Chemical Peels

* Actual Spa Lumina client

Background information

The surface of the human skin is made up of over 30- 40 layers of dead cells. The top layer of dead cells will gradually exfoliate (peel off) and be replaced. This process occurs naturally, but slows down with age and sun damage. This leads to a stacking up of the dead layers, which makes the skin look dull, and leads to blocked pores, and sometimes breakouts.

Chemical peels, by their very nature, speed up the exfoliation process. This will improve fine lines and wrinkles, smoothen mild scars, and give a refreshing glow to the skin. It will gradually result in softer, and healthier skin. Some peels will also result in a reduction in brown and red spots (a process known as depigmentation). The cost of the peel varies depending on the intensity and the condition that you wish treated.

There are many different types of chemical peels available. Common ones include glycolic acid, salicylate, lactic acid, and phytic acid peels. Different people are more suitable for different peels. Typically, it is important to have a peel every 2-3 weeks for six treatments. Some peels have a home maintenance program. Dr. Gandhi will use his extensive medical knowledge to ensure that you are only offered a peel that is right for you.

How do peels work?

Clients are asked not to use retinoic acid (vitamin A) products for a week before a peel. Depending on the peel, some clients will be put on a pre-treatment routine for the week before the peel. This is done to test for possible allergies to components in the peel itself.

On the day of the peel, clients are asked to come to the clinic without make up on. Their skin will be gently cleansed by either Cetaphil soap, or a special cleaning solution that comes with certain peels. The peel is then applied to the skin. In some cases, a second layer will be applied after the first layer. In other cases, the peel is in fact, a mask, that has to stay on for a certain length of time.

After a prescribed period of time, the peel will be neutralized, and your face will be cleaned with cool water. You will then be given after care instructions, that are specific to your peel.

Most people will notice red flaking of the skin two to three days after the peel. With some peels (eg. Cosmelan) the peeling may persist for longer. Based on your reaction, Dr. Gandhi will then determine what strength of peel to use on your next treatment. Most people require six treatments of peels to get the full effect, and then will need a maintenance peel every couple of months. With some strong peels like Cosmelan, only one peel is required, but there is an ongoing home maintenance program. As always, Dr. Gandhi will chose the peel that is right for you and your particular skin condition.

Also, with the addition of our new aesthetician, we now incorporate chemical peels into our advanced facials.

How else can I get younger, healthier looking skin?

Spa Lumina is proud to offer a wide variety of additional treatments for skin problems. We currently offer numerous light based (laser, IPL, Titan), mechanical (dermabrasion) and chemical solutions to reduce the effects of aging and give you healthier looking and feeling skin. Depending on your skin condition, many of these treatments can also be combined for optimal effects.

Schedule a free consultation at Spa Lumina, to discuss any of these procedures in further detail.

Financing available through Medicard.