Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels in Ottawa can restore your skin and address the following issues: 

• Acne scars
• Hyperpigmentation
• Age spots
• Aging skin
• Crow’s feet
• Melasma
• Sun-damaged skin
• Wrinkles
• Sagging Skin

For any other skin issues you are keen to address with a Chemical Peel, call our practice today to speak with Dr. Silverman and his specialists.

Generally, superficial peels can be used on all skin types. However, if you have a darker skin tone, you have a greater risk of experiencing a darkening of your skin after treatment. This condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, you may want to talk to one of our knowledgeable providers about other less aggressive treatments to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peeling may also not be recommended if you:

• Have a history of abnormal skin scarring.
• Have extra coloring in your scars.
• Have skin conditions or take medications that make your skin more sensitive.
• Can’t stay out of the sun for the healing period.

On the day of your appointment, your assigned provider will prepare your skin for the Chemical peel by thoroughly cleansing your skin to remove any excess oil and dirt, and carefully protecting your eyes, nose, mouth, and hair. Depending on the peel you get will determine what sort of numbing agent we will give you. For example, if you’re getting a light peel, we may just apply a cool compress to your face or some topical numbing cream, whereas a Deep Peel will require a little something stronger, including pain medication.

A chemical solution is then applied to your skin. Chemical solutions typically used include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol). The different types of chemicals cause a controlled injury, each penetrating through to a different skin depth, and then peeling away to reveal a new layer of skin.

The different chemical solutions provide different results. The choice of a chemical depends on your goal. You will work with your assigned provider to determine the depth of your peel, whether it will be a light, medium, or deep peel. 

You may feel a warm to somewhat hot sensation that will last a few minutes. This is followed by a stinging sensation. To relieve the sting, a cool compress may be applied to your skin. The chemical is then washed off and/or neutralized.

Your recovery process and what to expect varies depending on the depth of your chemical peel. 

If you’ve had a light chemical peel:

• Expect a sunburn-like reaction to occur after your peel, meaning you’ll see redness followed by scaling that lasts between three and seven days.
• Apply lotion or cream as directed until your skin heals. After your skin heals, apply daily sunscreen.
• You can wear makeup immediately after treatment or the next day.
• Additional peels may be repeated every two to five weeks until you achieve your desired results. Typically three to five peels are needed to achieve your goal.

If you’ve had a medium chemical peel:

• Expect some redness, swelling, stinging, and flaking of your skin. Swelling may last and/or worsen for 48 hours. Blisters can develop and break open. Skin will crust and peel off over seven to 14 days.
• Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor. Apply ointment after each soak. Apply lotion or cream daily. Don’t expose your skin to sunlight until completely healed.
• Antiviral medication will need to be taken for 10 to 14 days.
• You can wear makeup after five to seven days.
• Additional medium-depth peels may be repeated at six to 12-month intervals, if needed, to maintain results.

If you’ve had a deep chemical peel:

• The treatment area will be bandaged. Your bandages will be removed in a few days. Expect a healing time of 14 to 21 days.
• Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor. Apply ointment after each soak. After 14 days, apply moisturizer as directed. Don’t expose your skin to the sun for three to six months.
• Antiviral medication will need to be taken for 10 to 14 days.
• Wait at least 14 days before using any makeup.
• You can only have one deep peel performed on your face.

To get the best results, regardless of the depth of your peel, avoid tanning beds, always apply a daily sunscreen, and apply a daily moisturizer, as directed, to keep your skin moist to prevent scarring. Your new skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications. Your provider will give you post-treatment instructions to reduce the chance of developing abnormal skin color after your peel and other complications.