BBL (BroadBand light®) is an innovative treatment used to target pigmented lesions (e.g. age spots, freckles), uneven skin pigmentation, tone or texture, vascular lesions (broken capillaries, spider veins), acne, rosacea, and redness. BBL® is also proven to prevent the signs of aging and can be used to improve the overall quality of your skin. It can be used on all parts of the body including the face, neck, and hands. BBL® uses a broad spectrum of wavelengths to target your skin’s underlying layers. Your skin absorbs the light energy, which promotes collagen production and breaks down the pigmented (darker) skin cells which your immune system will naturally expel.

Who is an ideal candidate?

BBL® works best on lighter skin tones. Darker skin tones should avoid BBL®, as the darker pigment absorbs too much light that can cause dark spots (hyperpigmentation) to appear. Most patients avoid BBL® treatments during summer months because of tanned skin. Typically, treatments are undertaken three times a year avoiding the summer months.

Avoid sun exposure within four weeks of receiving a BBL® treatment. Avoid using self tanners within two weeks of treatment. Avoid using skincare products with active ingredients such as retinols, glycolic acid, AHA, topical vitamin C and A, at least 1 week prior to your treatment. Inform your provider if you experience recurring cold sores or are using prescription skin treatments that increase your skin’s photosensitivity.

Is there any downtime?

There is minimal downtime following a BBL® treatment; however, it is recommended to avoid anything that causes sweating or flushing (e.g. exercise, hot temperatures, and saunas) for a minimum of 48 hours. If your skin feels sensitive post-treatment, avoid using make-up, scented products, deodorants, and active skin care ingredients on the treated area until the side-effects subside.

During the procedure, your provider will apply a cooling gel to the treatment area. You’ll wear safety shields, goggles, or glasses to protect your eyes. You may experience sensations, pulses, and mild discomfort throughout the treatment. Your skin may feel slightly warm and may appear slightly red and/or swollen following the treatment.

How long does a treatment take?

BBL® treatments last around 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area(s). You will likely require a few treatments scheduled throughout the year. This will be determined with your provider during your consultation.

When will I notice results?

You can expect to see visible changes to your skin within a few days or weeks following your first BBL® treatment. Within 2 weeks of your first treatment, your skin may feel smoother and appear more even and bright. You may see fewer discolourations, fine lines, and pores. Blemishes and blood vessels will usually clear up within a few weeks. As you continue treatments, you will notice more significant changes. Our providers often recommend three to six BBL® treatments for optimal results. BBL® is one of the longest-studied treatments in the industry. In studies performed over 10 years by Stanford University, patients who received BBL 3-4 times per year looked around 10 years younger. Ensure to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen, ideally containing zinc oxide, to promote the longevity of your BBL® results.

Chemical Peels | Ottawa Derm & Surgery Centre

Chemical Peels

Reveal Healthier, Brighter Looking Skin

Chemical peels are a professional skin resurfacing treatment that can improve acne, acne scars, pigmentation, melasma, sun damage, fine lines, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, and rough skin texture. At Ottawa Derm & Surgery Centre, our experienced team offers customized medical-grade chemical peels, including Jessner Peels and professional peel systems from AlumierMD® and Vivier®, designed to safely exfoliate, rejuvenate, and refresh your skin while supporting long-term skin health.

Book a chemical peel treament:

Brighter Skin

Chemical peels gently exfoliate dead and damaged skin cells to improve dullness, uneven skin tone, sun damage, age spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma. By stimulating healthy skin renewal, professional chemical peel treatments reveal a brighter, smoother complexion with renewed radiance.

Smoother Texture

Professional chemical peels encourage collagen production and healthy cell turnover to refine rough texture, soften fine lines, minimize enlarged pores, and improve the appearance of acne scars. Treatment strength is selected based on your concerns and desired downtime.

Customized Treatment

Our experienced team offers a variety of medical-grade chemical peels, including Jessner Peels and professional formulations from AlumierMD® and Vivier®. During your consultation, we'll recommend the most appropriate peel based on your skin type, concerns, and treatment goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a professional skin resurfacing treatment that uses carefully selected exfoliating solutions to remove damaged outer skin cells and encourage healthy skin renewal. Chemical peels can improve skin tone, texture, pigmentation, acne, fine lines, and overall skin radiance. At Ottawa Derm & Surgery Centre, every peel is selected based on your skin type, concerns, and treatment goals.

What is a Jessner Peel?

A Jessner Peel is a professional medium-depth chemical peel commonly used to improve acne, acne scars, pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, and uneven skin texture. By encouraging deeper exfoliation and healthy skin renewal, Jessner Peels can reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin. During your consultation, we’ll determine whether a Jessner Peel or another medical-grade chemical peel is the most appropriate option for your skin type and concerns.

How do I prepare for a chemical peel?

To help ensure the best possible results, your provider may recommend temporarily stopping certain skincare products, including retinoids, exfoliating acids, and other active ingredients, several days before your treatment. It’s also important to avoid excessive sun exposure and arrive with clean skin. You’ll receive personalized pre-treatment instructions based on the peel you’ve been scheduled for.

What should I expect after a chemical peel?

Recovery depends on the type and strength of your peel. Some patients experience mild redness and dryness, while others may notice flaking or peeling for several days as new skin is revealed. During healing, it’s important to avoid picking at the skin, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, and follow your provider’s aftercare instructions.

How often should I get a chemical peel?

Some patients choose a single peel to refresh their skin before a special event, while others benefit from a series of treatments to address concerns such as acne, pigmentation, melasma, or fine lines. Maintenance treatments every four to eight weeks may help support ongoing skin health and long-term results. Your provider will recommend a treatment schedule that’s right for you.

Do chemical peels hurt?

Most patients describe a chemical peel as causing a mild tingling, warming, or stinging sensation during treatment. The intensity varies depending on the type of peel being performed, but any discomfort is generally brief and well tolerated.

Can chemical peels help with acne and acne scars?

Yes. Certain chemical peels help unclog pores, reduce congestion, improve active acne, and gradually soften the appearance of post-acne marks and mild acne scarring. Your provider will determine which peel is most appropriate for your skin.

Can chemical peels improve pigmentation and melasma?

Chemical peels can help improve sun damage, age spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and certain forms of melasma by encouraging healthy skin renewal. Because pigmentation concerns vary, multiple treatments and a personalized skincare routine are often recommended for optimal results.

Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?

Yes. Chemical peels are often incorporated into comprehensive treatment plans alongside medical-grade skincare, microneedling, BBL®, MOXI®, or other skin rejuvenation treatments. During your consultation, we’ll recommend the safest combination and timing based on your goals.

Healthy Skin Starts with the Right Treatment

Whether you’re looking to brighten dull skin, improve acne, soften fine lines, reduce pigmentation, treat melasma, or improve rough skin texture, medical-grade chemical peels can be an effective way to refresh your complexion and support long-term skin health. From gentle exfoliating peels to Jessner Peels and customized treatments from AlumierMD® and Vivier®, our experienced team will recommend the most appropriate chemical peel based on your skin’s unique needs, lifestyle, and goals.

Book a chemical peel treatment: