Even great skin can suffer damage from environmental or lifestyle factors, resulting in wrinkles, pigmentation changes, uneven tone, or poor texture. If you are interested in finding a minimally invasive treatment that will make your skin look smoother, younger, and healthier, a chemical peel at the Denver Dermatology Center might be just what you need to achieve your skin care goals.
Chemical peels work by removing the damaged outer layer(s) of skin to reveal a fresh, more radiant complexion underneath. Although most patients choose this treatment to improve their facial skin, some also see benefits on their neck, chest, or hands.
When undergoing a chemical peel, various solutions are applied to remove the damaged outer layer(s) of skin, revealing a smoother, healthier complexion underneath. Patients who choose to undergo a chemical peel at the Denver Dermatology Center will first receive a thorough skin evaluation and cosmetic consultation to determine the extent of damage and the appropriate treatment to meet their aesthetic goals.
Superficial Chemical Peel: Using various formulations to gently exfoliate the skin and stimulate the growth of healthier new skin cells, this mild procedure results in a smoother, softer, and more radiant complexion over time. A superficial peel is ideal for someone with minimal sun damage, uneven pigmentation, or fine lines and wrinkles. This procedure has little downtime. A series of treatment sessions is suggested.
Medium-Depth Chemical Peel: Ideal for the treatment of photodamage and melasma, this procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin. It treats sun damage and hyperpigmentation by targeting deeper skin cells. This type of peel can be used on the face, neck, arms, or hands.
Men and women of all ages choose chemical peels at the Denver Dermatology Center to achieve younger-looking, smoother skin. They also request this treatment to correct the following concerns:
Margaret "Migs" Muldrow, MD, FAAD spent her childhood in rural Ethiopia. As a young girl, she worked in a local village clinic, an experience that ultimately inspired her to become a physician. She graduated from Lewis and Clark College with a B.S. in Economic Development and International Affairs.
For optimal results, chemical peels are sometimes combined with microdermabrasion or laser skin resurfacing. In addition, results can be maintained with regular use of our medical-grade skin care products. During your skin evaluation and cosmetic consultation, you will receive personalized recommendations to help you achieve the results you want.
For chemical peels in our Denver office, your face will be thoroughly cleansed, and a solution will be carefully brushed on the treatment areas. You may feel some burning or stinging until the solution is washed from your skin and/or a neutralizing agent is applied. The stronger the peel, the greater the chance for temporary discomfort. Cool compresses and fans can help alleviate discomfort during treatment, which typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
For stronger peels, you may need to prepare your skin beforehand by using topical medical-grade products in a strict skin care routine. This approach helps ensure that the solution used for your peel will effectively penetrate the outermost layers of your skin. Appropriate preparation also promotes results, accelerates healing time, and minimizes complications.
Chemical peel recovery for our Denver and Boulder patients depends largely on the type and depth of the peel. In general, you can expect the outer layers of skin to peel off within 1 to 14 days.
After a mild peel, your skin may turn slightly pink, but you may resume your normal activities immediately and use makeup to conceal any redness. Complete results are visible within 5 to 10 days.
After a stronger peel, your skin may turn red or brown and need longer time to heal, requiring a modification of your daily routine. You may also experience swelling. After 5 to 7 days, depending on the depth of the peel, you may apply makeup to conceal any redness.
Chemical peels are safe when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. However, all peels carry some risks; the most common complications include infection, scarring, or pigment changes. The Denver Dermatology Center team has the training and experience to properly evaluate your skin, explain potential risks, and administer treatment.