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Chemical Peels

Say Goodbye To Your Skin Woes with Chemical Peels at Xthetics!

Unlike mechanical exfoliation which physically smooths and lifts dead skin cells off the skin, chemical exfoliants found in chemical peels lower the pH of the skin towards acidic. This acid environment dissolves specific skin components depending on the peel depth. Chemical peels are the perfect addition to any cosmetic treatments, or even alone for anyone looking to get dewy, clear, and glowing skin. Healthy, radiant skin doesn't happen overnight, and some treatments take time to show results. A single chemical peel can provide the immediate effect of bright, smooth, and radiant skin; however, more significant results in treating textural issues, discolouration, fine lines and inflamed acne could take longer. Therefore, usually a series of scheduled treatments is recommended.

Treatment Time

45 Minutes

Number Of Sessions

1-5

Interval Between Sessions

3-4 weeks

Maintenance

1 to 2 sessions/year plus home care with appropriate skincare

What are the risks of chemical peels?

Potential Risks Associated with Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can result in a range of side effects, including:

Swelling, scabbing, and redness. During the healing process of a chemical peel, the treated skin may become red. If you have a medium or deep chemical peel, the redness could last for several months.
Scarring. Though rare, chemical peels may cause scarring, usually on the lower part of the face. Doctors may recommend the use of antibiotics or steroid medications to help minimize the appearance of these scars.
Changes in skin color. Chemical peels can cause treated skin to become lighter than normal (hypopigmentation) or darker than normal (hyperpigmentation). Hypopigmentation is more common following a deep peel, while hyperpigmentation is more common following a superficial peel. These problems are more frequently observed in individuals with darker skin tones and may be permanent in some cases.
Infection. A chemical peel may result in a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, such as an outbreak of the herpes virus, which causes cold sores.
Damage to vital organs. A deep chemical peel using carbolic acid (phenol) may damage the heart muscle and cause the heart to beat abnormally. Phenol may also cause harm to the liver and kidneys. To reduce the risk of exposure to phenol, a deep chemical peel is often performed in portions, with intervals of 10-20 minutes.

Chemical peels are not suitable for everyone. Your doctor may advise against undergoing a chemical peel or specific types of chemical peels if you have:

Taken isotretinoin (Myorisan, Claravis, others) for acne in the last six months.
A personal or family history of keloids, which are areas of raised, thickened skin caused by scar tissue overgrowth.
Pregnancy.
Frequent or severe cold sore outbreaks.

Chemical Peels Most Common Questions

What are Chemical Peels?

Non-invasive treatment for acne, hyperpigmentation, dullness, fine lines, wrinkles and MORE!
It is a relaxing and enjoyable cosmetic procedure; similar to a facial.
It is a treatment that requires special training from your skin care professional.
It is customized to help achieve individual treatment goals.
3 to 6 consecutive treatments may be required and once goals are achieved, re-treatment is often done for maintenance.
Safe for all skin colours (Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI)

Are Chemical Peels Safe?

The safety of chemical peels have been well established. In fact, chemical peels are one of the most popular skin treatments in North America. The reason for this is due to the large safety profile of peels. When performed by a trained skin care expert, chemical peels are an excellent way to target your skin care concerns.

Are there any contraindications for chemical peels?

Patients with active cold sores, herpes complex or warts in the treated area

Wounded, sunburned or excessively sensitive skin
Use of Accutane within one year
Recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Allergies to Aspirin
Patients pregnant or breastfeeding
Patients with vitiligo
Patients with a history of autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis etc.)

Are there products/procedures to avoid before a chemical peel?

Calgary chemical peel patients must not wax, use any depilatory creams or have any laser treatments or electrolysis performed one week prior to treatment. 3-5 days before your treatment stop using topical prescriptions, Retin-A, Tazorac, BHA’s & AHA’s or benzyl peroxide. Any cosmetic facial treatments including laser, fillers or surgery should be completely resolved and healed before having a chemical peel.

How long do Chemical Peels take?

Most peels are performed in less than one hour, depending on the size of the area being treated.

What Should I Expect During Treatment?

Procedures may vary depending on the type of peel. When the chemical solution is applied to the face, sensations including a mild stinging, warmth, or tingling are temporary and last 3-5 minutes until the peel self neutralizes, or can last up to 20 minutes if the peel allows.

What Downtime Is Associated With Chemical Peels?

There is no down time with chemical peels. However, special care and products are required after treatment to ensure your skin renews itself properly. After each chemical peel Calgary patients will be sent home with a post-procedure kit to ensure you have everything you need to clean, nourish, and protect your skin. It is also important to stay out of the sun while peeling (not all chemical peels cause skin to peel) to avoid hyperpigmentation and picking/peeling the skin is prohibited as it can lead to scarring.

Will my insurance cover a chemical peel?

The AHCIP (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan) offers complete coverage for necessary physician services and selected dental and oral surgical health services to eligible Alberta residents. Non-essential surgical procedures, such as cosmetic treatments, are not included in the AHCIP coverage.

Chemical Peels in Calgary

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