Chemical Peels Toronto

Q: Can I wear makeup after chemical peel?

It is possible to wear makeup after a superficial peel.

Q: Why am I not peeling after a chemical peel?

While it is common for patients to see their skin peeling after a chemical peel, it is not always the case. Some patients do not see their skin peeling, but that doesn't mean their treatment was not effective. They can still see results. Patients who regularly receive chemical peels may also experience less peeling of the skin.

Q: How often should I have a chemical peel?

It depends on your treatment goals, but for optimal results, a series of four to six chemical peels (spaced 2 weeks apart) is recommended.

Q: How long do chemical peels last?

The results of a series of chemical peels are long lasting. However aging, lifestyle habits and environmental factors can negatively impact your results. Therefore, it's important to follow good skincare practices, such as protecting your skin from the sun and using topical products that are appropriate for your skin.

Q: Is a chemical peel painful?

Most patients describe feeling a slight tingling or burning sensation during their chemical peel. This sensation is not typically described as painful.

Q: Do chemical peels darken skin?

Darkening of the skin is considered a rare risk of chemical peels. Peels that are not formulated correctly or applied by inexperienced practitioners may increase this risk.

Medically Proven Exfoliating Formulations

Performed alone or in conjunction with other treatment options, chemical peels allow you to literally peel away the visible signs of aging to reveal the true beauty of your skin. Peels can be used to improve acne, hyperpigmentation (including melasma), texture and skin brightness. At Compass Dermatology, we offer lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), as well as specially formulated combination peels.

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What are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are pharmaceutical grade formulations that are applied topically to exfoliate the uppermost layers of your skin. At Compass Dermatology, we perform superficial and medium-depth peels to effectively treat acne, pigmentation, and dullness.

It's incredibly important that your chemical peels are performed by a practitioner who understands your skin and treatment goals.

At Compass Dermatology, all peels are performed under the supervision of our board-certified dermatologists. This ensures that the health and wellness of your skin is prioritized and that you achieve the results you want.

Who is a Candidate for Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are extremely versatile and most patients are candidates for their complexion-boosting benefits.

Chemical peels can treat a wide variety of complexion issues, including the following:

fine lines
dull skin tone
pigmented spots and uneven skin tone
rough skin textures
clogged and enlarged pores
acne

A simple, straightforward and affordable treatment, with the ability to remarkably improve the complexion and a short recovery period, are some of the many reasons why our patients love chemical peels.

Removes Damaged Skin

Exfoliates the upper layers of the skin, revealing the healthy, smooth skin below.

Great for Routine Maintenance

A simple, straightforward and affordable treatment that keeps your skin glowing.

4-6 Sessions

A series of 4-6 chemical peels (spaced 2 weeks apart) is recommended.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the upper layers of the skin, revealing the healthy, smooth skin below. This is done in a highly controlled manner (which is why it's so important that peels are performed by a dermatologist, or a medical aesthetician under the supervision of a dermatologist).

We typically recommend that patients receive a series of 4-6 treatments in order to achieve optimal results. Your skin will be healthier, with diminished lines, improved tone and a beautiful glow.

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Our Comprehensive Approach to Chemical Peels

At Compass Dermatology, we are experts at combining procedures to produce optimal results. Our goal is to establish a long-term partnership with our patients.

Following cleansing of your skin, the peel formulation is applied to the skin and left on for a few minutes. You may feel a slight burning or tingling sensation. After a period of time, the peel is neutralized and your skin is cleansed again. Aftercare products are applied to moisturize your skin and protect it.

Once the treatment is complete, you’ll be able to return to your normal daily activities. It is crucial that you protect the treated area from the sun following your peel.

Flaking and shedding may start within a day or two and last for up to a week. Avoid picking or aggressively scrubbing your skin to reduce the risk of scarring or infection.

Optimal results are generally achieved with a series of 4-6 chemical peels spaced 2-4 weeks apart.

After completing your initial series, maintenance peels every 3-6 months help sustain results and combat ongoing aging and environmental damage.

Understanding Chemical Peel Depths: Light, Medium, and Deep Peels Explained

Not all chemical peels are created equal. Understanding the different depths of chemical peels can help you make informed decisions about which treatment best addresses your skin concerns.

