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Chemical Peel in Edmonton

Shakespeare was right when he said 'there's no art to find the mind's construction on the face.' But he still looked right? What wouldn't we give for a smooth,  healthy, blemish-free and natural-looking skin?

There are various ways to improve skin tones, remove freckles, mild dark spots and acne. We use Chemical Peel as an adjuvant to other re-surfacing treatment such as Fraxel Laser and Microneedling. A chemical peel can help give your skin a great look and feel, especially if your budget is limited

Chemical peel

 

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.

Types of Chemical Peel

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

Chemical peel grades

Superficial Peels

As the name implies, this peel is the most straightforward peel that patients can undergo. This is due to its low potency and effects on all skin types. Your doctor may use a diluted liquid containing glycolic acid or solid carbon dioxide. Further, 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. Also, 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 or a mild analgesic. That's not all, a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) helps ease the pain, which happens to be the principal peeling agent. Patients feel little pain or sensation. But, the outcome is definitely worth the downtime.

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, and as such, we do not prefer to do more than once every 5 years.

TCA CROSS

CROSS is an acronym for the chemical reconstruction of skin scars using potent trichloroacetic acid. It is a different type of peel that is localized to target only spot by applying the TCA locally on the scar, but not the whole face.

Who are the best Candidates for a Chemical Peel?

As stated above, people with darker skins 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 peel correct?

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

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

Note that, Chemical peel is not strong enough to treat every skincare issues. Also, a chemical peel procedure can help reduce Wrinkles, saggy skin or bulges. Other cosmetic procedures will suffice. Chemical peels are not capable to resize pores or remove deep scars

Before Getting a Chemical Peel

Body/skin altering procedures need professional opinions. Before undergoing a chemical peel, your first port of call should be your doctor.  Tell your doctor about any medical issues before undergoing chemical peel.

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.

Also, your 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 Done?

The skin is always doused to prevent bacterial infections. Liquid solutions like lactic acid, salicylic acid or phenol will then be applied and left for a while. This is then we wash the skin with alcohol or water solution. The effect this has is an induced injury allows new skin to develop. During the treatment procedure, it's normal to feel a burning sensation. But it wears off after some time.

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.

What to expect after a chemical peel procedure?

Expectations are dependent on the chosen procedure –  Superficial, medium or deep. The removal of the upper layer of the skin often reveals a beautiful outcome. A beautiful skin tone surfaces especially when the desired result matches the type of peel.

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.

Any Downtime?

Irrespective of the type of chemical peel carried out, they all 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 take a few days barring any major event. But, 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 the chosen procedure. 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 give rise to soreness of the skin.

Skin texture and types differ and some people are likely to experience a color change after a chemical peel. Also, taking medications like contraceptives and family history may contribute to such coloration. If you have a scarred skin, facial and facial warts or herpes, you may want to avoid this procedure. Although your doctor could help you treat them.