You may have seen the episode of Sex and the City where Samantha has a chemical peel and looks terrifying, or thinking of the word ‘peel’ when it comes to your face sounds like nothing you ever want to experience?

You are not alone, whenever I mention the word chemical peel to my patients I am hit with some horrified looks and the question of why?

Chemical peels when done correctly have a myriad of benefits including improving fine lines, skin texture, pigmentation spots, melasma, congestion and acne. They are the forefront of any skin specialists arsenal and for good reason - they get results with minimal downtime!

What is a Chemical Peel?
First and foremost let’s define a chemical peel. A chemical peel is a solution usually based on AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHA’s (beta hydroxy acids), that is applied to the skin with the purpose of removing outer layers of skin cells and improving the skin’s appearance.

Types of Chemical Peels
When it comes to chemical peels there are many different substances and depths that we can use depending on the skin condition. Here’s a brief outline below of the different depths, what they treat and what to expect with skin downtime.

Very Superficial
Exfoliates only the top skin cells and is great for someone who has never had a chemical peel before, wants a gentle skin refresh or a maintenance treatment. Ingredients include Fruit Enzymes and Vitamin C. A majority of skin types will have zero downtime with this treatment, just fresher, more vibrant looking skin!

Superficial
Exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells and is the next step up in chemical peels. Superficial peels are beneficial for moderate conditions such as congestion, mild acne, fine lines and light pigment spots. Ingredients that may be used include Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic and Kojic Acids as well as Retinol. Most skin types will have no downtime, but the skin can feel dry and tight for up to 7 days post treatment.

Medium
Exfoliates beyond the top layer of skin and triggers cellular repair for more advanced acne and congestion, fine lines and pigmentation spots. The ingredients at this level are the same as superficial, but are delivered at a higher strength to the skin. A medium peel may cause flakiness or mild peeling for some patients up to 7 days after the procedure.

Advanced
Advanced peels are beneficial for treatment of advanced conditions such as cystic acne, melasma pigmentation, scarring or dark pigmentation spots. Be prepared for skin peeling and flaking for up to 7-14 days after the peel as it exfoliates deeply. Ingredients for advanced peels include Salicylic and Lactic Acids as well as Resorcinol. This type of peel is not administered until the skin is strengthened by prior lower level peels.

Peels and Events
All of the peels used at HALO Medispa are clinical grade and a comprehensive skin analysis is completed before undergoing any peel treatment as every person’s skin will differ. Even though you won’t look like Samantha or a salami slice after your peels, it is still important to plan any advanced skin treatments around events. It’s a good idea to give yourself 2-3 weeks before any major events to ensure any skin flakiness is gone and your skin is smooth and glowing.