What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel at O’Neill Cosmetic Dermatology uses a chemical solution to remove dead skin cells from the outer layers of your skin. The result? Renewed, fresh skin is revealed underneath. This process of exfoliation can stimulate cells in the deeper layers of the skin creating collagen and elastin production. There are many different types of chemical peels. In our clinic, we use medical grade peels customized to your skin type and concern.
Did you know that chemical peels may have started with Cleopatra? The queen of ancient Egypt bathed in sour milk (= lactic acid = fruit acid = AHA = alpha hydroxy acid) and she was renowned for her beautiful skin. Dermatologists began pioneering skin peeling in the late 1800’s. Wow!
What are the Benefits of a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels improve your skin by removing the upper dead skin cells. The applied chemical creates a controlled injury, letting new skin grow back. Although you will notice an improvement after only one treatment, a series of peels is typically designed for optimum results.
Our medical grade chemical peels in Mississauga help:
- Smooth and soften skin
- Reduce acne and pore size
- Improve the appearance of mild acne scars
- Brighten and lighten skin pigmentation
- Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches or melasma
- Minimize fine lines and wrinkles
- Dry, rough texture on hands and face
- Diminish uneven skin tone
- Improve overall texture and quality of the skin
- Reverse sun damage
Why Choose O’Neill Cosmetic Dermatology for Chemical Peels?
- Safety: Our peels are administered only by qualified medical personnel
- Knowledge: Our team, including Dr. Karen O’Neill – a board certified dermatologist – have the expertise to assess your skin needs and customize a chemical peel program for you
- Options: We offer a wide range of chemical peels, not available in a spa or salon, appropriate for various skin types and conditions.
What Can I Expect During My Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel at O’Neill Cosmetic Dermatology is performed in our office, by a medical aesthetician, without anesthesia. After thoroughly cleaning your skin, the aesthetician will apply one or more chemical solutions, customized to your skin type and goals.
During a chemical peel, most patients feel a stinging, tingly or burning sensation which may last several minutes. A neutralizing solution or wash is applied to remove the chemical solution from the treated skin. Cool compresses may ease the stinging.
Most chemical peels take about 30 minutes to complete. Sometimes a chemical peel is combined with a microdermabrasion, or used as part of a medical therapeutic facial.
For your safety, please inform us if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of cold sores
- Have a history of keloids
- Have a tendency to develop pigmentation irregularities, especially after trauma
- Have taken Accutane in the past 6 months
What Can I Expect After Chemical Peels?
This will depend on the type of chemical peel applied, and individual factors.
After a light chemical peel, your skin may be dry and red, but typically there is no downtime. Patients often return to work the same day. You are usually able to wear makeup the next day.
After a deeper chemical peel (eg. Jessner’s), the treated skin will be swollen and red. You will develop brown spots and crusting that takes one to two weeks to heal. You may resume makeup in about five to seven days. You may have redness after healing for a few months.
Sun avoidance immediately after a chemical peel is very important: the new skin is more delicate and is susceptible to injury. Our medical aesthetician will provide you with recommended follow up care to help the skin heal.
The results of a chemical peel are not permanent: over time age and new sun damage can create new lines and skin discoloration. The results of a chemical peel increase with repeated treatments. Periodic maintenance chemical peels and home care products are important to achieve continued glowing, smooth skin.
A Chemical Peel does NOT:
- Lift or tighten loose or sagging skin
- Shrink your pores (but can minimize the appearance of pores)
- Remove broken blood vessels
- Remove deep scars
- Eliminate deep wrinkles or folds
What are the Possible Complications after a Chemical Peel?
Millions of chemical peels are performed yearly by dermatologists. Chemical peels are a safe and non-invasive treatment option for sun damaged skin, acne, acne scars, and aging.
In some skin types, there is a risk of temporary or permanent skin discoloration. A family history of melasma, pregnancy and birth control pills may increase the risk of abnormal pigmentation following a chemical peel. Prolonged redness may occur, and take months to fade.
There is a small chance a chemical peel may reactivate a cold sore or herpes simplex infection. So if you have a history of cold sores, please inform us. There is a very low risk of scarring with mild and medium depth chemical peels.
How Long do Chemical Peel Results Last?
This depends on the strength or type of chemical peels. A superficial chemical peel produces results that last on average one to two months. A deeper chemical peel may produce results lasting two to six months.
Our medical aesthetician will recommend home care products to help you maintain radiant beautiful skin.
We know skin!
Let the team at O’Neill Cosmetic Dermatology help beautify your complexion with our medical grade chemical peels!