Treatment
Chemical Peels in Coquitlam
A clinically proven, controlled exfoliation treatment that removes damaged outer layers of skin to reveal a smoother, clearer, and more even complexion beneath. Customized for your skin. Backed by expertise.
What is Chemical Peels?
A chemical peel is one of the most established and effective treatments in modern skin care — used by dermatologists and medical aestheticians for decades to address a wide range of concerns from fine lines and sun damage to acne scarring and uneven pigmentation. The treatment works by applying a precisely selected chemical solution to the skin, which causes the outer damaged layers to loosen and shed, triggering the body's natural regeneration process and revealing fresher, healthier skin beneath.
What distinguishes a professionally administered peel from at-home exfoliation is the ability to select the right acid type, concentration, and layering approach for your specific skin — producing predictable, supervised outcomes that are simply not achievable with over-the-counter products. At Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam, our trained providers assess your skin type, concerns, and tolerance before recommending a peel depth — whether superficial for a quick refresh, or medium-depth for more significant correction — ensuring every treatment is as safe and effective as possible for your individual skin.
Key Benefits
- Removes damaged outer skin layers to reveal smoother, more even, and more radiant skin beneath
- Effectively treats fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, acne, mild acne scarring, and uneven pigmentation
- Professionally selected acid formulations deliver more predictable and controlled results than any at-home exfoliant
- Visible improvements typically begin within a few days, with full results developing over one to three weeks
- Available in varying depths — superficial, medium, and deeper — to match your skin's needs and tolerance for downtime
- Can be combined with other treatments for enhanced and comprehensive skin rejuvenation outcomes
Chemical peels use controlled exfoliation to improve skin texture and tone. The Canadian Dermatology Association recognizes chemical peels as an effective treatment for acne, pigmentation, and skin aging.
Why Choose Smile Well for Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are never one-size-fits-all, and with over 25 years of clinical experience, Smile Well Medical & Spa's providers bring the depth of knowledge needed to select the right acid type, concentration, and layering approach for your individual skin. Through thorough consultation assessing your prior treatments, skin history, and current condition, we determine whether a gentle superficial refresh or a more corrective medium-depth peel will best achieve your goals — ensuring predictable, professional-grade results.
Every chemical peel is performed in our pristine, medical-grade sterilized clinical environment with careful safety protocols. Our providers monitor your skin's reaction throughout the application process, adjusting timing and technique to ensure a safe, controlled experience. The calming post-peel products we apply and the clean, comfortable clinical setting ensure your treatment is as comfortable as it is effective.
Following your peel, we provide comprehensive aftercare guidance to support your skin through the renewal process — including what to expect during the peeling phase, sun protection protocols, and skincare recommendations for optimal healing. Our team adjusts your treatment plan progressively as your skin responds and recommends the ideal series spacing to achieve cumulative, lasting improvement in texture, tone, and clarity.
What to Expect
- 1
Consultation and Skin Assessment
Your provider evaluates your skin type, tone, existing concerns, and treatment history to determine the most appropriate peel type, acid formulation, and strength for your goals and skin's current condition.
- 2
Pre-Treatment Preparation
In the days before your peel, you will be advised to avoid retinoids, exfoliating agents, waxing, and prolonged sun exposure. Arriving with clean, product-free skin on the day of your appointment supports the most even and effective peel application.
- 3
Skin Cleansing
On the day of your treatment, the skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove excess oils, makeup, and surface residue, preparing it to receive the chemical solution evenly and safely.
- 4
Chemical Solution Application: Your provider carefully applies the selected solution
which may include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, TCA, or a combination — to the treatment area. You will feel a warm to mildly stinging sensation during application. The solution is left on for a precisely timed period before being neutralized and removed.
- 5
Post-Peel Soothing and Care
Following the peel, a calming and protective product is applied. Your provider walks you through full aftercare instructions, including what to expect during the peeling process and how to support your skin's healing in the days ahead.
- 6
Skin Renewal and Results: In the days following your peel, the outer layers of skin will begin to shed
either visibly or at a microscopic level depending on peel depth. Brighter, smoother, and more even skin emerges as regeneration completes over one to three weeks. A series of peels spaced appropriately apart produces cumulative, long-term improvement in skin quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a chemical peel treat?
Chemical peels effectively address fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, freckles, uneven skin tone and texture, dullness, mild acne, and certain types of acne scarring. They are also used to treat hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes or sun exposure and to improve the overall health and radiance of the skin.
How long does it take to see results from a chemical peel?
Visible improvements typically begin within a few days as the old skin sheds and fresh skin emerges. Full results are generally seen within one to three weeks depending on the depth of the peel and how your skin responds individually. Deeper peels deliver more dramatic results but require a longer healing window.
Is there downtime after a chemical peel?
Downtime depends on the peel depth. Superficial peels typically cause mild redness and light flaking for three to five days with minimal disruption to daily activities. Medium-depth peels may involve more noticeable peeling, swelling, and sensitivity for seven to fourteen days. Your provider will clearly outline what to expect based on the specific peel selected for you.
Are chemical peels safe for sensitive skin or darker skin tones?
Chemical peels can be safely performed on a range of skin types and tones when the correct formulation and depth are selected by an experienced provider. Certain deeper peels carry a higher risk of pigmentation changes in darker skin tones, which is why a thorough consultation and professional assessment is essential before proceeding.
Can chemical peels help with acne scarring and pigmentation?
Yes. Chemical peels are an effective option for reducing the appearance of mild to moderate acne scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven tone. A series of treatments spaced appropriately apart typically produces the most meaningful and lasting improvement in these concerns.
What should I avoid after a chemical peel?
Avoid direct sun exposure and always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher following your peel. Do not pick, scratch, or forcibly remove peeling skin — allow it to shed naturally. Avoid retinoids, strong exfoliants, and heat exposure including saunas and intense exercise for the duration of your recovery. Keep the skin gently moisturized to support the healing process.
Who should avoid chemical peels?
Chemical peels are not recommended for individuals with active skin infections, certain inflammatory conditions such as active rosacea, recent isotretinoin use, or a history of abnormal scarring without professional assessment. A consultation at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam will confirm whether a chemical peel is safe and appropriate for your skin.
Clearer, smoother, more radiant skin starts here.
Book your chemical peel consultation at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam and find out which peel is right for your skin.
Book Your ConsultationRelated Conditions
Conditions this treatment may help address.
Melasma
Brown or gray-brown patches of hyperpigmentation on the face.
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Acne
Inflammatory skin condition causing breakouts, pimples, and blemishes.
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Acne Scars
Textural irregularities and marks left behind after acne lesions heal.
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Dull Skin
Lackluster skin tone with reduced radiance and uneven texture.
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Large Pores
Enlarged pore openings visible on the skin surface, often in the T-zone.
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