Chemical Peels

Yes, superficial lactic acid peels are gentle enough for sensitive skin. We always start conservatively and progress depth only when your skin has adapted.

A series of 4–6 peels monthly is recommended for significant improvement in most concerns. Maintenance peels monthly or bi-monthly are ideal thereafter.

Superficial peels have no visible downtime. Medium peels produce 3–5 days of visible skin shedding. We recommend starting with a superficial peel to understand your skin's response.

You must pause retinoids 5–7 days before a peel to avoid over-sensitizing the skin. Resume after 5–7 days post-peel as directed.

Chemical peels contain medical-grade acids selected for the depth and concern being treated. Superficial peels typically use alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) for oily and acne-prone skin. Medium-depth peels often use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at concentrations between 15 and 35 percent, sometimes combined with Jessner's solution for layered penetration. Brightening peels may include kojic acid, mandelic acid, or retinoic acid for pigment concerns. A trained VRA practitioner selects the acid type, concentration, and layering protocol based on your skin type, primary concern, and acid tolerance history, to the standard Victoria sets. Every formulation used at Victoria Rose Aesthetics is sourced from professional cosmeceutical lines with documented purity and pH ranges.

A chemical peel is a controlled application of medical-grade acid to the skin that triggers exfoliation and renewal at a specific depth. The acid breaks the bonds between dead surface cells, then prompts the skin to shed and regenerate, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin underneath. Peels are classified as superficial, medium, or deep depending on which skin layer is targeted, from the stratum corneum down to the papillary dermis. They treat acne, post-inflammatory pigmentation, melasma, fine lines, rough texture, and sun damage. At Victoria Rose Aesthetics in Pickering, your practitioner assesses your skin type and concern before selecting the peel depth, to the standard Victoria sets, starting conservatively in a series of 4 to 6 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart.

A chemical peel removes damaged surface skin and stimulates the regeneration of healthier cells underneath. The acid creates controlled injury at a precise depth, which triggers your skin's natural repair response: accelerated cell turnover, stimulated collagen production, and remodeled pigment distribution. Superficial peels brighten dullness, soften fine lines, and unclog congested pores. Medium-depth peels treat acne scars, deeper pigmentation, and sun damage. Beyond the visible exfoliation, peels improve product absorption and prime the skin for ongoing care. Your practitioner matches the peel depth to your goal and tolerance, to the standard Victoria sets, then layers protocols over a 4 to 6 session series for cumulative improvement. Sessions are spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart to allow full skin recovery between treatments.

Yes, chemical peels are a well-established treatment for active acne and post-acne marks. Salicylic acid peels (a beta-hydroxy acid) are particularly effective because salicylic acid is oil-soluble and penetrates the sebaceous follicle to clear congestion at the source. Glycolic acid and Jessner's solution help with post-inflammatory pigmentation left behind after breakouts. A series of monthly salicylic peels typically improves comedonal and inflammatory acne, while TCA peels at higher concentrations can address atrophic acne scarring over time. Your practitioner will assess whether your acne pattern responds best to a peel series alone or a combined protocol with topicals or microneedling, to the standard Victoria sets. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 3 sessions, with continued gains across a full 6-session series.