Chemical peels are one of the most misunderstood skin care treatments. Many patients immediately think of red, flaking and painful looking skin.
But at Peterson MD, a Kelowna-based plastic surgery centre, we use the most advanced skin care treatments.
Our chemical peels are gentle, nourishing and provide effective results for maximum facial rejuvenation.
Our chemical peels will safely:
- Improve the appearance of wrinkles
- Tighten and brighten the skin
- Increase firmness
- Reduce or eliminate uneven skin pigmentation (sun damage, age spots and acne)
Read on to learn exactly what happens during and what to expect after a chemical peel.
What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are an accelerated form of skin exfoliation. A chemical agent is applied to the face, hands or neck to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin.
Using this skin care treatment, we will repair, rebuild and renew your skin, restoring a vibrant glow to your appearance.
There are 3 main types of chemical peels.
| Level | What It Does | What It Treats | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 (Superficial/Lunchtime Peel) |
This is the gentlest type of peel available. It removes only the top layer of skin and instantly brightens your appearance, giving your skin a smoother, more even texture. They are usually made from alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids. |
|
1-7 days Treated skin will initially be red and may flake. Apply lotion until the skin heals, followed by daily use of sunscreen. Makeup can usually be worn the next day. |
|
2 (Medium Peel) |
This chemical peel penetrates both the outer and middle layers of skin to remove any dead or damaged cells. They are made from trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and produce more dramatic results than a superficial peel. |
|
7-14 days The skin will initially be red and swollen (especially in the first 48 hours) Antiviral medication is taken for 10-14 days Avoid all sun exposure until healing is complete. A follow up appointment is necessary to monitor progress. |
|
3 (Deep Peel) |
This is the strongest type of chemical peel available and they penetrate the deeper levels (dermal levels) of your skin. They usually use carbolic acid (phenol peels) or high strength TCA. As such, they can only be performed once and often produce incredible results. |
|
14-21 days The treated area will be bandaged. Antiviral medication is taken for 10-14 days Avoid sun exposure for 3-6 months Several follow up appointments will be necessary |
Which Chemical Peel is Right For Me?
Before deciding on a chemical peel, it is imperative to have a thorough consultation with one of our skin care experts.
We will assess your aesthetic goals, skin type and particular concerns and select the appropriate medical grade chemical peel for you.
At Kelowna Skin Care Centre, we use Visia, an advanced digital skin analysis system to develop individualized skin care regimes based on the unique aspects of your complexion.
This ensures safer, more efficient and longer lasting results.
Am I a Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
In general, chemical peels are optimized for light-haired and fair skinned people. Patients who have darker skin may also see good results, depending on the problem being treated.
Chemical peels ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PATIENTS WHO:
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or rosacea
- Have active skin diseases
- Have any infections, cuts or broken skin.
To learn more about this skin treatment, read our CHEMICAL PEELS FAQ or contact our skin care clinic at 250-868-9290 or toll-free at 888-868-9290.
