA peels and acne breakouts greatly diminished. When skin completes its cycle of peeling and being replaced, the new skin cells show reduced melasma, freckles, blotchiness and other skin pigmentation or tone problems.
TCA peels will vary in strength from 15%, 20% and 35% to 50%. And downtime will range according to the strength used from 3-7 days. Normal expectations after a medium chemical peel are that skin will be reddened as with a severe sunburn and will feel sore, tight and slightly warm or swollen for the first few days. Around 3 to 5 days after, the surface, dried skin may peel off in small sheets or flakes. You will be advised not to rub the skin but to wash gently and allow time to remove the surface layer after a TCA peel. TCA peels of 35% or less can be done every 3 months and stronger concentrations only once or twice per year.
The Jessner Peel is a combination peel which combines salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol. This is an effective treatment for acne in particular because of the salicylic acid component. The lactic acid provides gentle exfoliation to address fine lines, blemishes and wrinkles. Resorcinol acts as a solvent to dissolve rough, dull or dry skin. A Jessner Peel will stimulate collagen and elastin production which smooths the appearance of the skin. Uniform exfoliation works to even skin tone and reduce sun damaged pigmentation. Multiple layers of the Jessner peel can be applied with each additional pass providing amplified results, along with extended recovery. This peel option is excellent for young and older skin types, and can be customized for the patient and their skin needs. The Jessner’s Peel is neutralized with a special neutralizer that stops the chemical action and instantly calms and soothes the skin when the appropriate treatment time has passed.
Consult to get your custom peel
Many of these peels may be used in combination depending on what we are trying to accomplish and your skin type. Book a consultation with me to have us formulate a custom peel for you.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Chemical Peels? /
Generally, fair skinned people make great candidates for chemical peels of varying strengths while people who have darker, natural pigmentation need to be cautious about strong peels which can cause pigmentation changes. People who have infections, active skin diseases, broken skin or active Herpes sores should also wait until their skin heals before planning a chemical peel. Talk with your medical skin care expert about any medications, supplements or other medical conditions you have prior to the treatment with chemical peel.
When you are treated with a chemical peel, you can expect to feel mild prickling or stinging sensations which are temporary. Often, the skin will feel superficially tight a few days after the peel before skin begins to slough off. You can expect some prolonged redness and sensitivity after stronger peels which may last 7 days or more. Temporary or permanent changes in skin colour are a risk and people who are taking hormones, birth control or are pregnant are particularly at risk of facial skin colour changes.