Superficial (Light) Chemical Peels
Superficial peels represent the gentlest option, targeting only the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). At Compass Dermatology, we use alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid, or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, for these treatments. Light peels require minimal downtime, with most patients experiencing light flaking for 3-5 days and can immediately return to work.

These peels excel at treating:

Dull, tired-looking skin
Minor texture irregularities
Mild acne and clogged pores
Superficial hyperpigmentation

Light chemical peels are perfect to resolve minor issues or as regular maintenance treatments.

Medium-Depth Chemical Peels
Medium peels penetrate deeper, reaching the upper layers of the dermis. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the most common agent used for medium-depth peels. These treatments deliver more dramatic results but require more recovery time, typically 7-10 days of visible peeling and redness.

Medium peels effectively address:

Moderate sun damage and age spots
More pronounced wrinkles and fine lines
Acne scarring
Melasma and stubborn hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin texture

These treatments require more preparation and post-care than superficial peels but deliver significantly more visible transformation.

Deep Chemical Peels
Deep peels, typically using phenol, penetrate to the deeper layers of the dermis and produce the most dramatic results. However, they require extensive recovery time (2-3 weeks) and carry higher risks. At Compass Dermatology, we generally recommend other treatments that would achieve comparable results without the extensive recovery time.

Choosing the Right Depth

During your consultation, we evaluate your skin's thickness, elasticity, pigmentation, and specific concerns to recommend the optimal peel depth. Your lifestyle, available downtime, and aesthetic goals all factor into this decision.

Chemical Peel Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Days 1-3: Initial Response: Your skin will appear pink or reddish. Tightness and dryness are normal. You can apply a gentle moisturizer and mineral-based SPF. Avoid makeup for 24 hours after superficial peels, 48 hours after medium peels.

Days 3-7: Active Peeling Phase: This is when visible flaking and peeling occur. Resist the temptation to pick at any peeling skin. It's best to let it shed naturally, as this will minimize the risk of scarring and infection. Keep skin moisturized with gentle, fragrance-free products. The peeling process is essentially your damaged outer skin revealing fresh, healthy skin beneath. Light peels typically complete this phase by day 5-7 (although in some cases, you may not experience any peeling at all). Medium-depth peels may continue peeling through day 10-14.

Days 7-14: Revealing Results: Once peeling subsides, you'll see noticeably improved skin texture, tone, and brightness. Your complexion appears more even, and fine lines look softer. This is when patients typically think, "This is exactly why I did the peel."

Weeks 2-6: Continued Improvement: Chemical peels stimulate collagen production and cellular turnover that continues working beneath the surface.Improvements in texture, tone, and overall skin quality become more pronounced over subsequent weeks.

Chemical Peel Ingredients: Understanding What's in Your Treatment

The effectiveness of every chemical peel lies in the active ingredients of its customized formulation. We offer multiple peel formulations, each designed to address specific skin concerns.

Glycolic Acid Peels
Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid molecule, allowing it to penetrate efficiently. Glycolic acid peels are excellent all-purpose treatments that brighten skin, smooth texture, and give the skin a glow! Patients with sun damage, dullness, and early aging signs particularly benefit from glycolic acid chemical peels.

Concentrations typically range from 20% for sensitive skin to 70% for more aggressive treatments. Our laser technicians customize the percentage and application time based on your skin's tolerance and treatment goals.

Salicylic Acid Peels
This beta-hydroxy acid is lipid-soluble, meaning it penetrates through oil-rich pores, which makes it ideal for acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid chemical peels reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and prevent future breakouts. Many patients struggling with persistent acne find salicylic acid peels transformative.

Beyond acne treatment, salicylic peels also reduce sebum production and minimize pore appearance, creating a refined complexion.

Lactic Acid Peels
Gentler than glycolic acid, lactic acid (derived from milk) offers similar exfoliating benefits with added hydration. This makes lactic acid peels perfect for patients with sensitive or dry skin who want brightening and smoothing without excessive irritation. Lactic acid is particularly effective for treating hyperpigmentation while maintaining the skin's moisture barrier, a crucial consideration during the harsh winter months.

