A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure. Depending on the goal of the treatment and desired intensity, a bespoke solution of skin peeling agents will be applied to the skin. The peel will be left for a period of time before applying a neutralising solution or cold compress. The results are subtle but increase with repeated treatments.

Chemical peels depend on the level of peel you choose. We offer both light and medium chemical peels at The Dr Sebagh clinic. We do not offer deep chemical peeling at The Dr Sebagh clinic.

A light chemical peel removes the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and. is used to treat fine lines, acne, uneven skin tone and dryness.

A medium chemical peel removes the epidermis and portions of the dermis. It treats deeper wrinkles, superficial scarring and pigmentation.

Light chemical peels tend to last from 1-2 months, while medium chemical peoples can last 2-4 months. However, it is recommended to repeat the procedure in order to prolong the results. With lighter peels it is recommended you have one every 2-5 weeks, whereas with medium peels it should be more like every 3-6 months.

A tingling or stinging sensation can be felt during treatment, but pain is minimal to non-existent.

Before your chemical peel, your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication to prevent a viral infection. Your doctor also might recommend use of a retinoid cream, such as tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A) for a few weeks prior to the treatment to help with healing. You should also avoid unprotected sun exposure as this can cause permanent irregular pigmentation in treated areas. Certain cosmetic treatments and hair removal should also be avoided. About a week before the treatment stop using hair removal rechniques such as electrolysis or depilatories, also avoid hair dying/ straightening treatments, facial masks and facial scrubs in the week before your peel. Do not shave the areas that will be treated for 24 hours before your peel.

After a chemical peel of any depth, your skin will be red, tight, irritated or swollen. After a light peel, treated areas may take 1-7 days to heal. For a medium peel, the down-time is slightly longer. Ice-packs and OTC pain medication can be used to relieve symptoms. Cosmetics can be used to cover any redness after 5-7 days. Healing can take 7-14 days.

Chemical peels might be advised against if you:

Have taken the oral acne medication isotretinoin (RMvorisan, Claravis, others) in the past six months, have a personal or family history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids), are pregnant, have frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores.

Chemical peels can cause various side effects, including:

Redness: normal healing from a chemical peel involves redness of the treated skin. After a medium chemical peel, redness might last for a few months.

Scarring: Rarely, a chemical peel can cause scarring typically on the lower part of the face. Antibiotics and steroid medications can be used to soften the appearance of these scars.

Changes in skin colour: A chemical peel can cause treated skin to become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation) or light than normal (hypopigmentation). Hyperpigmentation is more common after superficil peels, while hypopigmentation is more common after a deep peel. These problems are more common in perople with darker skin tones, and can sometimes be permanent.

Infection: A chemical peel can lead to a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, such as a flare-up of the herpes virus, the virus that causes cold sores.

Scabbing and swelling can also sometimes be caused.