Chemical Peels in Pointe-Claire & the West Island
Chemical peels use carefully selected acids to accelerate the skin's natural exfoliation, removing damaged surface cells and encouraging the renewal of healthier skin underneath. Depending on formulation and depth, they address pigmentation and sun damage, uneven texture, congestion, fine lines, and dullness.
At GhalMédica, a physician-led clinic in Pointe-Claire, peel depth and formulation are individualized. Each treatment begins with an assessment of your skin type, Fitzpatrick classification, sensitivity, and treatment history, and is performed by our senior medical aestheticians under physician oversight. No two patients receive the same protocol.
GhalMédica serves patients from across the West Island, including Pointe-Claire, Kirkland, Beaconsfield, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Vaudreuil, Dorval, and the greater Montreal area.
Many patients exploring chemical peels are also considering other resurfacing options, such as SkinPen microneedling or BelaMD. At consultation we will determine whether a peel, an alternative, or a combined plan best suits your skin. Results vary.
Treatment time is approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on the peel selected, some flaking or shedding may occur over the following 3 to 7 days. Sun protection is essential during and after the treatment period.
Results vary. A consultation is required prior to treatment.
Book a ConsultationThe Peels We Use
Vivier Mild Peel
A gentle glycolic acid-based peel that accelerates cellular turnover and improves radiance with minimal downtime. Well suited to patients new to chemical exfoliation, sensitive skin types, and those seeking progressive improvement in tone and texture without significant peeling. A considered entry point for a regular resurfacing program.
Mild · No downtimeJessner Peel
A medium-depth peel combining salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol to penetrate more deeply into the epidermis. Suited to acne-prone skin, congestion, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture. Jessner peels typically produce more visible shedding over 4 to 7 days and deliver more pronounced resurfacing than superficial peels.
Medium depth · 4 to 7 days downtimeSkinCeuticals Peels
Pharmaceutical-grade peeling systems formulated for specific concerns including advanced photoaging, pigmentation, and skin renewal. SkinCeuticals protocols are designed to complement the broader SkinCeuticals system, supporting penetration of active ingredients and long-term skin health.
Customized · Varies by protocolWho Chemical Peels Are For
Pigmentation & Sun Damage
Peels can help fade sun-induced pigmentation and uneven tone by accelerating the turnover of pigmented surface cells.
Uneven Texture & Congestion
By clearing damaged surface cells, peels can smooth rough texture and help with congestion and clogged pores.
Dullness
Surface buildup leaves skin looking flat. Peels reveal fresher skin underneath for a more rested, radiant appearance.
Acne-Prone Skin
Salicylic and Jessner-based peels can be appropriate for acne-prone and congested skin. Suitability is assessed at consultation.
Suitability is confirmed at consultation. Active skin conditions, recent sun exposure, and some medications may require treatment to be adjusted or postponed.
The GhalMédica Approach
The difference between a peel that improves the skin and one that sets it back is in the assessment. The acid and depth that suit one patient can be wrong for another. At GhalMédica, peel selection is informed by clinical assessment within a physician-led practice, not chosen from a fixed menu.
Assessment First
Every peel begins with an assessment of your skin type, sensitivity, and history, so the formulation matches your skin rather than a fixed menu.
Depth Matched to Your Skin
Peel depth is calibrated to your concern and tolerance, balancing meaningful resurfacing against recovery and safety.
Performed Under Physician Oversight
Treatments are delivered in a clinic under the medical direction of Dr. Sonya Ghalehii, MD, CCFP, Medical Director, with protocols grounded in clinical evidence.
Skin Health, Not Downtime
Visible peeling is not the goal. The aim is healthier skin over time, which sometimes means a gentler peel done in a series.
Pre-Treatment Care
4 Weeks Before
Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning in the weeks prior to your peel. Tanned or sunburned skin significantly increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after chemical exfoliation. Consistent daily SPF is essential during this period.
1 to 2 Weeks Before
For medium-depth peels such as the Jessner, a pre-peel priming regimen using retinoids or prescribed topicals may be recommended. Priming improves penetration and reduces the risk of uneven results. Follow your practitioner's specific instructions.
48 Hours Before
Discontinue retinoids, exfoliating acids, and any active skincare products as directed. Avoid waxing, threading, or mechanical hair removal on the treatment area. Avoid blood-thinning medications where medically appropriate and alcohol for at least 24 hours prior.
Day of Treatment
Arrive with thoroughly clean skin, with no makeup, moisturizer, sunscreen, or active skincare on the treatment area. Inform your practitioner of any changes to your health, medications, or routine since your last visit. Do not schedule a peel immediately before a major social event.
Pre-treatment instructions vary by peel and follow Canadian dermatology and aesthetic medicine best practices. Your GhalMédica practitioner will provide a personalized pre-peel protocol at consultation.
