A chemical peel uses a controlled application of acid to remove the outer layers of skin, prompting smoother, more even skin to replace them. At Sage Dermatology in downtown Toronto, peels are selected and performed by a dermatologist, which matters most when it comes to choosing depth and matching the peel to your skin tone.
What peels treat
Peels are used for dullness and rough texture, sun damage and brown patches, post-inflammatory pigmentation left behind by acne, fine lines, and some forms of melasma. They are also used as part of an acne treatment plan. Peels do not treat deep wrinkles, laxity or volume loss, and if that is your main concern we will say so and suggest something else.
Depth matters
- Superficial peels work on the outermost layer. Little to no downtime, mild flaking for a few days, and best results from a course rather than a single treatment.
- Medium-depth peels reach further and do more for pigmentation and texture, with visible peeling for about a week.
Deeper is not automatically better. Depth is chosen against your skin type, your pigmentation risk and how much downtime you can accommodate.
Skin tone and safety
In medium and darker skin tones, an overly aggressive peel can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is a longer problem than the one being treated. This is the single most important reason to have peels done by a physician who assesses skin type first and, where appropriate, prepares the skin beforehand.
What to expect
The appointment takes about 30 minutes. The skin is cleansed and the solution applied in layers, with stinging or warmth for a few minutes. Afterwards the skin looks flushed, then tightens and flakes over several days. Sun protection during healing is not optional; it is the difference between a good result and a pigmentation problem.
Most people see the clearest results from a series spaced a few weeks apart, with maintenance afterwards.
Cost and coverage
Chemical peels are cosmetic and not covered by OHIP. The fee depends on the peel used and the area treated, and is confirmed at your consultation. Receipts are provided for health spending accounts.
Booking
No referral is needed. Call 416.792.0159 or email info@sagedermatology.ca. Sage Dermatology is at 591 Yonge Street, steps from Wellesley subway station. Plan your visit.