Chemical Peels | Vancouver & Surrey BC

Chemical Peels

At Shine MD, we use facial peels that brighten, tighten, and illuminate the appearance of the skin. Chemical peels are an incredibly popular procedure that can be effective in treating active acne and in improving congested skin, acne scarring, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

At Shine MD, we use facial peels that brighten, tighten, and illuminate the appearance of the skin. Chemical peels are an incredibly popular procedure that can be effective in treating active acne and in improving congested skin, acne scarring, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

Chemical peels use the science of chemistry to promote healthy, rejuvenated skin. Different peels use different active ingredients, but most peels work similarly at their core. Chemical peels contain helpful acids that lower the pH level of the skin, loosening the top layers of old, damaged skin cells. The skin is chemically exfoliated, and the dead skin cells are removed, revealing supple, healthy skin underneath. The treatment also prompts your body to produce new skin cells, increasing the skin’s collagen and elastin levels, leading to more youthful, bouncier skin.

Chemical peels come in a range of strengths, and different chemical peels treat the skin to a variety of depths.

The different kinds of chemical peels are:

Light chemical peels only remove the topmost layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis. These peels can treat a variety of surface-level skin concerns, including acne, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. As these peels are more gentle on the skin, they can be repeated every few weeks to enhance results.

Medium chemical peels can reach deeper into the skin, down to the dermis. These peels can treat many of the same skin conditions as light chemical peels, such as acne and acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and skin discoloration. However, these peels are more effective at treating deeper skin concerns and typically produce more noticeable results after one session. These treatments can be repeated to achieve the desired results, but they should be more spaced out.

Deep chemical peels remove skin cells at an even further depth than medium chemical peels. These peels are more invasive and require a longer downtime, but they can treat skin conditions that penetrate deeper into the skin, such as deeper wrinkles or scars. These peels are effective after just one treatment and do not need to be repeated.

Chemical Peels for Acne and Acne Scars

Chemical peels can be an excellent way to resurface acne-prone skin, leading to a more even complexion. At Shine MD’s Acne Clinic, we recommend chemical peels to many of our patients who have acne and/or visible acne scars. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, superficial chemical peels can be effective at treating mild to moderate acne.

Medium chemical peels are also proven to be effective at treating acne scarring. Chemical peels are an incredible acne treatment option, but they are not for everyone. One of our trained staff members will examine your skin and inform you of the best available treatment options.

Types of Chemical Peels Available at Shine MD

Vivier™ Peel

Refreshes. Brightens. Tightens. Illuminates.

  • The Vivier™ Peel is gentle, so it is perfect for all skin types with no downtime.
  • It contains lactic acid, salicylic acid and resorcinol.
  • It targets aging, dehydrated skin, and improves congested, oily, and acne-prone skin.

Jessner Plus Peel™

Exfoliates and Brightens.

  • The Jessner Plus Peel™ is a more intense treatment due to higher concentrations of lactic acid and salicylic acid.
  • This peel is effective in exfoliating and brightening the skin while treating uneven pigment, acne, and rosacea.
  • This is a deeper peel so some skin peeling is expected for five to seven days.

Learn More About Chemical Peels

Chemical peel treatments vary depending on the strength of the peel used. Prior to your chemical peel, one of our staff members will cleanse your skin to remove any dirt, debris, and oil. The peel will then be applied all over the skin and left to sit while the active ingredients work. The amount of time a peel is left on the skin depends on the specific peel and how sensitive the skin is.

You may experience some slight discomfort, burning, or stinging while the peel works, but the treatment should not be painful. We make sure to check in with our patients and provide as comfortable an experience as possible.

After a chemical peel, you may experience some skin irritation, including mild redness, tightness, and inflammation. As the skin heals over the next one to seven days, you may experience dryness or peeling. The skin will also be more sensitive to sunlight, so it is crucial to avoid direct sun exposure and wear a quality SPF. With more intense peels, the skin typically reacts with more noticeable redness and swelling, and you may feel some stinging as the skin repairs.

Chemical peels improve skin texture and tone and support bright, bouncy skin. They also help restore aging skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Peels are best performed in a group of three to six peels spaced two to four weeks apart.

The results from chemical peels can be long-lasting, but over time, sun damage, aging, and skin conditions can lead to new issues in skin texture and tone. Some patients may choose to undergo chemical peels periodically to maintain their results.

If you are unhappy with the texture, tone, coloration, or vibrance of your skin, you may be a good candidate for a chemical peel. Chemical peels are customizable and therefore can benefit many types of skin.

Chemical peels should not be used on sunburnt skin or open wounds or sores, and are not suitable for people on certain medications. One of our trained staff members at Shine MD will evaluate your skin and let you know if chemical peels are the right treatment option for you.

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