Treatment time: 30 to 45 minutes
Downtime: Light flaking for a few days with stronger peels
Sessions: Usually a series of three to six, every two to four weeks
Price: From $149 per peel

The outer layer of your skin is constantly renewing, but with age, sun exposure and breakouts the process slows and uneven. Dead cells build up, tone becomes patchy and the surface looks dull. A chemical peel applies a controlled acid solution that loosens and lifts that outer layer, so the skin renews more evenly. The word "peel" sounds dramatic, but most medical-grade peels cause light flaking at most.

How the treatment works

Your provider chooses the peel for your skin type and goal. Lighter peels use acids such as lactic, mandelic or glycolic acid; others use salicylic acid for oily, breakout-prone skin, or blended formulas for pigmentation. The skin is cleansed, the solution is applied in layers and timed, then neutralised or removed. You may feel warmth or tingling for a few minutes.

Brightening. For dull, tired-looking skin.
Pigmentation. Sun spots, uneven tone and some types of melasma, as part of a plan.
Breakouts. Oily, congested skin and post-acne marks.
Fine lines. Gentle smoothing of the surface.

What to expect

After a light peel, skin may be pink for a few hours. Stronger peels can cause tightness and flaking from about day two to day five. Do not pick at peeling skin, use gentle skincare only, and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, because fresh skin is more sensitive to the sun. Results build over a series of peels spaced two to four weeks apart. Between peels, a simple routine of gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen does more to protect the result than a shelf of new products.

Who it suits

Peels can be adapted for most skin types and tones, which is why a consultation comes first. Some medications, recent waxing or a recent tan mean waiting. For deeper pigmentation and redness, a peel series is often combined with an IPL photofacial; for scarring, with microneedling.

Before your appointment

Before a skin treatment, tell us about any retinoids, acne medications, recent waxing, peels or sun exposure, and any history of cold sores. Some products need to be paused a few days beforehand, and treatments are rescheduled over a fresh sunburn or tan. Come with clean skin if you can.

What affects the price

Peels are priced per treatment, and a series is often available at a package price. The cost depends on the type and strength of peel, the area treated and whether it is combined with another treatment such as a facial. Your provider will recommend a series and confirm pricing at consultation; see the treatment menu for starting prices.

Chemical Peels questions

Will my face peel a lot?

Most medical-grade peels cause light flaking at most, usually from day two to day five. Your provider will tell you what to expect from the peel chosen for you.

Can I have a peel in summer?

Yes, with care. Lighter peels and strict daily sunscreen are usually recommended, and stronger peels may be scheduled for autumn or winter.

How soon will I see a difference?

Many people notice brighter skin within a week of a single peel. Pigmentation and breakouts improve over a series.

Where we offer chemical peels

We see clients for chemical peels from Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. See notes for your area:

Chemical Peels in Windsor Chemical Peels in LaSalle Chemical Peels in Tecumseh

Injectable treatments are performed by registered nurses and physicians, under the direction of our medical director. Every treatment starts with a consultation. Results vary from person to person.