Treatment

Chemical Peels

At Concept Medical, we offer safe and effective chemical peel treatments tailored to your specific skin type and concerns. Our team of professionals will work with you to determine the right type of peel, ensuring you achieve optimal results with minimal downtime.

Book an Appointment

What are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic treatment for smoother, even-toned, and youthful-looking skin. The process involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the outer layer to peel off. Depending on the peel that is appropriate for the client, the acid will reach the required depth of skin and loosen the bonds between the dead and healthy skin cells. Over a short period of time, these broken bonds lead to the release of dead skin cells, which we know as shedding. It is important to note that the degree of shedding does not indicate the effectiveness of a peel. Some patients may have more shedding than others. Some patients may not notice any shedding.

What do Chemical Peels Treat?

Chemical peels are a versatile treatment that can be used to address skin concerns like:

  • Uneven texture and tone
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Acne scars
  • Acne  
Types of Chemical Peels

At Concept Medical, we use different chemical peels to help you achieve your desired results. During your consultation, one of our medical aestheticians will discuss the best option for you based on your unique needs and concerns. The treatments we use can be one of the following:

Enzymes (Bromelain/Papain)

This treatment uses natural enzymes, such as bromelain (derived from pineapple) and papain (derived from papaya), to exfoliate the skin. These peels are generally milder than other chemical peels and are an excellent option for sensitive skin. Enzyme peels effectively remove dead skin cells and promote cellular turnover, resulting in smoother, brighter, and a more even complexion.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) 

AHAs are a type of water-soluble acid that works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells. They are excellent for improving skin texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and addressing mild hyperpigmentation. The most common AHAs we use at Concept Medical include glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane) and lactic acid (derived from milk). 

Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

BHAs are oil-soluble acids that penetrate deep into the pores to unclog them and dissolve excess sebum (oil substance). The most common type of BHA we use is salicylic acid (derived from willow bark). This type of acid effectively treats acne-prone skin, reduces inflammation, and improves skin texture.

What to Expect
Pre-Treatment

Before your chemical peel treatment, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best possible results:

  • Our experts will meet with you for a consultation. We will evaluate your skin type and discuss your concerns to determine the best chemical peel for you. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help put your mind at ease.
  • Avoid certain skincare products. In the days leading up to your session, avoid using any products that contain retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs, as these can make your skin more sensitive.
  • Avoid sun exposure: It’s essential to avoid excessive sun exposure and wear SPF 50 or above daily in the weeks leading up to your chemical peel treatment and following treatment. Sun damage can interfere with the healing process and results.
During Treatment

The sensations you might feel during your session can include a tingle, itch or warmth. The feeling only lasts the duration of the peel and is immediately calmed after removal. We will closely monitor your skin’s reaction during the process to ensure a safe and effective treatment. 

Post-Treatment

For seven days post-treatment, try to refrain from the following:

  • Waxing, threading and use of all depilatories
  • Retinoids
  • Mechanical exfoliants
  • Topical AHA/BHA and all other topical skincare exfoliants
  • Sunless tanning products
  • Acne topical treatments
  • Hot tubs, pools, saunas or steam rooms

After your chemical peel, it’s essential to wear SPF 50 (at minimum) every day. Depending on the type of treatment you receive, you may experience some downtime resulting from redness, peeling, and dryness, so it’s important to plan social events or meetings accordingly.

In some cases, breakouts and inflammation can occur after a chemical peel. If this happens, you can apply a cool compress to the affected area to reduce inflammation and use a gentle cleanser to prevent further breakouts. Avoid harsh or abrasive scrubs, as these can irritate the skin further.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Peels

Although chemical peels can help people of all complexions and hues, the lighter your hair and skin, the lower your risk of uneven skin after the procedure. Patients with darker hair and skin can still get chemical peels but should be mindful and cautious and have a thorough consultation prior to treatment. Anyone who is pregnant or is currently breastfeeding should also hold off on chemical peels.

The downtime varies greatly depending on the chemical peel used. This will be discussed and explained during your consultation, but generally, you may experience some redness, dryness, and peeling.

Once your skins cells have fully repaired after your chemical peel, you will notice that your skin will appear:

  • Smoother
  • More radiant
  • Improved in tone and texture
  • Softer and firmer

Beautiful skin, unfortunately, does not happen overnight. A single chemical peel will certainly help to show immediate improvement in the brightness and radiance of your skin superficially. However, a cure (multiple peels spaced appropriately) is usually recommended. When you commit to a peel cure, you work towards treating deeper issues such as textural, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and inflammation.

At Concept Medical, chemical peels are sometimes encouraged for clients before some other treatments. A medical-grade chemical peel before treatments, such as Broadband Light therapy or micro-needling, can lead to faster and more noticeable results (when appropriately spaced apart).

Chemical peels can be an effective acne treatment. They help to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells and excess oils that clog pores and lead to breakouts.

We generally recommend avoiding exfoliating after a chemical peel because your skin is already in a delicate state. Further exfoliation can lead to irritation and damage, slowing the results you want to achieve.

Keratosis pilaris is known as rough, small bumps on the skin, typically affecting the upper arms or thighs. While chemical peels may help exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, there is limited evidence to suggest they are effective treatments for keratosis pilaris.

It’s important to wait at least two to four weeks after a chemical peel before microneedling. The skin needs time to heal and fully recover. Since microneedling involves puncturing the skin with tiny needles, this can cause irritation and damage if performed too soon.

If you had laser hair removal on the exact area you want a chemical peel, we recommend waiting at least two to four weeks in between. Since laser hair removal can make your skin sensitive, chemical peels may exacerbate this.

Get started

Book your Consultation Today

Your patient journey is unique and begins with an in-depth consultation.

Book Consultation

Are you a current patient?(Required)