Guide to Advanced Chemcial Peels Edmonton

Welcome to Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre’s comprehensive guide to chemical peels, your ultimate destination for achieving a revitalized and youthful complexion. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you discover the transformative benefits of personalized chemical peel treatments tailored to your unique skin needs.

At Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre, we understand that every individual’s skin is different. That’s why we offer a range of chemical peel options, each designed to address specific concerns such as acne scars, uneven texture, fine lines, and sun damage. Our advanced chemical peels work by applying a specially formulated solution to exfoliate the top layers of your skin, revealing the fresh, healthy skin underneath. This process not only improves the appearance of your skin but also stimulates collagen production, leading to long-lasting results.

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What Is a Chemical Peel?

Triptych showing the progression of a TCA chemical peel on a woman's face: the first image labeled 'BEFORE' shows mild uneven skin tone and fine lines; the second image labeled 'DIRECTLY AFTER' shows intense redness and irritation; the third image labeled '1 WEEK AFTER' displays smoother, clearer, and more even-toned skin with visible improvement.
Triptych showing the progression of a chemical peel on a woman's face: the first image labeled 'BEFORE' shows mild uneven skin tone and fine lines; the second image labeled 'DIRECTLY AFTER' shows intense redness and irritation; the third image labeled '1 WEEK AFTER' displays smoother, clearer, and more even-toned skin with visible improvement.

A chemical peel is a skin‑resurfacing treatment that uses an acidic solution to dissolve the bonds between surface skin cells. Once these cells peel away, a fresh layer of skin appears, often with fewer fine lines, improved texture and more even pigmentation. Chemical peels can be tailored to different depths—superficial, medium or deep—depending on the concerns being addressed. Superficial peels gently brighten the complexion, medium peels treat more noticeable discoloration and fine lines, and deep peels address deeper wrinkles and scarring.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

During a chemical peel, the practitioner cleanses your skin and applies a solution containing acids such as alpha‑hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or phenol. These acids break down the top layer of dead skin cells and stimulate a controlled wound‑healing response. Over the next few days, your skin exfoliates and peels, revealing new skin that is smoother and more even in tone. The process also promotes collagen and elastin production, which helps improve firmness over time.

Chemical Peels vs. Other Skin‑Resurfacing Treatments

While microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing also exfoliate the skin, chemical peels can reach varying depths without the thermal energy of lasers. Superficial peels are well suited for mild discoloration and a quick complexion refresh. Medium peels penetrate deeper layers to address wrinkles and acne scars. Deep peels provide dramatic results but require more downtime and careful monitoring. Our providers will help you decide whether a chemical peel or an alternative treatment is best for your goals and skin type.

Quick Summary of Chemical Peel

Cost And Pricing

Our chemical peels range from CA$200 to CA$1,200 per session, depending on the type and depth of peel selected. Light peels are at the lower end of the range, while medium and deep peels require more advanced formulations and expertise.

Procedure Duration

A typical chemical peel appointment takes 30–45 minutes. After cleaning your skin and applying protective ointment to sensitive areas, the practitioner applies the peeling solution for a set amount of time. You may feel tingling or warmth while the solution works.

Treatment benefits

Improve skin texture and tone. They soften fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation and age spots, minimize acne scars and blemishes, and give the skin a healthy glow. Regular superficial peels can help keep pores clear and control breakouts.

Expected Results

Depending on the depth of the peel, fresh skin typically appears within one week. Superficial peels require little to no downtime, while medium peels may result in flaking and redness for several days. Deep peels deliver the most dramatic change but involve a longer recovery.

Side Effects And Downtime

It’s normal to experience temporary redness, mild swelling, flaking or peeling after a chemical peel. These effects usually subside within 3–7 days for superficial and medium peels. Deeper peels involve more intense redness and peeling that can last several weeks.

Discomfort and Pain Level

Most clients report mild tingling or a warm sensation during superficial and medium peels. Medium peels may cause a brief stinging sensation. Deep peels are more intense and are typically performed with sedation or local anesthesia to ensure comfort.
Infographic detailing chemical peel treatment at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre, including cost ($200 per session), duration (60 minutes), comfort level (low to mild), downtime (3-7 days of redness, peeling, mild sensitivity), and results (visible in 7-14 days with smoother texture, brighter tone, reduced pigmentation, and fine lines).

What Can Chemical Peels Treat?

Chemical peels address a range of skin concerns, including fine lines, mild to moderate wrinkles, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, acne, and certain types of acne scars. They can also help reduce the appearance of melasma, dark spots from hormonal changes, and rough or dull skin texture. While peels improve many conditions, they cannot tighten loose skin or erase very deep scars; in those cases, other treatments may be recommended.

The Chemical Peel Procedure at Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre

Your journey begins with a consultation to evaluate your skin and discuss your goals. On the day of treatment, we thoroughly cleanse your skin and may apply a pre‑peel solution to ensure even absorption. We protect your eyes and lips, then apply the chosen chemical solution. Throughout the process, we monitor your skin’s response and adjust the peel time if needed. After neutralizing or removing the solution, we apply soothing creams and sunscreen. You’ll leave with detailed aftercare instructions.

Chemical Peel Before & After Results

Before and after images show how chemical peels can reduce discoloration, refine pores and smooth fine lines. Immediately following treatment, your skin may appear red or frosted, and peeling usually begins within a day or two. As the peeling subsides, the underlying skin looks brighter, clearer and more even.

