acne peels

ACNE Chemical Peels DENVER

At Natural Skincare & Acne Clinic, acne is our specialty- we perform over 5,000 acne chemical peels a year! We also have a 95% success rate clearing people in Denver and the surrounding area for 10+ year. While an Acne Peel is a great treatment, if you have moderate to severe inflamed acne, please see our page about our 12-week Acne Program

Depending on whether you have Inflamed or non-inflamed acne, what acne chemical peel you get done to your skin will vary. Remember inflamed acne is very sensitive. Therefore, you will want something that will kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, while being gentle at the same time.

Non-inflamed acne skin is quite resilient, can tolerate, and actually needs a stronger peel. The key to getting rid of non-inflamed acne is exfoliation! Acne chemical peels paired with extractions is the ideal treatment.

Here ARE OUR recommendations for best types of peels for Non-inflamed and Inflamed acne:

Inflamed Acne Lesions & Sensitive Skin

Jessner's Peel

A combination of Resorcinol (anti-bacterial), Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid. This is a light to medium peel that is a step above a basic AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) peel in strength and effectiveness. The Jessners peel is especially great for oily skin because of the Salicylic Acid (see below for more information on salicylic). Due to its blend of ingredients, one will see a reduction in oil production, bacteria and inflammation in the skin. This peel is appropriate for light to dark skin tones.


Mandelic Acid & TCA Peel (aka Acne Peel)

A mild, medium-depth peel combines Mandelic acid, which is the mildest AHA and a derivative of bitter almonds, with a TCA solution. TCA stands for trichloroacetic acid and is a more aggressive solution that is able to penetrate deeper than an AHA.

This combination works well together as you get the anti-bacterial properties of the Mandelic and the lightening of hyperpigmentation from the TCA. Typically, most skin types are candidates for this peel.

Non-Inflamed Acne & Non-sensitive Skin

Mandelic Acid

A mild AHA that treats acne and wrinkles, making it a great choice for adult acne. Due to its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, this is a great peeling agent for acne, including cystic acne. Results are seen quickly, as dead skin cells and debris are rapidly exfoliated away.

Mandelic acid also inhibits melanin production, which is the cause of discoloration left on the skin after a breakout. With repeated use, one will see improvement in discoloration and acne scarring. This peel is appropriate for all skin types.

TCA Peel

A medium-depth peel that is either combined with other acids at lower strengths or used on its own at 20-50% under the direction of a physician. This peel is great for Non-inflamed acne because it removes the stratum corneum (dead skin cell layer) and penetrates into the living cell layers. The TCA peel leaves behind fresh skin free of bumps, blemishes and hyper pigmentation.

In addition to its amazing exfoliating and re-texturing abilities, the TCA is also the best peel for reducing discoloration left behind from acne as well as sun damage. This peel is only for lighter skin types and should not be performed on medium to dark skin tones at full strength.

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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will an Acne Peel clear my acne?

For moderate to severe inflamed acne, no, a chemical peel is not enough. It is just one piece of the puzzle needed. Inflamed acne needs to be treated with a consistent topical skincare regimen as well as internally with herbal supplements that rebalance hormones and gut. Certain foods must also be minimized to allow the acne to clear.

But we have good news! We have a 12-week Acne Program that has a 95% success rate. See more information here.

For mild and occasional inflamed breakouts, a chemical peel may be what your skin needs to clear the inflammation and redness. Our Acne Specialists can help determine if the Acne Program is not needed and just a few peels can help prevent minimal breakouts.

Are Acne Peels safe?

Yes, chemical peels have been used for over 2,000 years (in the form of fermented milk in those days) and are extremely safe and effective for improving skin texture and tone. Chemical peels are one of the fastest ways to get your glow back!

How many Chemical Peels will I need?

The number and frequency of peels you will need depends on the condition of your skin and your skincare goals. If treating years of sun damage or acne breakouts and dull, dry skin a series of 4-8 sessions will be recommended.

If your skin just needs a little tune-up, one treatment every 2-3 months is recommended. Your Esthetician will evaluate your skin, discuss your goals and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

What is the Downtime from a Chemical Peel?

Our Acne Peels have very minimal downtime. 48 hours after your treatment, the skin will begin to mildly flake.. This may last for 1-3 days. During this time one should stay out of direct sunlight but can continue normal outdoor activities with SPF. There is no social downtime with this peel.

Are Chemical Peels Safe to do in the Summer?

Yes! If you remain out of direct sunlight during 1-3 days of flaking skin and wear SPF, Acne Peels can be done 365 days a year.

Do Acne Peels hurt?

Not at all, you may feel a slight tingle and the skin will feel warm the first few minutes the solution is on the skin. Within 5 minutes or so the skin will return to normal but appear slightly pink.

Do you do extractions during an Acne Peel?

Absolutely! Your treatment will include a full session of extractions prior to applying the last layer of the peel. Manual extractions are the best way to prevent future breakouts and necessary to remove blackheads and comedones. Just like getting a professional teeth cleaning is needed twice a year, the skin has the same requirements but more frequently. It is the build-up of oil and dead skin cells that causes acne bumps and breakouts, so manually extracting these small masses is essential to healthy skin.

Are Acne Peels safe while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No, Acne Peels are not recommended when pregnant or breastfeeding. However, a Lactic Peel is a safe alternative. The 12-week Acne Program is also a safe option.

Acne Peels Video