Chemical Peels Toronto

Chemical peels are a non-invasive skin rejuvenation technique that effectively addresses a variety of skin concerns. With a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin. This causes the top layer of skin to peel in the following days or weeks, revealing smoother, healthier, and younger-looking skin underneath.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

Chemical peels work by using a controlled, targeted acid solution to remove the outer layers of skin, revealing newer, more youthful skin underneath. This process encourages skin cell turnover and collagen production, leading to improvements in texture, tone, and the appearance of certain skin conditions.

1. Improve Large Pores & Skin Congestion

Keeping your pores clean of dirt and debris is key to achieving a clear, glowing complexion. Clogged pores are especially common for oily and acne-prone skin types, contributing to the development of acne, inflammation, and bothersome texture. Luckily, we offer several types of chemical peels in Toronto that effectively clear out skin congestion and visually minimize the pore size.

Glycolic Peel in Toronto

Glycolic acid is a chemical compound derived from sugar cane. Due to its small molecular structure, glycolic acid can easily penetrate the top layers of the skin, exfoliating the dead skin cells and clearing the pores of cell debris, hardened oils, and trapped bacteria.

• Best for: Clearing whiteheads and lightening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Peel depth: Superficial
• Downtime: Minimal to none; mild redness or flaking may occur for 1 to 3 days
• Number of treatments required: 4 to 6 treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart
• Often combined with: Salicylic acid peels, LED light therapy, or hydrating facials

Salicylic Peel in Toronto

Salicylic acid, or beta hydroxy acid, is derived from the willow tree and is known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties. This type of chemical peel in Toronto is especially useful for acne-prone skin, as it minimizes the appearance of red, inflamed pimples and papules. Salicylic acid can also be used for dehydrated, sensitive skin, ingrown hairs, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

• Best for: Treating active acne, blackheads, oily skin, and reducing inflammation
• Peel depth: Superficial
• Downtime: Minimal; possible light flaking or dryness for 1 to 3 days
• Number of treatments required: 3 to 6 treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart
• Often combined with: Glycolic acid peels, extractions, LED light therapy, or acne facials

2. Improve Fine Lines, Hyperpigmentation & Skin Texture

Most patients choose chemical peels in Toronto for their incredible anti-aging properties. Whether you suffer from fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation in the form of sunspots, age spots, or freckles, or a dull texture, chemical peels can effectively address several problems at once, revealing a more youthful, glowing skin.

Kojic Acid Peel in Toronto

Kojic acid is a by-product of the fermenting process during the production of Japanese sake. This type of chemical peel inhibits the overproduction of melanin within the skin, delivering an incredible lightening effect. Our kojic acid peels in Toronto also include vitamin C to decrease the production of free radicals and to help heal and restore environmental damage to the skin.

• Best for: Brightening dull skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun damage
• Peel depth: Superficial
• Downtime: Minimal; some redness or mild peeling may occur for 1 to 3 days
• Number of treatments required: 4 to 6 treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart
• Often combined with: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, or vitamin C treatments

Mandelic Acid Peel in Toronto

Mandelic acid is an aromatic AHA extracted from bitter almond. Mandelic acid has a larger molecular size than lactic or glycolic acid, making it gentler on the skin. However, mandelic acid is still effective at treating fine lines and reducing the signs of melasma. Mandelic acid is usually combined with kojic and salicylic acids to treat both active acne and post-acne hyperpigmentation at the same time.

• Best for: Treating sensitive skin, rosacea, mild acne, and dull texture
• Peel depth: Very superficial to superficial
• Downtime: Minimal to none; may include slight dryness or flaking for 1 to 2 days
• Number of treatments required: 4 to 6 treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart
• Often combined with: Niacinamide, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid

Retinoic Acid Peel in Toronto

Retinoic acid is an active form of vitamin A, or retinol. This type of chemical peel promotes the renewal of the patient’s skin, replacing aging skin cells with new, younger-looking skin. Retinoic acid also promotes the production of collagen and elastin in the deeper skin layers, has a strong antioxidant and brightening effect, and smooths out skin texture.

• Best for: Treating acne, fine lines, wrinkles, melasma, and sun-damaged skin
• Peel depth: Medium
• Downtime: Moderate; peeling and redness typically last 3 to 7 days
• Number of treatments required: 2 to 4 treatments spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart
• Often combined with: Jessner’s solution, TCA (trichloroacetic acid), or glycolic acid

During your initial consultation at the Sovereign Skin cosmetic clinic, your skincare specialist will carefully assess the condition of your skin and discuss your goals and objectives. They will discuss your medical history to identify whether there are any contraindications to chemical peels and determine the optimal treatment plan for your skin. Your skincare specialist will then recommend the appropriate type of chemical peel and discuss its specifics, such as the procedure, aftercare, downtime, and expected results.

What Are the Downsides of Chemical Peels?

Many patients fear chemical peels, as they believe they cause chemical burns and scarring. This isn’t the case. The best chemical peels in Toronto are safe and tested procedures, with millions of chemical peels successfully performed every year. However, like any other cosmetic procedure, chemical peels come with certain risks and limitations.

Possible Complications

• Changes in skin colour: Patients with darker skin types are at increased risk of developing a temporary or permanent colour change in their skin. Pregnancy, birth control pills, or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face may increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation as well. 
• Persistent redness: Your newly revealed skin may be pink or reddish in colour for several months following the chemical peel.
• Scarring: Even though it is very uncommon, there is a risk of scarring after chemical peels. Luckily, this type of scarring can usually be treated with good results.
• Reactivation of cold sores: If you have a history of cold sores, a chemical peel may cause the virus to reactivate. Preventive antiviral medications can help avoid this.

Chemical Peel Limitations

• Cannot remove loose skin: Chemical peels cannot remove sagging skin – a facelift, a browlift, or laser-based rejuvenation may be required to address loose skin concerns.
• Cannot remove deep scars: While chemical peels can improve the appearance of medium to mild scarring, they cannot eliminate deep scars. Laser resurfacing, punch grafting, subcision, scar excision, dermabrasion, or dermal fillers may be more effective for more advanced scarring.
• Cannot change pore size: Your pore size is genetic, and no cosmetic procedure can change it. However, chemical peels can clear out the pores from hardened oils and debris, thus visually reducing their size.
• Cannot remove broken blood vessels: Chemical peels are not effective against broken capillaries – IPL or laser treatments may be required instead.