Medical Grade
Chemical Peels

by Dr. Leonora Ogbeide, MD CCFP

Medical Grade
Chemical Peels

by Dr. Leonora Ogbeide

Chemical Peels

IN

Milton
& The Greater Toronto Area

A medical-grade chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure performed by Dr. O that improves the look and health of the face. The outer layers of the skin are removed by applying a chemical solution to the skin, which encourages skin regeneration and enhances the skin’s appearance.

In contrast to over-the-counter or spa-grade peels, “medical-grade” chemical peels utilise higher doses of chemical agents. These greater concentrations are meant to produce more notable and focused results. Depending on the desired result and the person’s skin type, a medical-grade chemical peel may contain a variety of different chemicals.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid, beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are a few of the typical chemical ingredients used in medical-grade peels. Much like exercise works to grow muscles, these substances function by inflicting controlled harm on the skin, which triggers the body’s inherent ability to heal itself and results in the growth of fresh, healthier skin cells.

Various skin issues, such as:

  • Uneven skin tone and texture
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Sun damage and pigmentation irregularities
  • Acne and acne scars
  • Age spots and melasma (hyperpigmentation)

can be treated with medical-grade chemical peels. Peels can range in depth from superficial peels that only affect the epidermis to deeper peels that reach the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. Deeper peels typically have a longer recovery period but tend to yield more striking results.

The Illustria Medical Aesthetics lotus logo in gold

BHA 20 Peel

A 20% salicylic acid resurfacing peel that improves skin texture by exfoliating dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and within pores. It reduces acne pimples and helps reduce the appearance of skin discolouration.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA)  and is an exfoliant with soothing properties. It is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and control acne blemishes.

Ideal for: Oily skin, Acne-prone skin

young Asian model show smooth skin after a peel
The Illustria Medical Aesthetics lotus logo in gold

BHA 20 Peel

A 20% salicylic acid resurfacing peel that improves skin texture by exfoliating dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and within pores. It reduces acne pimples and helps reduce the appearance of skin discolouration.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA)  and is an exfoliant with soothing properties. It is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and control acne blemishes.

Ideal for: Oily skin, Acne-prone skin

young Asian model show smooth skin after a peel
Black woman with smooth and clear skin from a chemical peel

AHA Duo Peel

A combination alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) resurfacing peel containing 20% lactic acid and 10% glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells and boost skin turnover, improving texture and tone.

Lactic acid is naturally found in milk. It exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Glycolic acid is naturally found in sugar cane. It exfoliates dead skin cells and increases cell turnover. It improves skin texture and tone and gives skin a new glow.

Ideal for: Sensitive skin, Fine lines & Wrinkles, Discoloration, Sun damage and Large pores.

AHA Duo Peel

A combination alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) resurfacing peel containing 20% lactic acid and 10% glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells and boost skin turnover, improving texture and tone.

Lactic acid is naturally found in milk. It exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Glycolic acid is naturally found in sugar cane. It exfoliates dead skin cells and increases cell turnover. It improves skin texture and tone and gives skin a new glow.

Ideal for: Sensitive skin, Fine lines & Wrinkles, Discoloration, Sun damage and Large pores.

Black woman with smooth and clear skin from a chemical peel

Renew 30 Peel

An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) resurfacing peel containing 30% lactic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells and boost skin turnover, improving texture and tone.

Lactic acid is naturally found in milk. It exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ideal for: Sensitive Skin, Fine lines & Wrinkles, Discoloration, Sun damage and Large pores.

A man gets a peel at Illustria

Renew 30 Peel

An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) resurfacing peel containing 30% lactic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells and boost skin turnover, improving texture and tone.

Lactic acid is naturally found in milk. It exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ideal for: Sensitive Skin, Fine lines & Wrinkles, Discoloration, Sun damage and Large pores.

A man gets a peel at Illustria
young black woman get a chemical peel at Illustria

Glow Peel

Combines 7% lactic acid, 7% salicylic acid, and 7% resorcinol, creating a multipurpose resurfacing solution that exfoliates dead skin cells and stimulates cell renewal.

Lactic acid is naturally found in milk. It exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA)  and is an exfoliant with soothing properties. It is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and control acne blemishes.

Resorcinol is a peeling agent that works by breaking down rough, scaly or hardened skin.

