Your Denver Chemical Peel Experts

A chemical peel is a treatment that uses naturally derived substances to peel away the top layers of the skin. This stimulates the skin’s natural healing process which creates new healthy, young skin cells. Chemical peels can help with sun damage, acne, melasma (pregnancy mask), acne scarring, pore size, and fine lines and wrinkles.

While chemical peels typically have the best results with people who have mild to moderate wrinkles and fair skin and light hair, they also can also have positive results with darker complexions and darker hair. If you have darker features and/or more significant skin care needs speak with a Denver Laser Solutions’ skin care professional about other available treatments.

Some people see the word “chemical” and imagine something unnatural or harsh, but all of the acids that we use are from a natural origin. The word “chemical” is used to denote that it is not a mechanical form of exfoliation like a scrub or microdermabrasion but that there is a “chemical” reaction taking place within the skin cells.

Chemical peels are completely safe substances when used properly and for the appropriate skin type. However it is very important that you protect your skin from our Denver sun to void unnecessary risk of sunburn post treatment.

There are lots of variables that come into play to determine the strength of a chemical peel. The ingredient, PH level, how long the chemical peel is left on the skin, how many layers are applied, and weather the peel is lightly applied or vigorously rubbed in all play a role in determining the level of peeling and downtime.

Level I peels have no downtime with zero to minimal flaking, also known as a “lunchtime” peel. These chemical peels are usually alpha hydroxy acid based witch give a lovely glow to the skin and are a great form of exfoliation for skin that feels rough and lackluster. Level II peels have a higher percentage active ingredient with mild to moderate skin peeling that usually lasts 2-3 days. These peels are typically Jessner’s solutions which contain a blend of resorcinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. Best for more corrective and lightening effects compared to a level I peel.

TCA or trichloracetic acid (level III) peel is a medical-strength peel that has the longest peeling time (usually 3-5 days) but also provides the most correction in one treatment. TCA peels are perfect for someone trying to correct acne scarring, severe sun damage, or more advanced signs of aging.

You should expect a slight tingling sensation and warmth during the treatment. The higher level of the peel the more activity you will feel. Your esthetician will be checking in on your comfort level throughout the treatment by using a scale from 1-10 to gauge the level of activity you feel.

An at home skin care regime containing the same type of active ingredients found in the chemical peel solution will better prepare your skin for accepting the chemical peel and post treatment healing. We do however recommend discontinuing prescription topical exfoliators like Retin-A for three days prior to treatment.

After you have discussed your skin care goals with your Denver Laser Solutions’ esthetician and decided on the best chemical peel for your skin care goals, she will first clean your skin thoroughly. Then, she will apply the chemical peel you have selected. The application of the peel will cause your skin to flush and feel very warm. The skin may also feel itchy and tingly. These sensations subside depending upon which level peel, as soon as the chemical peel is removed or the chemical reaction on the skin completed or “neutralized”.

Immediately after treatment your skin may feel flushed or warm, this sensation dissipates within a few hours but we recommend avoiding any aerobic exercise, hot showers, saunas and pools with chemicals for 72 hours. Typically by day two your skin starts to feel rather dry and tight, which is a sign you will start the peeling process. The peeling process can be mild or more significant depending on the level of the peel and last 2-5 days. Throughout the healing process you will want to be diligent about sunscreen and avoid excessive exfoliation of the area. By day 7 your skin is fully healed and you can enjoy the benefits of the service!

You can pick which chemical peel is best for you based on the info we have provided, or you can have a free consultation with one of our Denver Laser Solution esthetician professionals to help decide the best plan for your skincare goals. Book your free consultation today!

• Using skincare products at home that contain the same type of active ingredients found in the chemical peel solution one to two weeks before your treatment will better prepare your skin for accepting the chemical peel and post-treatment healing.

• Discontinue prescription topical exfoliators like Retin-A for three days prior to treatment.

• Avoid unprotected sun exposure, and be sure to apply SPF daily, as a chemical peel treatment cannot be performed on sunburned skin.

• Avoid contact with water for a minimum of two hours and up to 24 hours for faster, more efficient results.

• Discontinue using exfoliating scrubs and products containing AHA’s, BHA’s or Retin-A until the skin is fully healed.

• Do not pick or pull at the peeling skin — this can cause injury resulting in scarring.

• Avoid unprotected sun exposure. Apply SPF 30+ every morning and again if outside longer than 2 hours.

• The number and frequency of peels are dependent on the severity of the skin condition being treated and results you are trying to achieve.

• One chemical peel every 6-8 weeks is good maintenance for oily, acne prone skin.

• 3-6 chemical peels spaced every 2 weeks is ideal for acne scar, melasma, and age correction results.