A chemical peel is a treatment that uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of the skin. Once applied, this solution causes a trauma or an injury to the superficial layers of your skin. These superficial layers eventually come off revealing a younger-looking skin. The new skin is generally smoother, with fewer fine lines and wrinkles, and the complexion becomes clearer and more even. The chemical solutions usually used are glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol).
Chemical peels are most often performed on the face, the neck and the hands. They can help reduce or improve:
- Fine lines;
- Certain types of acne;
- Minor scars;
- Solar spots and uneven pigmentation of the skin;
- Precancerous scaly patches also known as actinic keratosis;
- Coarse skin, scaly patches, dull complexion;
- Dark spots (melasma) due to pregnancy or contraceptive pills use.
Who can benefit from it?
People wishing to improve various conditions/issues affecting facial skin, including dyschromias, wrinkles and skin tone.
Number of sessions/required treatments
Chemical peels can be performed, according to the patient’s needs, multiple times depending on the type of treatment chosen and the expected results. Our treatment plan is adapted to each patient.
There are 3 depth levels in the range of chemical peels (light, medium and deep). We are currently offering the first two categories: the light and medium chemical peel. In the case of a deep chemical peel, a sedation or general anesthesia is often required.
A light chemical peel (“lunchtime”) provides subtle improvement over time. Several treatments are however necessary to observe a significant change. The most superficial layer of the skin is removed. This type of peeling may be preferable if you have fine lines, acne, uneven skin tone or dry, leathery sun-damaged skin. The recovery for this type of peeling can take just a few hours or a few days, with little to no downtime.
A medium chemical peel gives your skin a smooth and radiant look. The outermost layer and the upper part of the intermediate skin layer are removed. This peeling may be best suited to your needs if you have a uneven or moderate skin discoloration, age spots, acne scars or fine to moderate wrinkles. The recovery for this type of peeling can take a week or more and requires downtime.
A deep chemical peel produces the most spectacular results. This chemical product penetrates to the lower middle layer of your skin. The recovery time is significantly longer with a deep chemical peel. This type of treatment is more suited to your needs if you have moderate wrinkles and fine lines, a severely sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars or uneven pigmentation.