Women have used chemical peels to rejuvenate their skin for over 2000 years. While the word “chemical” may sound scary, it only refers to the process of stimulating your skin to have its own natural chemical reaction. The result of this process is the shedding of dead skin cells, so they can be replaced by new, fresh and youthful cells.
Chemical Peel
rejuvenate your skin
Within our Level 1 Chemical Peel we offer three different peels for varying skin care needs. These three different chemical peels are for:
- Supporting acne (Salicylic Acid Level 1 Chemical Peel)
- Improving lines and wrinkles (Glycolic Acid Level 1 Chemical Peel)
- Brightening skin (Lactic Acid Level 1 Chemical Peel)
For making corrective changes, we recommend doing a Level 1 Chemical Peel every two weeks in a series of three to six treatments. If you would like to leverage the benefits of different Level 1 Chemical Peels, we recommend alternating chemical peel type every other visit. For example, you could do the Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel to support lines and wrinkles on your first visit, and on your second visit, you could do the Lactic Acid Level 1 Chemical Peel to brighten your skin.
Level 1 Chemical Peels are applied and massaged in the skin on the face and neck for approximately three to seven minutes then deactivated with water and gently cleansed off. The longer the chemical peel is left on the more aggressive it will be. During the application of the Chemical Peel, your skin will feel tingly and warm. As soon as the peel is removed these sensations go away. After your series of three to six treatments are completed, we highly recommend continuing with a weekly exfoliation regime at home and coming in for a chemical peel every six weeks to ensure you maintain your results. Level I Chemical Peels are known as the “lunchtime peel”. Although the chemical solution is working within the skin to speed up the shedding of dead skin cell this process is superficial, therefore, there is no downtime associated with them because there is little to no skin flaking.
Our Level 2 Chemical Peel, also known as the Jessner Peel, is typically utilized after a series of Level 1 Chemical Peels to further support reducing lines and wrinkles and to aid in eliminating acne. Because the intensity of each chemical peel increases as you move up a level (Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3), it is important to introduce the skin to chemical peels in a healthy and slow manner for those new to the treatment. In the case where someone is a regular Denver Laser Solutions client, or their skin is already accustomed to using retinol or similar products, it is possible to forego the Level 1 Chemical Peel and begin at Level 2.
The Level 2 chemical peel contains lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol. It is applied evenly over the entire face and neck after a few minutes this chemical peel will become neutral on the skin, and therefore it is not necessary to remove it after application. Because the Level 2 peel self-neutralizes, it can be applied up to three times in one visit, and it will likely affect the skin differently on each application.
The first application of the Level 2 Chemical Peel can make the skin slightly red. The second application will make the skin feel a bit warm with perhaps a bit of whiteness (also called blanching) around the mouth, forehead, and nose. With the third application, all of the skin where the peel was applied will likely blanch. This complete blanching is our indication that the peel was applied evenly and successfully.
Additional side effects of a Level 2 Chemical Peel are burning, stinging and itchy skin. A light fan is placed near the application area throughout the treatment to cool the skin. Once the chemical has deactivated these sensations dissipate. Level 2 Chemical Peels have mild to moderate skin peeling that typically last three to five days.
The TCA (trichloracetic acid) Level 3 Chemical Peel is a medical-strength peel that provides the most correction of all the chemical peels in one treatment. This chemical peel also has the longest peeling time -up to 7 days. This type of peel is perfect for someone trying to correct acne scarring, severe sun damage or more advanced signs of aging. The ability to safely peel away multiple layers of skin to expose fresh healthy tissue allows this stronger TCA peel to benefit clients with severe textural issues and prominent wrinkles. Unlike the Level 1 and Level 2 Chemical Peels, the TCA Level 3 Chemical Peel penetrates deeper and stimulates a more aggressive peeling experience resulting in healthy “baby’s bottom” skin.
Similar to the Level 2 Chemical Peel, the Level 3 Chemical Peel will become neutral on the skin a few minutes after it is applied, and for this reason, it does not need to be removed. Up to three applications of the Level 3 Chemical Peel are possible in one treatment. And the reaction and sensations on the skin are similar to level 2 although following the treatment expect much more aggressive peeling particularly around the mouth and t-zone area.
Chemical Peels are used to treat the face, neck and/or chest to improve:
- Sun damage
- Acne
- Melasma
- Acne scarring
- Freckles
- Pore size
- Lines and wrinkles
- Brightening skin that lacks glow and youthfulness
Chemical Peel Pricing
Price per Treatment
Mix, Match & Save
we recommend consulting with your esthetician on an acne results package customized to your needs - 10% off when you purchase 3 treatments and 20% off for 6 prepaid treatments
Frequently Asked Questions for Chemical Peels
What is a chemical peel?
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.
Who is a good candidate for chemical peels?
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.
Are chemical peels safe?
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.
What is the difference between a level I, II, and TCA peel?
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.
How many chemical peels will I need?
Number and frequency of peels are all dependent on your skin care concerns- whether you are trying to correct years of sun damage, fine lines, acne, or even skin that looks dull and lackluster. Normally we like to use a variety of treatments and modalities, so we highly recommend coming in initially for a facial or consultation so that we can create a customized treatment plan, tailor-fit to your own individual needs.
Do chemical peels hurt?
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.
How should I prep for my chemical peel?
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.
What should I expect during a chemical peel 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”.
What should I expect after a chemical peel treatment?
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!
How do I pick the best chemical peel?
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!