Aftercare Tips

Proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal results. Avoid picking or pulling flaking skin—let it shed naturally. Keep your skin moisturized and use gentle, non‑irritating products. Stay out of the sun and wear broad‑spectrum sunscreen, as treated skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. Refrain from strenuous exercise, saunas and hot baths for a few days to prevent excess heat. Avoid other exfoliating treatments or hair removal methods on the treated area until your provider clears you to resume them.

Why Choose Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre?

We pride ourselves on delivering safe, customized chemical peel treatments in a professional setting. Our experienced skincare specialists assess your skin’s needs and choose the appropriate peel strength to achieve your goals with minimal risk. We use high‑quality, medical‑grade solutions and provide comprehensive aftercare support. At Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre, you’ll receive personalized service, natural‑looking results and a commitment to your skin’s health.

Types of Chemical Peel At Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre

Chemical peels come in three main types: superficial, medium, and deep.

  • Superficial Peels: These use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate the outer layer of skin, improving minor skin discoloration and rough texture.
  • Medium Peels: Utilizing stronger acids such as glycolic or trichloroacetic acid, these peels penetrate the middle layers of skin to remove damaged cells, effectively treating age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
  • Deep Peels: Using potent acids like phenol, deep peels reach the lower dermal layer, addressing more severe skin issues such as deep wrinkles, scars, and precancerous growths, but requiring longer recovery periods.

Each type of peel is tailored to address specific skin concerns, offering varying levels of exfoliation and rejuvenation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a skin rejuvenation procedure that involves applying a chemical solution to remove damaged outer layers, revealing smoother, healthier, and younger-looking skin beneath.
Facial peels exfoliate the skin by removing dead and damaged cells, stimulating collagen production and encouraging new, healthy skin growth.
Most people experience mild tingling or a warming sensation during treatment. Deeper peels may cause temporary discomfort, but pain is generally minimal and manageable.
Exfoliation treatments effectively treat acne, acne scars, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, and rough texture.
The frequency with which you receive facial peels depends on your individual goals including your age and lifestyle factors. Generally speaking light treatments such as mild glycolic peels can be done every 1-2 weeks while deeper treatments such as TCA or phenol may need at least 1-2 months between additional sessions for recovery time. It is important to speak with an experienced skincare professional who can provide you with advice about which type of peel would work best for your case as well as how often it should be done for optimal results.
The recovery period and downtime following a chemical peel largely depend on the depth of the peel performed. After a superficial peel, expect minor redness and possible slight flaking for a few days, but most people can resume daily activities immediately. Medium peels might result in noticeable redness, swelling, and skin peeling that lasts up to a week.
It’s common to see redness, similar to a sunburn, which can last a few days. Some people might also experience swelling or blistering, especially after deeper peels. A few days post-treatment, you may notice your skin starting to peel or flake, and this can continue for up to a week. Changes in skin color, either becoming darker or lighter, can occur, and in some cases, might be permanent. There’s a small risk of infection or scarring, particularly if the peel is not done correctly or if you did not follow post-treatment care recommendations. Moreover, some individuals may also develop cold sores if they have a history of herpes. After the procedure, your skin may become more sensitive to the sun, making it vital to wear sunscreen daily.
People with active herpes flare-ups, open sores, sunburns, cuts, bruises, or especially sensitive skin should steer clear of this treatment. Similarly, if you have skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or other persistent inflammatory issues, it’s best to bypass chemical peels unless closely monitored by a medical professional. Moreover, pregnant individuals or those planning to become pregnant should delay the procedure until after giving birth.
Chemical peels are categorized by their depth of exfoliation:
  • Light peels (superficial): These target the epidermis to improve skin tone and texture. Examples include glycolic acid peels and salicylic acid peels.
  • Medium peels: Penetrating deeper into the dermis, they address pigmentation, wrinkles, and acne scars. A common example is the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel.
  • Deep peels: These deeply exfoliate to treat significant skin damage, deep wrinkles, and extensive sun damage. Phenol peels are an example of deep chemical peels.
It’s essential to closely follow post-care instructions and consult with your skincare professional during this time. Regardless of the peel depth, protecting your skin from the sun and avoiding certain activities, as directed by your provider, will be crucial to ensuring a smooth recovery.
Yes, chemical peels are often combined with other skincare treatments, such as microneedling, facials, or laser treatments, for enhanced results.
Most skin types can benefit from chemical peels; however, deeper peels may pose risks for darker skin tones due to potential hyperpigmentation. Consult your specialist for personalized recommendations.
Medium to deep chemical peels can significantly reduce the appearance of deeper wrinkles and scars. However, for very deep scars or severe wrinkles, additional treatments like lasers or dermal fillers might be recommended.

Author And Review

This page was created by the Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre team. It was most recently reviewed for medical accuracy on 19 July 2025 by Dr. Kamal Alhallak (Ph.D.) and Dr. Tomi (M.D.), who are both trained in laser and aesthetic medicine. We adhere to guidelines for reliable health information and encourage readers to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.

References

Healthline: Costs, Types, Risks, and Recovery

The American Academy of Dermatology Association

Other Services From Albany Cosmetic Center and Medical spa