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What Is A Chemical Peel?

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January 13, 2022

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coloradoskin1

Like many trends from the ’90s, the chemical face peel is making a big comeback right now after taking a backseat to newer exfoliating treatments like microdermabrasion and dermaplaning. But unlike many trends that are resurfacing, chemical peels are something that we’re glad to see rising in popularity once more.

You’ve probably heard of a chemical peel, but are you familiar with what it actually is? Below, we’ll go over what a chemical peel is, the different kinds of chemical peels, and their benefits.

\"What

Face peeling at the beautician. Facial treatments. Chemical and salicylic peels.

What is a Chemical Face Peel?

A chemical face peel is a powerful chemical solution that can be applied to the face, neck, and hands to remove the topmost layer of skin. This removal of the epidermis, and sometimes dermis, stimulates your skin’s process of regeneration, which reveals brighter, clearer, and younger-looking skin. With most peels, your skin will flake and peel, so they do require some downtime. Chemical peels are a popular treatment because they help with many skincare concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, scarring, melasma, acne, sun damage, pore size, and sunspots.

Are All Chemical Peels the Same?

Not all chemical peels are the same, making them a great treatment option for most people. There are three different types of chemical face peels:

1) A Light Chemical Peel

A light chemical peel is a great place to start if you’ve never had a chemical peel done before or have sensitive skin and aren’t sure how you’ll react to a peel. A light chemical face peel only removes the very surface layer of the epidermis and the dead skin cells and other microscopic debris that accumulate on our faces. Light chemical peels are great for fine lines, acne and scarring, and hypo and hyperpigmentation. The most common acids used for light chemical peels are glycolic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and salicylic acid. There is little downtime in a light chemical face peel, and your skin should be fully healed within one to seven days.

2) A Medium Chemical Peel

Medium chemical peels are a fine choice if you have more skincare concerns and want to get a deeper peel without the intensity and downtime of a deep chemical peel. Medium chemical peels penetrate the epidermis and go into the papillary dermis for exfoliation. They’re great for acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, improving skin elasticity, and sun damage. The most common acids used in medium chemical face peels are TCA, glycolic acid, and Jessner’s Peel, which is made up of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. The downtime for a medium chemical face peel is one to two weeks.

3) A Deep Chemical Peel

As the name implies, a deep chemical face peel penetrates the deepest and produces the most dramatic results. Deep chemical peels penetrate the epidermis, papillary dermis, and reticular dermis. A deep chemical peel is best for someone who is looking for significant results and doesn’t mind substantial downtime — deep chemical peels take two to three weeks to heal from, but the visible results are well worth it. Your chemical peel before and after photos will be noticeably different. This option can treat wrinkles, melasma, acne scars, sun damage, and skin elasticity, and it can even treat pre-cancerous growths. The most common acid used in a deep chemical face peel is a higher concentration of TCA.

Every MedSpa will have their choice brand of chemicals that they work with. We use SkinCeuticals in all our peels because their line is backed by science and produces the best results.

How to Prepare for a Chemical Face Peel

Before you get a chemical peel, regardless of the level, you should:

  • Stop exfoliating
  • Stop using Retinoids
  • Stop using bleaching products that may contain hydroquinone
  • Avoid the sun
  • Stay hydrated

What to Do After a Chemical Face Peel

Your skin will be sensitive for a few days to weeks after your peel. To protect it, you should:

  • Wear sunscreen
  • Avoid picking or pulling on the flakes
  • Wear hydrating moisturizer
  • Do not exfoliate or use harsh washcloths or scrubbing brushes

There are so many benefits from getting a chemical face peel, and with the different levels available, you can find the perfect treatment to fit your needs. There’s no need to Google “best chemical peel near me”; contact us today at Colorado Skin & Vein to schedule your free consultation and find out first-hand what all the chemical peel hype is about!

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Colorado's Vascular & Aesthetic Medicine

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Danielle Killingsworth, NCMA, Aesthetics Coordinator at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Danielle Killingsworth

NCMA, Aesthetics Coordinator

Danielle is a Colorado native who brings more than 22 years of experience in the medical field. Throughout her career she has developed a diverse clinical background across infectious disease, general surgery, and pain management — giving her a well-rounded understanding of patient care and of what it takes to create a safe, comfortable, and personalized experience.

