Electra Laser Hair Removal & Skin Rejuvenation

 1. How does a Chemical Peel work?

A chemical peel is a skin-rejuvenation treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to the face. This solution causes the top layer of skin to slough off, and eventually peel away from the surface of the skin. The effects of aging and environmental damage are reduced, leaving you with younger, clearer, and healthier-looking skin.

Yes, it is. When performed correctly by a certified, experienced Medical Esthetician, such as our technicians at Electra, a chemical peel is both safe and effective. However, it is a clincal procedure. As such, there is a potential for associated risks. As a professional skin-care clinic, we will not perform any procedures without first assessing: your complete medical history; your current health condition; and your potential for complications.

Our technicians at Electra Laser are certified Medical Estheticians. While B.C. has no regulations in place governing technicians who work in skin-care clinics, we require our technicians to be fully trained and certified. All of our technicians have a minimum of two years’ experience.

At Electra Laser, we offer three different types of chemical peels:

• Superficial: a light peel that brightens the skin and promotes a healthy glow.
• Medium: more aggressive than a superficial peel; able to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin; better able to address wrinkles, pigmentation concerns, and other skin blemishes; requires more recovery time than a superficial peel.
• Deep: most aggressive of all peels; able to penetrate through several layers of skin; removes many of the deeper blemishes and skin concerns that superficial and medium peels cannot; addresses deeper wrinkles, sun spots, more severe age spots; may not be suitable for darker-skinned individuals because it can bleach the skin; requires the longest recovery time but results tend to be longer lasting.

Yes, we will book a complimentary* consultation appointment for you with one of our certified technicians prior to scheduling any chemical peel treatment. This is for your own protection, and we cannot make exceptions. At this time, you should also share with us any past experience you have had with skin rejuvenation and/or laser skin treatments. During your consultation, we will perform a skin assessment, and may use a Woods Lamp Skin Scope. This skin scope uses ultraviolet light, which shows imperfections, sun damage, uneven texture, and surface debris on your skin. The assessment enables us to determine exactly which treatment is: most appropriate for your skin; and best suited to attaining the results you wish to achieve. You are responsible for informing your technician of any medications or natural health products you are taking; and of any underlying medical conditions you have. These are critical details that we must consider when customizing your skin rejuvenation treatments. We encourage you to ask all of your questions during your consultation so that we can address your concerns prior to beginning your treatment. It is important to us that: you are well informed before you begin chemical peel treatments and; you feel comfortable with our clinic and your technician.

A chemical peel is minimally invasive and causes little-to-no pain. Because the outer layer of skin is sloughed off, the body can regenerate a new layer, leaving the skin smoother, less wrinkled, and healthier in appearance.

While the results of a chemical peel are not permanent, they are long-lasting. And, depending upon your skin type and condition, and the type of chemical peel that you have, results will vary. Results are more noticeable after a series of treatments, and if other skin-care treatments—such as microdermabrasion—are used in conjunction with the chemical peel.

Typically, a chemical peel causes little-to-no pain. Your skin might feel hot and tight, as it would after having been sunburned. Once the peel has been neutralized, your skin will feel fresh and smooth, without discomfort.

Following a chemical peel, your skin might feel as it would after having been sunburned—somewhat tight, hot, and tingling. Redness, flaking, and mild bruising or slight swelling are normal and can last from two to seven days.

It will vary depending upon the specific type of peel you are having, and your skin characteristics. The actual process itself can take anywhere from ten minutes to one hour. The chemical peel is often followed by a cleansing facial.

We usually recommend a series of three to five treatments. However, your technician will be able to give you a more precise estimate of the number of treatments you will require after performing your skin assessment. This will also depend upon the condition of your skin, the type of peel you are having, and any other skin-rejuvenation treatments you are undergoing.

 Pre-Treatment Care: Please:

• Avoid use of Accutane for six months.
• Avoid natural and artificial tanning—including self-tanner and spray tans—for a minimum of four weeks.
• Discontinue the use of Retin-A, Retinol, glycolics, bleaching creams, and exfoliants on treatment area one week prior.
• Shave any hair present in the treatment area. Men should shave twice to ensure the hair is as short as possible.
• Gently cleanse the area, removing all makeup and lotions.
• Do not apply any products except for a topical anesthetic if you are using one.
• For treatment of pigmented lesions, consult your physician if there is a family history of skin cancer or other genetic diseases.

 Post-Treatment Care: Please:

• Avoid activities that induce excessive sweating—hot tubs, saunas, hot showers, whirlpools, and vigorous workouts—for one to two days.
• Apply a cold compress—not ice—to help reduce redness and swelling.
• Do not pick or scratch any darkened, pigmented areas that begin to flake.
• Avoid natural and artificial tanning—including self-tanner and spray tans—for a minimum of four weeks.
• Apply a minimum SPF 45 (UVA/UVB) sunblock every two hours during sun exposure up to eight weeks.
• Apply antibiotic ointment if skin is broken or blistering.
• Use gentle cleansers with lukewarm water. Do not rub skin vigorously. Moisturizer may be applied.