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Chemical Peel in Edmonton

There are various ways to improve skin tones, remove freckles, mild dark spots and acne. Chemical peels are an addition to other resurfacing treatments such as Fraxel Laser and Microneedling. It helps give your skin a great look and feel, especially if your budget is limited.

What is a chemical peel?

Chemical peel (ing), also known as chemexfoliation, helps to remove or peel unwanted outer layers of the skin. Although the degree of the peel exerted may affect lower layers, it is important to choose the right peel solution that inflicts a harmless and controlled disruption to the skin layers to remove dead cells and tissues to regenerate. The deteriorated skin peels off leaving a smooth and radiant look.

Chemical peel
Chemical peel

Types of chemical peels:

The types of chemical peel treatments depend on several factors including skin type, complexion, type of treatment and the downtime required to get desired results. Hence, there are four types of peels.

Superficial peels

This peel has low potency and superficial effects on all skin types. It is comprised of a diluted liquid containing glycolic acid or solid carbon dioxide. Superficial peels have minor downtimes and are less expensive. Painkillers or use of an anesthetic are not necessary.

Medium peels

This type of peel is more sophisticated than superficial peels and  they would likely induce second-degree burns. Further, medium peels lead to epidermal and upper dermal regeneration. To reduce pain, we offer a stream of chilled air, a mild analgesic and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Patients feel little pain during this peel. 

Deep peels

This type of peel penetrates several layers of the skin. Also known as croton oil peel, it's used only for facial procedures. This treatment can also bleach darker skins may. As a result, the treatment is intense is usually done once every 5 years. 

Chemical peel grades
Chemical peel grades

TCA CROSS

CROSS is an acronym that stands for Chemical Reconstruction Of Skin Scars using potent trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This peel is localized to target only certain spots by applying the TCA locally on the scar, but not the whole face.

Who are the best candidates for a chemical peel?

People with darker skin may experience mixed results when it comes to peeling. This makes people with light or fair skin the best candidates for chemical peeling.

What can chemical peels correct?

You can correct the following skin irregularities through a chemical peel:

  • Superficial acne scars
  • Sunburned skin or hyperpigmentation
  • Post-acne pigmentation
  • Dark knuckles
  • Melasma dilated pores

Please note that chemical peels are not strong enough to treat every skincare issues such as pore resizing or deep scar removal.Chemical peels can however help reduce wrinkles, saggy skin or bulges.

Before getting a chemical peel

Before undergoing a chemical peel, advice from a doctor is needed. This helps to determine the depth and type of chemical peel needed. Applying a moisturizer and using sunscreen before the procedure is necessary. The moisturizer prepares the skin for the peel and even aids the healing process. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral drugs before and after the procedure. The condition of the skin is important. A small 'test spot' may be tested/peeled in to observe the results. The test spot procedure is more common and essential for people with a darker skin tone.

How are chemical peels administered?

The skin is doused to prevent bacterial infections. Liquid solutions like lactic acid, salicylic acid or phenol will then be applied and left on the skin for a period of time. We then wash the skin with alcohol or water solution.During the treatment procedure, it's normal to feel a burning sensation, this will eventually wear off.  A prickly sensation may follow. We apply cool compresses applied to the skin to ease the discomfort. Pain medication may be necessary for medium and deeper peels.The induced injury to this skin allows new skin to develop. 

What to expect after a chemical peel procedure

Expectations are dependent on the chosen procedure –  superficial, medium or deep. More than two treatments over the span of two weeks may be necessary. Aftercare is essential to protect and maintain the improved skin. We advise our clients to avoid direct sunlight and irritating substances. Cleansing and moisturizing the recently peeled skin daily is important.

Is there any downtime?

All chemical peels need downtime. Patients should be ready to 'relax' for as much as five to six weeks in the case of medium and deep peels. Superficial peels may only take a few days of downtown. After a chemical peel the skin may look reddish for two to three months. Should the need arise; repeat the procedure chemical peels six to twelve months.

Are there any complications?

Only certified licensed estheticians should administer chemical peels. Deeper peels leave greater possibilities for complications. These include scarring, photosensitivity, and skin atrophy. Apart from the redness expected, retinol elements in the peel could result in soreness of the skin. Skin texture and types differ and some people are likely to experience a colour change after a chemical peel. Also oral contraceptives or family history may contribute to discolouration. People with scarred skin, facial and facial warts or herpes may want to avoid this procedure.