Mandelic Acid Peels
Milder than glycolic acid, mandelic acid (derived from bitter almonds) delivers gentle exfoliation with antibacterial properties and minimal irritation. This makes mandelic acid peels ideal for patients with sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-affected skin seeking clarity and even tone without downtime. Mandelic acid is especially beneficial for oily or combination types year-round.

Combination Peels
Often, the most effective chemical peels combine multiple ingredients to target various concerns simultaneously. For example, a peel might blend glycolic acid for surface exfoliation with salicylic acid for pore penetration, plus additional brightening agents for hyperpigmentation.

Chemical Peels vs. Other Treatments: Making the Right Choice

Have you ever wondered how chemical peels compare to other rejuvenation treatments? Find out what makes them unique and how they can enhance your skincare routine.

Chemical Peels vs. Laser Treatments
Laser treatments like BBL or Halo target specific concerns with precision and often deliver faster results. However, chemical peels can be excellent alternatives for patients with darker skin tones who may have a higher risk with certain lasers. Many patients achieve fantastic results by combining treatments, for example, using chemical peels for maintenance between more aggressive laser sessions.

Chemical Peels vs. Microneedling
Microneedling excels at treating acne scarring and stimulating deep collagen production. Chemical peels are superior for surface concerns like hyperpigmentation and dullness. These treatments complement each other beautifully, with many patients alternating between peels and microneedling sessions.

At Compass Dermatology, we rarely recommend one treatment exclusively. A comprehensive skincare plan might include:

Chemical peels every 4-6 weeks for ongoing maintenance
BBL treatments 2-3 times yearly for pigmentation
Microneedling for deeper texture concerns
Professional-grade at-home skincare

Our board certified dermatologists design personalized treatment protocols that address all your concerns efficiently and cost-effectively.

Chemical Peels for Specific Concerns: Targeted Solutions

Chemical peels offer remarkable versatility, with different formulations addressing various skin concerns. Our dermatologists customize treatments to target your specific needs.

Chemical Peels for Acne: Salicylic acid chemical peels penetrate oil-filled pores, removing trapped debris and reducing inflammation. These peels also decrease sebum production and kill acne-causing bacteria. Many patients see significant improvement in active breakouts and reduced frequency of future acne after a series of salicylic peels.

For patients with both acne and hyperpigmentation from previous breakouts (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), combination peels using salicylic acid with brightening agents deliver comprehensive results.

Chemical Peels for Melasma: Melasma, a condition characterized by stubborn brown patches typically appearing on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip,challenges even the most experienced of dermatologists. Chemical peels can be highly effective for melasma when properly selected and applied. We typically use gentle, progressive treatments with ingredients like kojic acid, azelaic acid, and low-concentration glycolic or lactic acids.

Aggressive peels can worsen melasma, so seeking treatment at Compass Dermatology is crucial. Our board-certified dermatologists specialize in the safe and effective management of melasma.

Chemical Peels for Anti-Aging: Glycolic acid and TCA peels excel at reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. These chemical peels stimulate collagen production, improving skin thickness and elasticity. Regular peel treatments can significantly slow visible aging, with many Toronto patients maintaining youthful-looking skin well into their 50s and 60s through consistent peel series.

Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation: Sun spots, age spots, and uneven skin tone respond beautifully to chemical peels. Glycolic and lactic acid peels break apart melanin clusters, allowing hyperpigmented cells to shed more rapidly. A series of peels progressively lightens dark spots, creating a more uniform complexion.

For stubborn pigmentation, our dermatologists may recommend combination peels with additional brightening ingredients like kojic acid or arbutin.

Chemical Peels for Skin Texture: Rough, bumpy skin texture improves dramatically with regular chemical peel treatments. By removing dead skin buildup and stimulating cellular renewal, peels create smoother, more refined skin. Our patients often combine chemical peels with microneedling or laser treatments for comprehensive texture improvement.

Chemical Peels for Large Pores: While you cannot permanently shrink pores, chemical peels (particularly salicylic acid) can make pores appear smaller by removing trapped oil and dead skin. Regular peel treatments keep pores clear and minimize their appearance.