As Aesthetics Coordinator at Colorado Skin & Vein, Danielle combines that clinical knowledge with a genuine passion for aesthetics. She is dedicated to helping patients feel confident, informed, and supported throughout their aesthetic journey, from the initial consultation through treatment and follow-up care.

She believes one of the most rewarding parts of her career is building meaningful relationships with patients and helping them look and feel their very best.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, including her four boys, getting lost in a good book, and working in her garden. Fun fact: she is a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan.

Nikki Moyta, Operations Director at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Nikki Moyta

Operations Director

For over 26 years, Nikki has dedicated her career to the dermatology and aesthetics industry, building her experience from the ground up — starting in a patient scheduling call center, moving to the front desk, and rising to executive leadership overseeing multiple providers and locations.

Originally from Pittsburgh, she moved to Orlando before starting 10th grade and later attended Seminole State College of Florida. Her career in dermatology began in 2002, scheduling appointments for a multi-location practice. She grew quickly within the organization, moving into front-desk and checkout roles before being promoted to Office Manager in 2008. In 2012, her leadership and operational expertise led the CEO to seek her out for an expanded role overseeing multiple providers and locations — a position she held through 2022.

Outside of her professional career, Nikki is passionate about giving back to the community:

  • Community outreach
  • Voted “Cheerleader of the Practice”
  • 1st Place Winner — Miles for Melanoma

With a career built on leadership, dedication, and a genuine passion for patients and the aesthetics industry, she is excited to bring her experience and enthusiasm to the Colorado community. When she is not in the office, you can find Nikki with her Siberian husky, Compass, somewhere on top of a mountain.

Betina Lacson, RVT at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Betina Lacson

RVT

Betina graduated from the Cardiovascular Technology Program at Grossmont College in California in 2020, and brings more than six years of experience in the duplex world of venous insufficiency. Much of her career has centered on superficial vein mapping and assisting in surgery while providing attentive patient care.

At Colorado Skin & Vein, she assists with venous ablation procedures as well as ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. She is committed to quality care at every stage — from the initial consultation, through surgery, to post-operative appointments — making sure each patient feels fully supported.

In her free time, Betina loves Kizomba dancing with her Afro-Latin dance community, and can often be found at electronic dance music shows in different cities. If you are feeling generous, she will happily accept a karaoke room or an iced Thai milk tea.

Brooke Owens, PA-C, MPAS at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Brooke Owens

PA-C, MPAS

Brooke Owens, PA-C, MPAS is a compassionate Physician Assistant who brings a strong clinical foundation, exceptional attention to detail, and a patient-centered approach to Colorado Skin & Vein.

Prior to joining the practice, Brooke spent several years in pediatric primary care, caring for patients with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. She became known for her thorough evaluations, thoughtful clinical decision-making, and ability to build lasting relationships with patients and their families. That experience strengthened her diagnostic expertise while reinforcing the importance of listening carefully, educating patients, and creating individualized treatment plans.

Drawn to the unique blend of medicine, procedures, and patient transformation, Brooke was excited to move into vascular medicine and aesthetic care. She is passionate about helping patients improve not only their health but also their confidence — whether they are seeking treatment for vein disease, skin concerns, or cosmetic enhancements. By combining broad medical experience with advanced specialty training and a meticulous eye for detail, she delivers safe, effective, and personalized care.

Brooke believes the best outcomes begin with trust. She values taking the time to understand each patient’s goals, answer questions, and ensure they feel informed and comfortable throughout their care.

Angel Croce, Staff Manager at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Angel Croce

Staff Manager

Angel has been in healthcare for more than 20 years. Her journey began in 2004, after her father suddenly passed away from a stroke. Losing him was a life-changing experience, and it inspired her to choose a career where she could help others and give patients and their families the care, compassion, and support they need during difficult times.

Throughout her career she has worked across cardiology, neurology, family practice, and urgent care — each experience helping her grow both personally and professionally. She now works in vascular care and aesthetics, where she enjoys building relationships with her patients, helping them understand their care, and making sure they feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey.

Outside of work, Angel is a proud mom of two. Family is incredibly important to her, and in her spare time she loves being outdoors with her husband and their two dogs — hunting, fishing, and enjoying Colorado.

For Angel, healthcare is more than a career — it is personal. What started as a way to honor her father’s memory has become more than two decades of caring for others, and she is grateful to keep doing something that means so much to her every day.