Why Choose Professional Chemical Peels?

As natural cell turnover slows with age, dead skin cells accumulate, leading to dullness and uneven texture—chemical peels effectively restore clarity and radiance.

Our medical-grade peels are an excellent treatment to aid in exfoliation, cell renewal, softening fine lines, minimize large pores and correcting skin problems.

Available at our Courtenay and Campbell River locations, professional chemical peels are fully customised to your skin type and goals. Treatments are performed by experienced professionals using clinically proven acids at precise concentrations for safe, controlled resurfacing. The result is smoother, brighter, and visibly refreshed skin with a refined, radiant glow.

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How Do Chemical Peels Work?

Chemical peels involve the application of a carefully formulated chemical solution to the skin, creating controlled exfoliation and removing the outer layer of dead skin cells. This process stimulates the skin’s natural regenerative abilities, encouraging the growth of fresh, new skin cells and promoting a smoother, more radiant complexion.

The strength and depth of the peel are customized to your skin type, concerns, and desired results.

Types of Chemical Peels at Willow Medical Aesthetics:

Superficial Peels

AFA Peel

AFA Peels use naturally occurring amino acids to exfoliate, deeply hydrate, and deliver antioxidant protection. Gentle yet effective, they improve acne, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and signs of aging, leaving skin brighter, firmer, and more even-toned.

Nicknamed the “Bride Peel,” AFA peels are gentle enough for use even on your wedding day.

Ideal for all skin types and tones, including sensitive skin and rosacea, they provide powerful results without irritation.

Nuakiri MD Peels

Nuakiri MD AHA Chemical Peel is a synergistic blend of Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Vitamin E. This treatment exfoliates and renews the skin, improving texture, brightness, and tone while supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It softens fine lines, minimises pores and pigmentation, and enhances product absorption for a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Ideal for all skin types, especially mature skin with sun damage

Nuakiri MD Chemical Peel is a blend of Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Vitamin E. Specifically formulated for oily, acne-prone skin, this synergistic blend of AHAs and BHA deeply cleanses pores and helps minimise their appearance. Breakouts are reduced, acne scarring is visibly improved, and skin texture appears smoother with a more even, radiant complexion.

Ideal for all skin types, especially for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin

Glycolic Peels

A glycolic peel is a superficial chemical peel using glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, to exfoliate the skin’s surface. It removes dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother, more radiant complexion while improving fine lines, acne, pigmentation, uneven tone, enlarged pores, and sun damage. Glycolic peels also boost collagen production and enhance product absorption, delivering visible results with minimal downtime.

Often referred to as “lunchtime peels,” with only mild peeling that typically lasts 3–7 days.

Ideal for dull, uneven texture, acne-prone or congested skin, acne scarring, fine lines, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation.

Salicylic Peels

Salicylic acid peels use a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) to deeply penetrate oily pores, making them highly effective for treating acne, blackheads, enlarged pores, and uneven texture. By dissolving dead skin cells, regulating oil, and reducing inflammation, this peel promotes clearer, smoother skin.

Stronger formulations may cause visible peeling and mild redness for several days.

Ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, this peel is suitable for all skin tones, including deeper skin tones. It also helps improve hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and mild acne scarring, and can be safely used to treat body acne on the back, neck, and chest.

Medium Depth Peel

Jessner Peel

A Jessner Peel is a medium-depth, rejuvenating chemical peel formulated with a precise blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. This synergistic combination delivers controlled exfoliation to deeply cleanse pores, reduce acne, smooth fine lines, and improve hyperpigmentation.

By stimulating skin cell turnover and collagen production, the Jessner Peel reveals a brighter, clearer, more even-toned complexion with visibly refined texture and radiance. Mild to moderate peeling typically occurs for 5–7 days, revealing fresher, revitalised skin.

Ideal for someone looking to address specific, moderate skin concerns—particularly acne, oily skin, uneven texture, and pigmentation issues.

TCA Peel

A TCA peel (Trichloroacetic Acid peel) is a medical-grade chemical peel designed to deeply resurface the skin and correct moderate to advanced skin concerns. It works by creating a controlled exfoliation that penetrates beyond the surface layers, stimulating skin cell renewal and collagen production for visible, long-term improvement.

It penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to trigger controlled peeling. As damaged skin peels away over several days, fresh, healthier skin emerges with improved texture, tone, and firmness. The depth of the peel is carefully customised based on your skin type and concerns. Moderate peeling occurs typically for 5-10 days.

Ideal for an individual with light-to-medium skin tones looking to treat moderate sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles (especially around the mouth/eyes), acne scars, or hyperpigmentation. Patients should have realistic expectations for a 5-10 day recovery period.

Skin Concerns Chemical Peels Treats

Different peel types are selected based on your skin type, concerns, and tolerance to ensure safe, effective results.

  • Acne & Breakouts
  • Acne Scarring & Post-Inflammatory Marks
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Fine Lines & Wrinkles
  • Uneven Skin Texture
  • Dull, Tired Skin
  • Enlarged Pores
  • Sun Damage & Photoaging
  • Oil Imbalance & Congestion

Benefits of Professional Chemical Peels

Choosing a professional chemical peel offers advanced skin correction with visible results:

  • Improves skin texture and tone
  • Reduces hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and melasma
  • Softens fine lines and wrinkles
  • Clears acne and helps reduce acne scarring
  • Minimises the appearance of enlarged pores
  • Boosts collagen and skin renewal
  • Enhances absorption of medical-grade skincare products

AFA Peel

Areas that can be treated with Chemical Peels

  • Face – Targets acne, pigmentation, fine lines, uneven tone, and texture
  • Neck – Improves crepey skin, discoloration, and signs of aging
  • Décolletage (Chest) – Treats sun damage, pigmentation, and uneven texture
  • Hands – Brightens age spots and improves skin texture
  • Back – Effective for body acne, congestion, and post-acne marks
  • Shoulders – Helps improve acne and uneven pigmentation
  • Arms – Smooths rough texture and discoloration
  • Legs – Can improve uneven tone, follicular congestion, and keratosis pilaris
  • Intimate Areas (when appropriate) – Helps with pigmentation and texture concerns when professionally assessed

Treatment areas and peel depth are always customised based on skin type, sensitivity, and individual concerns. A professional consultation is required to determine the safest and most effective approach.

