A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that exfoliates the outer layers of the skin, removing dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath. Benefits of a chemical peel include glowing, smoother skin with improved tone and texture. Depending on the depth of the peel, the procedure can treat fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, melasma, age spots, and acne scars.
How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
During a chemical peel, a chemical solution consisting of trichloroacetic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or beta hydroxy acid is applied to the skin. This causes damaged outer layers of the skin to peel off, revealing a smoother, healthier complexion underneath as new skin cells grow in.
There are three types of chemical peel treatments: light, medium, and deep. A superficial (light) chemical peel exfoliates the outermost layer of skin, and is typically used to enhance skin tone, reduce fine lines, and address mild sun damage.
A medium peel penetrates the upper layer of the dermis to treat age spots, moderate sun damage, light acne scars and fine lines and wrinkles. A deep peel reaches even further into the dermis to address severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, and significant acne scars. We only offer Light and Medium Peels at Rothesay Laser & Hair Clinic.
We give each individual detailed instructions on what to expect after a chemical peel as well as a list of what to avoid. In general, one can expect some level of redness, irritation, and sensitivity, as well as the skin peeling that characterizes the procedure. The deeper the peel, the more likely one is to experience some post-procedure effects.
After a chemical peel, it is important to avoid sun exposure, excessive sweating, hot water, smoking, alcohol, picking or scratching the skin, makeup, and harsh skincare products, especially exfoliating treatments.
Recovery time depends on the type of peel one chooses. Healing from a light peel takes about a week and 1-2 weeks for a medium peel.
A chemical peel can even out hyper-pigmentation by exfoliating the outer layers of the skin, allowing for more evenly toned new skin growth. The procedure can also help the appearance of dark spots.
Chemical peels can be safe when performed by a practitioner who understands melanin-rich skin. Special care must be taken to prepare darker skin and to choose the appropriate procedure. Proper aftercare is especially important for those with dark skin.
Certain types of chemical peels can help with rosacea and the associated redness and inflammation. It is crucial to work with a skilled aesthetician who understands the types of rosacea and how they might react to a chemical peel.
For more information about our chemical peel services or to make an appointment, contact us at (506) 847-8302 or visit our online booking site. We offer complimentary consultations for many of our services and are happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!
Let us help you be your best. No matter what your cosmetic or aesthetic medicine needs are, we have a specialist with the experience to enhance your natural beauty at any age.