Post-Treatment Care
First 24 to 48 Hours
Use only the gentle, fragrance-free products recommended by your practitioner. Do not apply makeup, active skincare, or anything not specifically approved for the immediate post-peel period. Keep the skin cool, clean, and well moisturized. Avoid touching or rubbing the treated area.
During Peeling Phase
Do not pick, peel, or manually remove shedding skin. Allow the skin to shed naturally. Premature removal can cause scarring and uneven results. Keep the skin moisturized and protected. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and swimming during this phase.
Sun Protection
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning without exception. This is the single most important post-peel instruction. Freshly resurfaced skin is significantly more vulnerable to UV damage and hyperpigmentation. Avoid direct sun for at least 2 weeks after a medium-depth peel.
Skincare Reintroduction
Reintroduce active products such as retinoids, exfoliating acids, and vitamin C gradually and only as directed, typically after the peeling phase is complete. Prioritize barrier support and hydration during recovery. Your practitioner will confirm when it is safe to resume your full routine.
Post-treatment instructions vary by peel and follow Canadian dermatology and aesthetic medicine best practices. If you experience blistering, severe pain, or prolonged redness beyond the expected recovery period, contact GhalMédica promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Peels
What do chemical peels treat?
Chemical peels address pigmentation and sun damage, uneven texture, congestion, fine lines, and dullness. The concern a peel is best suited to depends on its formulation and depth, which is selected for your skin at consultation. Results vary.
How do I know which peel is right for me?
The appropriate peel is determined at consultation based on your skin type, concern, sensitivity, and treatment history. The Vivier Mild Peel suits sensitive or peel-naive skin seeking gentle, progressive improvement. The Jessner suits congestion, acne, and more pronounced pigmentation. SkinCeuticals peels are selected for specific protocol indications.
Is there downtime after a chemical peel?
It depends on the depth. Superficial peels such as the Vivier Mild typically involve little to no visible peeling. Medium-depth peels such as the Jessner usually produce shedding over 4 to 7 days. Your practitioner will tell you what to expect before treatment.
Will I peel visibly after every treatment?
Not necessarily. The Vivier Mild Peel often produces minimal to no visible peeling, as exfoliation occurs at a level that is not always perceptible. Visible peeling does not indicate a stronger result. It reflects the depth selected for your skin, not a preference for downtime.
How many treatments will I need?
This varies by peel and concern. Superficial peels are often done in a series spaced a few weeks apart as part of an ongoing program. Medium-depth peels are spaced further apart. A schedule is recommended at consultation. Results vary.
How often can I have a chemical peel?
Superficial peels such as the Vivier Mild can be performed every 3 to 4 weeks. Medium-depth peels such as the Jessner are typically spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart to allow recovery between treatments. The frequency of SkinCeuticals protocols varies by formulation.
Are chemical peels safe for darker skin tones?
Chemical peels can be performed safely on darker skin tones when the formulation and depth are chosen appropriately. Superficial peels are generally well tolerated across a wide range of skin tones. Medium-depth peels require more careful assessment in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI, given the higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This assessment is made at consultation before any peel is recommended.
How do I choose between a chemical peel and microneedling?
Both improve texture and tone, but they work differently. Chemical peels resurface the skin through controlled exfoliation. SkinPen microneedling stimulates collagen through controlled micro-injury. The right option depends on your skin and goals, and the two are sometimes combined within a plan. This is decided at consultation.
Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
Yes. Peels are often part of a broader skin-health plan that may include microneedling, BelaMD, or medical-grade skincare. Combinations and their timing are designed at consultation based on your skin's tolerance and your goals.
Are chemical peels safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Some peel ingredients are avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Let us know at consultation, and a suitable approach will be recommended or treatment postponed until it is appropriate to proceed.
How much does a chemical peel cost in Montreal?
The cost depends on the peel selected and the depth appropriate for your skin, which is determined at consultation. Pricing is reviewed with you before any treatment proceeds.
Where can I get a chemical peel in Pointe-Claire or the West Island?
GhalMédica is located at 330 Ch. du Bord-du-Lac-Lakeshore, Pointe-Claire. Chemical peels are performed by our senior medical aestheticians under physician oversight. We serve patients from Pointe-Claire, Kirkland, Beaconsfield, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Vaudreuil, Dorval, and the greater Montreal area.
Chemical Peels in Pointe-Claire, West Island & Montreal
GhalMédica is a physician-led aesthetic medicine clinic in Pointe-Claire, offering chemical peels to patients across the West Island and greater Montreal. Peel selection and depth are individualized and delivered by senior medical aestheticians under physician oversight, with skin health as the priority.
Patients come to GhalMédica from Kirkland, Beaconsfield, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Vaudreuil, Dorval, Baie-D'Urfé, Hudson, and the island of Montreal. Our Pointe-Claire location offers on-site parking, and appointments are by booking. If you are searching for a physician-led chemical peel in the West Island, your treatment begins with an assessment of your skin and a plan built around it.
with a consultation.
Your consultation begins with an assessment of your skin and a treatment plan built around it, not a menu.