Chemical peels are a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that can help improve the skin’s appearance. They involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, removing the dead skin in the top layer, and revealing smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin.

Medical-grade chemical peels are administered by dermatologists and offer several benefits over spa-grade peels.

There are several types of medical-grade chemical peels available to clients. The peel recommended depends on the client’s skin concerns and skin type. Here are a few examples:

1) Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) peels use glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids to exfoliate the skin and improve texture.

2) Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) peels use salicylic acid to penetrate pores and exfoliate the skin. They are particularly effective for acne-prone skin.

3) Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels involve using a much higher concentration of acid to penetrate deeper into the skin and improve the appearance of sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.

4) Jessner’s peel uses a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol to exfoliate and improve the appearance of acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines.

5) Phenol is the deepest chemical peel to address severe skin damage, such as deep wrinkles and scars.

The main benefits of having a medical-grade chemical peels include:

1. Enhances Skin Texture and Appearance: A medical-grade chemical peel can help improve skin texture and appearance by removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This reveals fresh, smoother skin with a brighter, more youthful appearance. Chemical peels also stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity and firmness.

2. Reduces Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation, which is characterized by dark spots or patches on the skin, can often result from factors such as sun damage (solar lentigines), hormonal changes (melasma), acne scarring and after rashes resolve (post-inflammatory changes). Medical-grade chemical peels can help reduce hyperpigmentation by removing the top layer of skin where the pigment is most often located.

3. Minimizes Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin as we age, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Medical-grade chemical peels can help minimize the appearance of these lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and promoting cell turnover.

4. Treats Acne and Acne Scarring: Medical-grade chemical peels can effectively treat individuals with acne or acne scarring. The chemical solution used in the peel helps to unclog pores and exfoliate the skin, which can reduce the severity of acne breakouts and improve the appearance of acne scars.

5. Improves Skin Radiance: A medical-grade chemical peel can help improve skin radiance by removing dull, dead skin cells and revealing brighter, healthier-looking skin. The treatment can also help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion.

It’s important to remember that choosing the right chemical peel is essential to achieving optimal results and avoiding potential side effects. Consulting with a dermatologist will give you an in-depth assessment of your skin, which includes assessing your skin type, your primary skin concerns and overall goals for treatment, the severity of your skin concerns, and reviewing your pertinent medical history. All of these factors will determine the most appropriate type of chemical peel for your skin.

Conclusion

Medical-grade chemical peels effectively treat various skin concerns, including acne, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation/melasma, and sun damage. These peels can also improve the texture and overall appearance of the skin. Moreover, it can be customized to suit the patient’s specific needs.

A medical-grade chemical peel administered after consultation with a dermatologist ensures that the patient receives professional guidance throughout treatment. The dermatologist will provide pre- and post-treatment care instructions and monitor the patient’s skin to ensure it heals properly. This reduces the risk of complications and ensures the patient achieves the desired results.

At Vida Dermatology in south Edmonton, our Board-certified Dermatologist and medical aestheticians perform various treatments that will help improve your skin’s overall appearance. Call us today to find out more about chemical peels and facials.