Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands. They can be used to:

• Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
• Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
• Improve the appearance of mild scars
• Treat certain types of acne
• Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills
• Improve the look and feel of skin

Areas of sun damage may improve after chemical peeling.
After a chemical peel, skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen every day. It should say "broad-spectrum" on the label, meaning it protects against the sun's UVA and UVB rays.

Who Is a Good Candidate For a Chemical Peel?

Generally, anyone is a good candidate for chemical peels. We offer 4 different types of chemical peels, so that we can tailor the peel to your skin type (colour) and condition.
We can treat mild acne & scarring, pigmentation, fine lines, uneventexture, and any other undisireable skin complexion.
Skin sagging, bulges, and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may need other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as laser resurfacing, or dermal fillers/Botox.

Before You Get a Chemical Peel

Tell your skin consultant if you have any history of scarring, reoccurring cold sores, or on photosensitive medication.
Before you get a chemical peel, your consultant may ask you to stop taking certain drugs and prepare your skin by using other medications, such as Retinol or glycolic acid.
Work with your consultant to determine the depth of your peel. This decision depends upon the condition of your skin and your goals for treatment, and how much peeling you can handle.

How Chemical Peels Are Done

The professional who does your peel will first clean your skin thoroughly. Then she will apply one or more chemical solutions -- such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid(TCA), salicylic acid, or lactic acid -- to small areas of your skin. This creates a controlled wound, letting new skin take its place.
During a chemical peel, most people feel a tingling to burning sensation that lasts about 1-3 minutes. Once the peel is removed you shouldnt have any tingling or burning. You may experience a warmth when touching the skin, but nothing more. Applying cool compresses can take away the sensation.

What To Expect After the Chemical Peel

Depending upon the type of chemical peel, a reaction similar to sunburn occurs following the procedure. Peeling usually involves redness followed by scaling that ends within three to seven days. Mild peels may not have any peeling and can be repeated at 2 week intervals until you get the look you're after. Medium depth peels will have peeling for 3-7 days and can be done 2-4 week invervals.

After treatment, you'll need to avoid the sun for a few weeks since your new skin will be fragile. Treat your new fresh skin as baby skin. Do not let it get too much sun!!

Possible Complications

Some skin types are more likely to develop a temporary or permanent color change in the skin after a chemical peel. Sun exposure after a chemical peel or on photosensitive medications will make you more prone to this.
For people with a history of cold sore outbreaks, there is a small risk of reactivating cold sores. Your doctor can prescribe medication to prevent or treat

Ask us about our DermaCeutic chemical peel line! 519-837-1897

Melasma : Pregnancy Mask

Okay, Melasma, commonly known as the “pregnancy mask” is a regular occurance. You are not alone - and you know what? There is a treatment to correct it!

Melasma presents itself as a dark facial skin rash with irregular borders. The rash is usually recognized by its symmetrical presentation on the cheeks, lips, nose or forehead.

Skin discoloration can also occur on the upper arms. The skin discoloration can vary in color ranging from a dark brown to a deep grey.

The condition is universal and seen in all cultures and ethnicities; however it is far more commonly seen in Asians, Hispanics, Arabs and North Africans who all seem to have higher levels of melanin in their skin and a tendency to tan. Individuals with fair skin may experience a lighter shade of melasma which is not always recognized.

The cause of melasma remains unknown but is believed to be due to an increase in the production of cells which release the pigment melanin, which is responsible for the dark color of the skin.

What causes the increased production of melanin is not known but some triggers include:

• Heredity factors and hormone fluctuation/production: the rash is most common in pregnant females
• Prolonged sun exposure
• Use of birth control pills
• Certain medications like tetracycline and anti-malarial drugs (derived from quinine)

Melasma is not related to any medical disorder and by itself is a harmless skin condition despite the cosmetic concern associated with its appearance on facial skin. Diagnosing melasma in pregnant women is relatively simple, yet in men and women who are not pregnant, drug related skin reactions and other medical conditions may have to be ruled out.

What is the treatment for melasma? Sun protection is the most important part of treatment for melasma, since the pigment will continue to darken with sun exposure. Sunscreens must be worn daily. Combinations of bleaching and fading creams together with laser treatments for pigmentation, such as Fraxel® laser treatments, can be used to fade the pigment.

Why is Fraxel® Laser Treatment more advantageous over other laser treatments for pigmentation?

• It improves all types of melasma pigmentation.
• It can be used on all skin types, including darker complexions, and multiple treatments are required.
• Lightening of the pigment can be seen within a few weeks.
• It improves the texture and radiance of the skin.
• It improves sun damage, brown spots, and wrinkles which usually occur with melasma.

So, to schedule your confidential consultation call 519-837-1897 or email info@guelphlaser.ca  to enjoy clearer brighter skin!