Revealing Your Radiance: A Guide to Medical-Grade Chemical Peels
Refreshing your complexion by working with your skin’s natural renewal process
Reveal your best skin yet with professional AlumierMD chemical peel treatments at PHI Medical Aesthetics in Calgary. Our customized peels are designed to enhance your skin’s smoothness and radiance, giving you that vibrant glow with little to no downtime. Let's glow together!
What are chemical peels and how do they work?
A chemical peel is a professional skin resurfacing treatment. During this procedure, a special chemical solution is applied to the skin. This solution removes the outer layers and encourages new skin to grow. The treatment helps get rid of dead skin cells and promotes healthier skin.
At PHI, our highly trained Clinical and Medical Esthetician, Ava, provides customized AlumierMD chemical peel treatments. These peels use a combination of carefully selected ingredients to target specific concerns, revealing the healthier skin underneath.
What are the benefits of chemical peels?
- Improves skin texture and tone: Addresses concerns like scarring and uneven skin texture.
- Reduces signs of aging: Helps to soften fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity.
- Minimizes sun damage: Effectively treats pigmentation issues and sun damage for a more even complexion.
- Helps control breakouts: An excellent treatment for managing acne and breakouts.
- Minimal downtime: Achieve significant results with minimal to no recovery time required.
Who is a good candidate for chemical peels?
Our PHI team will help you determine if a chemical peel is the right choice for you during a complimentary consultation. An ideal candidate is someone who wants to address concerns like acne, scarring, fine lines, or sun damage and is looking for a nonsurgical solution.
During your complimentary consultation, our esthetician, Ava, will assess your skin and discuss your goals. It's important to tell us about your current skincare routine and any products you are using. For certain skin types, a 4-week preparation period using an AlumierMD Prep & Enhance kit may be recommended to ensure optimal results.
Note: Chemical peels are not suitable for those on Accutane, pregnant, have aspirin allergies, have open wounds or sores, have certain inflammatory skin conditions, or are prone to keloid scarring.
The Chemical Peel Treatment Process
We ensure a welcoming and transparent process, guiding you through each step so you feel informed and at ease.
Consultation
Your visit begins with a complimentary consultation to discuss your skin concerns and aesthetic goals. This ensures we curate the perfect treatment for your specific needs.
Preparation
Proper preparation is key to a successful chemical peel. General prep should begin at least two weeks before your treatment. Below is a general guide, but your esthetician will provide you with a personalized plan.
| Timeline | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| 4 Weeks Before (If Advised) | For some skin types, a 4-week prep period using a recommended AlumierMD kit may be required. |
| 2 Weeks Before |
Avoid direct sun exposure: Wear a hat, stay in the shade, and apply minimum SPF 30 with UVA + UVB protection, as directed by the product. Avoid exfoliating or sensitizing the skin: Dermaplaning, and all laser treatments on the area. Avoid treatments that cause skin abrasions: Microblading, Microneedling. |
| 1 Week Before |
Avoid treatments that inject the skin: Injectables. Avoid exfoliating or sensitizing the skin: Facial waxing, threading, sugaring, or exfoliating products/treatments. |
| 5 Days Before | Avoid active ingredients: Vitamin C, Hydroquinone, Benzoyl peroxide, Retinol/retinoid, AHAs + BHAs (e.g., glycolic acid, salicylic acid). |
Treatment
Ava, our skilled Medical Esthetician, will cleanse, prep, and gently apply the AlumierMD chemical peel solution to your skin. You may feel a slight tingling or warmth during the application. The process is quick, typically taking about 30 minutes.
Post-Treatment Care
Aftercare is a necessary step for protecting your new skin and ensuring the best results. Post-treatment guidelines vary slightly based on the type of peel you receive. Once your treatment is complete, Ava will guide you through your post-peel care and send you home with an AlumierMD Post-Procedure Treatment kit. This kit includes: SensiCalm cleanser, Recovery Balm, and Sheer Hydration SPF 40.
Important Aftercare Note: After your peel, you might notice some flaking or peeling skin. It can be tempting, but it’s very important that you do not pick or peel your skin. Picking can lead to scarring, so let the skin naturally shed on its own. After about 7 days, most of the dead skin will have shed, any redness will have calmed, and you’ll notice improved, radiant skin.
| Timeline | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| First 3 to 12 Hours |
No water: Avoid showers, bathtubs, face washing, or exposing the area to rain or snow. Avoid hot/humid environments: Saunas, indoor/outdoor heat, and warm fitness studios. Wait 24 hours after the treatment before using hot water on the area. |
| First 12 Hours | Avoid activities and devices that cause heat or sweat: Exercise, house cleaning, and heated devices (e.g., heated blankets, heating pads). |
| 7 Days After | Avoid exfoliants and active ingredients: Vitamin C, Hydroquinone, Benzoyl peroxide, Retinol/retinoid, and AHAs + BHAs. |
| 2 Weeks After |
Sun Protection: Avoid direct sun exposure, wear a hat, stay in the shade, and apply minimum SPF 30. Avoid skin treatments: Dermaplaning, waxing, threading, all laser treatments, microblading, microneedling, or injectables. |
For a quick reference on the go, check out our Chemical Peel Prep & Aftercare Instagram post!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical peels cost?
The cost of your treatment will depend on the type and series of peels needed to reach your individual aesthetic goals. A series of treatments is often recommended to get the best and most lasting results. For example, someone with sensitive skin will need to start with a series of milder peels to build up tolerance before using a stronger one. During your complimentary consultation at our Calgary clinic, we will provide you with a detailed quote for your personalized treatment plan.
Do chemical peels hurt?
Most clients report only a mild tingling or warm sensation during the treatment. Discomfort is minimal and subsides quickly after the peel is neutralized.
Is there any downtime?
One of the great benefits of AlumierMD peels is that there is minimal to no downtime. You may experience some mild redness and light peeling for a few days, but you can typically return to your normal activities within 24 hours while being mindful to follow after-care instructions.
When will I see results?
You will notice a brighter, healthier glow shortly after your treatment, once any initial redness has subsided. Full results become more apparent around the 7-day mark, as the skin completes its renewal process. A series of treatments is often recommended for dramatic improvement in most skin conditions and long-lasting results.