Ideal for: Fine lines & Wrinkles, Discoloration, Sun damage, Large pores, Uneven skin tone

Glow Peel

Combines 7% lactic acid, 7% salicylic acid, and 7% resorcinol, creating a multipurpose resurfacing solution that exfoliates dead skin cells and stimulates cell renewal.

Lactic acid is naturally found in milk. It exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA)  and is an exfoliant with soothing properties. It is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and control acne blemishes.

Resorcinol is a peeling agent that works by breaking down rough, scaly or hardened skin.

Ideal for: Fine lines & Wrinkles, Discoloration, Sun damage, Large pores, Uneven skin tone

young black woman get a chemical peel at Illustria

TX Jessner Plus Peel

Resurfacing peel contains 14% lactic acid, 14% salicylic acid, and 14% resorcinol. It is enriched with peptides and panthenol to safely provide controlled exfoliation of damaged skin.

Lactic acid is naturally found in milk. It exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA)  and is an exfoliant with soothing properties. It is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and control acne blemishes.

Resorcinol is a peeling agent that works by breaking down rough, scaly or hardened skin.

Ideal for: Wrinkles & fine lines, Aging skin, Age spots, Acne-prone skin, Enlarged pores, Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and Dull, lackluster complexion.

TX Jessner Plus peel being applied to Illustria client face

TX Jessner Plus Peel

Resurfacing peel contains 14% lactic acid, 14% salicylic acid, and 14% resorcinol. It is enriched with peptides and panthenol to safely provide controlled exfoliation of damaged skin.

Lactic acid is naturally found in milk. It exfoliates dead skin cells and enhances skin renewal to firm and strengthen skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA)  and is an exfoliant with soothing properties. It is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and control acne blemishes.

Resorcinol is a peeling agent that works by breaking down rough, scaly or hardened skin.

Ideal for: Wrinkles & fine lines, Aging skin, Age spots, Acne-prone skin, Enlarged pores, Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and Dull, lackluster complexion.

TX Jessner Plus peel being applied to Illustria client face

Can chemical peels be used on all skin types?

Illustria Medical Aesthetics is proud to offer a range of chemical peels for EVERY skin tone, type, and texture.

A detailed consultation with Dr. Ogbeide will determine which type of peel is best for your skin goals, along with any recommended pre-peel skin regimens, if necessary.

Some skin conditions may benefit from other treatments or a combination approach including treatments such as laser, microneedling, or home skin care.

How do I prepare for a chemical peel?

Sunscreen of at least SPF30 is highly recommended for at least 2 weeks before a peel in order to reduce the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation.

3 days before the treatment, patients should avoid:

  • Electrolysis, waxing, depilatory creams, and laser hair removal
  • Any exfoliating products that may be drying or irritating such as Salicylic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acids or Benzoyl Peroxide.
  • Products containing Retinol or prescription Retinoids (such as Retin-A, Renova®, Differin® (Adapalene 0.1%), Tazorac®).

After a detailed consultation and skin evaluation, Dr. Ogbeide may recommend a 2-4 week pre-treatment skin regimen to prime the skin before the actual peel procedure.

Do chemical peels hurt?

Chemical peels are well-tolerated procedures that do not require any anesthetic. When the peel solution is applied, patients report a feeling of warmth and tingling on the skin. This sensation dissipates within 1-3 minutes. Dr. Ogbeide takes steps to ensure that her patients are comfortable throughout the procedure.

How many sessions will I need?

Patients usually notice an improvement in skin texture after just 1 treatment. However for more significant and visible results, 3-6 treatments are ideal. After the initial 3-6 treatments, many patients do treatments every 3-6 months to help maintain their results.

What to expect after a chemical peel?

In the first 48hours after a chemical peel, the skin may appear red, dry, or irritated. Peeling and redness, if any, may last for three to five days.

Each type of peel acts differently on the skin. The degree of peeling varies depending on the type of peel used, the condition of the patient’s skin, and the home care products used.

It is recommended to avoid wearing make-up for at least 3 days after a chemical peel.

Dr. Ogbeide provides all her patients with a post-treatment home care kit to use for at least 3 days that will help to soothe and protect the skin and encourage proper healing, giving the best post treatment result.

Still Have Questions?

Contact us at Illustria Medical Aesthetics in Milton

& The Greater Toronto Area in Ontoario.

Contact Us at Illustria Medical Aesthetics