DLK On Avenue - Blog

Back Chemical Peels: How Do They Work?

Written by DLK on Avenue | Dec 26, 2024 11:21:15 PM

Chemical peels for your back can help treat back acne, a common condition that is often difficult to treat alone due to the location. Suffering from back acne can negatively impact your confidence, impact your comfort wearing different types of clothing and cause scarring, pain and discomfort. As a safe treatment option, chemical peels allow for natural exfoliation of the skin, removing dead skin cells and eliminating acne-causing bacteria.

In addition, back chemical peels are also excellent for refreshing and rejuvenating the skin on the back, reducing the appearance of scars and sun spots, and creating a smooth, soft texture.

Common Back Skin Concerns

Patients often visit a dermatologist to discuss back acne, rough skin on their back, post-acne scars, and uneven texture or dryness. Due to the back’s naturally thicker skin, it is more prone to skin problems from the build-up of dead skin cells, trapped oil, clogged pores, and bacteria.

Sweating, for example, can lead to acne acne (bacne), as can using the wrong type of body wash or shampoo.

Just like any other part of the body, the skin on your back needs proper exfoliation and care to stay healthy, smooth and fresh.

One of the greatest benefits of chemical peels for backs at DLk on Avenue, is how easy they are. A simple treatment session where you lie face-down on a table and have a technician apply your chemical peel solution will lead to natural peeling that rejuvenates your skin.

What Is a Chemical Peel and How Does It Work?

A chemical peel involves applying an acid-based formula to the skin in order to trigger exfoliation. The acidic base is often glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid. By penetrating the skin, the acid promotes cellular turnover, which leads to the generation of fresh, healthy skin cells and collagen, your skin’s central binding protein.

Dr. Lisa Kellett at DLK on Avenue offers personalized back chemical peels tailored to each patient’s unique complexion and skin concerns. For example, she may use a lactic acid base for a patient who has dry, sensitive skin, or treat a case of back acne with glycolic acid peels.

Having a personalized approach to your chemical peels will ensure that the process is easy, painless, and achieves the desired results.

Benefits of Chemical Peels for the Back

  • Clear acne and reduce breakouts.
  • Fade scars and hyperpigmentation.
  • Smooth rough, uneven skin texture.
  • Prep your back for special occasions (weddings, beach vacations, etc.).

If you have struggled with dry, rough skin, back acne, or feel self-conscious about scars or discoloration, Dr. Kellett is here to help. Her tailored approach to skincare ensures that patients receive the most individualized treatment to reach their goals.

All the while, you have the unlimited support of the DLK on Avenue staff. This includes an in-depth consultation and follow-up support to answer all of your questions and ensure a smooth recovery.

At-Home vs. Professional Chemical Peels

You may find some chemical peels available over-the-counter, and they can be effective in mild cases. However, these peels are not designed to treat medical conditions, and they do not have the same customized formula as a professional chemical peel.

When working with a dermatologist, you receive an individualized care plan that suits your complexion, skin sensitivities, and needs. The professional can fine-tune the formula and ensure it’s perfectly suited to your skin, which isn’t possible using the one-size-fits-all approach of at-home chemical peels.

While at-home treatment can offer brightening and rejuvenating effects, it is not suited for addressing cases of moderate to severe back acne, scarring, or hyperpigmentation.

What to Expect During a Chemical Peel for the Back

When you visit DLK on Avenue for back chemical peels in Toronto, we make the experience as relaxing as possible. We want you to feel completely at ease during your treatment, which means we take the additional time to help you prepare properly for your session. Here is how the process unfolds step by step:

You have an initial consultation with your Medical Aesthetician and Dr. Lisa Kellett to discuss your needs and determine whether chemical peels are the most appropriate treatment.

Your provider will help prepare your skin for the chemical peel, which can include avoiding exfoliation and certain topical products.

You arrive for your appointment and undergo the application, which takes between 30 to 60 minutes. The formula feels warm when it’s applied and you may experience burning, stinging, or itching after its first applied depending on the formula.

You follow the post-treatment instructions, which include using sunscreen, avoiding itching or peeling your skin, and using special hydrating products to nourish your back.

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

The exact amount of sessions varies by patient, and Dr. Kellett will recommend a customized chemical peel treatment plan based on your needs and goals. Some patients with mild cases or who want mild rejuvenation may only need one treatment.

Patients who are addressing severe acne or deep scarring often require multiple sessions to achieve lasting results.

Back Chemical Peel FAQs

Is a chemical peel painful?

A chemical peel can involve stinging, burning, or itching sensations, but most patients tolerate this well and the discomfort resolves on its own in 5-10 minutes. Stronger formulations will be more uncomfortable than milder ones; you can discuss pain sensitivities and concerns with your doctor so you feel 100% prepared and confident for treatment.

How long is the recovery?

Chemical peel recovery lasts three days to three weeks depending on the type of peel and location. You will have to avoid certain activities during the active peeling period, which typically starts three to five days after treatment.

Mild chemical peels can heal completely within a week; moderate peels take between one to two weeks; deep chemical peels require a longer recovery and more restrictions, and they take 14-21 days to heal completely.

Can it help with deep scars?

Yes, chemical peels can be an effective scar treatment that reduces the discoloration and rough skin texture from scarring. The exact amount of treatment you require will vary depending on how deep your scars are and how many you have.

How soon will I see results?

You can expect to notice results from a chemical peel within a week, but the results can take longer if you are using peels to treat acne, scarring, discoloration, or hyperpigmentation. It’s important to discuss your ideal results with your doctor so they can help establish realistic expectations.

Are chemical peels safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, chemical peels can be made milder to nourish and hydrate sensitive skin. Lactic acid is most commonly used as the base in chemical peels for sensitive skin.

How to Get Clear, Smooth Back Skin

In addition to chemical peels, there are some lifestyle tips you can follow to keep your back skin clean and smooth.

  • Always shower and wash your back after sweating. This helps remove bacteria that can clog pores and cause acne.
  • Avoid wearing the same shirt for multiple days straight. Changing your top daily prevents bacteria from building up on your back.
  • Do not pick or peel acne. Squeezing, popping, or picking at back acne causes bacteria to spread and can lead to scarring.
  • Use non-comedogenic products. These products do not contain irritating fragrances and other ingredients that can irritate back skin.
  • Avoid harsh exfoliating scrubs or loofahs. Use a gentle back brush to remove dead skin and stimulate circulation without irritating the skin or removing too much during a shower.

Contact DLK on Avenue for Personalized Chemical Peels in Toronto

We would be thrilled to help you on your aesthetic journey. Whether you have a skin condition or cosmetic concerns, Dr. Lisa Kellett and the team are eager to help you find the right solution. Please call 416-440-2597 or complete our contact form to request a consultation at DLK on Avenue.