Chemical peels FAQ

Before and after care advise for Chemical Peels

To ensure safe treatment and optimal results, please follow these guidelines:

These guidelines are general and your treatment provider will give you specific instructions

1–2 Weeks Before Treatment

  • Discontinue retinoids, retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, and prescription exfoliants unless otherwise directed.
  • Avoid exfoliating treatments (scrubs, enzymes, waxing, threading, laser, or electrolysis) in the treatment area.
  • Stop using products containing AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, or vitamin C.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanners).
  • Inform your provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, prone to cold sores, or using Accutane (current or within the last 6–12 months).
  • Begin a gentle skincare routine focused on hydration and barrier repair.

24–48 Hours Before

  • Avoid shaving or hair removal in the treatment area.
  • Arrive with clean skin free of makeup, lotion, or sunscreen.

After Your Chemical Peel

Your skin may appear red, tight, flaky, or peel for several days—this is normal and part of the renewal process.

First 24–72 Hours

  • Keep skin clean, cool, and well-hydrated.
  • Use only gentle, non-active cleansers and moisturizers as advised.
  • Avoid touching, picking, or peeling the skin.
  • Do not exfoliate or use active ingredients.
  • Avoid heat exposure (hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, intense exercise).

Sun Protection (CRITICAL)

  • Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily once skin allows.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 7–14 days.
  • Wear a hat and protective clothing when outdoors.

For 5–14 Days (or until fully healed)

  • Avoid retinoids, acids, vitamin C, and exfoliating products.
  • Do not wax or undergo other aesthetic treatments in the area.
  • Continue gentle skincare and hydration.

Makeup

  • Light mineral makeup may be worn once skin is no longer irritated or peeling (usually after 24–48 hours, depending on peel depth).

Treatment length of Chemical peels

  • 30-60minutes

What to expect during a Chemical Peel

Your skin will be cleansed and prepped to remove oils and impurities, with sensitive areas protected as needed. The chemical solution is then applied evenly.

You may experience tingling, warmth, itching, or a mild burning sensation—this is normal and typically lasts only a few minutes.

Your provider will closely monitor your skin throughout the treatment, and the peel will be neutralised or self-neutralising, depending on the formula.

After treatment, the skin may feel tight or warm, similar to a mild sunburn, with redness ranging from minimal to moderate. A calming product is applied before you leave to soothe and protect the skin.

What to expect after a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are generally safe procedures when performed in a physician office, but they can cause some side effects during the recovery period. Most superficial peels only result in some mild redness and itching and flaking for a few days. Medium peels can give you light to moderate peeling and might take up to two weeks to heal. Sun exposure must be avoided for the first two to four weeks to prevent skin irritation and discolouration.

Pricing options

Variable depending on Chemical Peel and area treated: $165- $385

Are Chemical Peels the right treatment for me?

Professional chemical peels are suitable for most skin types. A consultation with our medical aestheticians allows us to assess your skin and customise the ideal peel for your concerns—ensuring safe treatment and beautiful, rejuvenating results.

Contraindications to Chemical Peels

Chemical peels may not be suitable if the client has any of the following:

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding (unless approved by a medical provider and using approved peel types)
  • Active skin infections, open wounds, cuts, or cold sores (herpes simplex) in the treatment area
  • Active inflammatory skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea flare)
  • Recent sunburn or excessive sun exposure
  • Use of isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6–12 months
  • Recent facial waxing, threading, laser, electrolysis, or other exfoliating treatments (within 7–14 days)
  • Compromised skin barrier or severely sensitised skin
  • Known allergy or sensitivity to peel ingredients
  • History of poor wound healing or keloid scarring
  • Recent facial surgery or injectable treatments (within provider-specified timeframe)
  • Use of topical retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, or strong actives not properly discontinued
  • Uncontrolled medical conditions affecting skin healing
  • Inability or unwillingness to follow post-treatment care and sun protection instructions

How often should I get a Chemical Peel?

Superficial Peels
(Glycolic, AFA, light Salicylic, Nuakiri MD)

  • Every 2–4 weeks
  • Ideal for maintaining glow, improving texture, mild acne, and pigmentation
  • Can be done regularly with minimal downtime

Medium-Depth Peels
(Jessner, stronger Salicylic blends)

  • Every 4–6 weeks
  • Allows time for proper skin healing and regeneration
  • Often performed as a short series for corrective results

Medium-Deep Medical-Grade Peels
(TCA)

  • Every 8–12 weeks
  • Typically performed as a single corrective treatment or limited series
  • Requires longer recovery and careful preparation

How do I maintain my results?

Skin tone and texture will continue to improve over 1–2 weeks.

Multiple peels may be recommended for optimal results.

Consistent skincare and sun protection are essential to maintain results.

The Power of Combination Treatments

Chemical peels are powerful on their own, but when combined with complementary treatments, the results are enhanced. Strategic layering amplifies skin rejuvenation for more visible, long-lasting improvement.

At Willow Medical Aesthetics, we most often pair chemical peels with HydraFacial MD or Medical Microneedling to maximise results.

Hydrafacial MD Medical Microneedling

Book Your Chemical Peel Consultation Today at Willow Medical Aesthetics in Courtenay or Campbell River.

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