Chemical Peels

Professional Exfoliation in Lakewood, CO

Skin has an incredible ability to heal, regenerate and transform, but sometimes it needs a little help. Whether you’re dealing with acne scars, sun damage, uneven texture, or signs of aging, a chemical peel can reveal the smoother, clearer skin beneath the surface.

At Dermatology Healthcare Excellence in Lakewood, we offer medically guided chemical peels that safely and effectively improve your skin’s tone, texture, and brightness. Each peel is carefully chosen and performed with intention by our team under the direction of Dr. Sarah Alison Basak, a double-board-certified dermatologist.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure that uses a chemical solution to gently exfoliate and remove layers of damaged skin. As the outer layers peel away, newer, fresher skin is revealed beneath—smoother in texture, more even in tone, and often with fewer visible lines, scars, or spots. 

Common concerns that chemical peels help improve include:

  • Acne and acne scars
  • Uneven tone or sun damage
  • Hyperpigmentation and melasma
  • Fine lines and mild wrinkles
  • Rough skin texture or enlarged pores
  • Dull, tired-looking skin

Types of Chemical Peels We Offer

Every skin story is different, so we offer a variety of peels to meet your needs, from gentle maintenance to more intensive corrective treatments.

Light (Superficial) Peels

These peels target the top layer of the skin (epidermis) and are great for brightening, refreshing and smoothing the surface. Commonly used ingredients include glycolic acid, lactic acid, or fruit enzymes. 

Medium-Depth Peels

These penetrate more deeply into the skin and can target stubborn pigmentation, acne scarring, or more pronounced texture issues. Common ingredients include trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or a Jessner’s solution blend. You may experience visible peeling for three to seven days.

Deep Peels

These powerful peels reach the lower layers of the dermis and are used for deeper wrinkles, precancerous spots, or severe texture issues. Due to their intensity and recovery, they are reserved for select cases and are performed with close medical supervision.

The DHE Difference

Aesthetic Dermatology Lakewood COUnlike many medspas or chain providers, DHE offers physician-supervised treatments tailored to your skin’s unique biology. Dr. Basak brings years of medical training and clinical experience to every peel selection and skin plan. 

When you choose DHE:

  • Your treatment is based on your medical history and goals, not sales quotas
  • Every peel is chosen with safety, effectiveness, and long-term skin health in mind
  • You’ll be educated on every step of the process so you feel confident and empowered
  • Our Lakewood-based team offers continuity of care and real relationships
  • We’re here to support your skin, not sell you a quick fix

What Happens During a Chemical Peel Treatment?

During your chemical peel appointment, we begin with a thorough skin consultation to understand your goals, skincare history, and any sensitivities. On treatment day, your skin is cleansed, and the chemical peel solution is applied to your face or other areas based on your plan. 

You may feel some warmth or tingling, which is normal. After the peel processes, we apply a neutralizing or post-peel solution to calm the skin. The entire procedure takes about 20–30 minutes, and you’ll leave with clear instructions for aftercare.

What Should I Expect After a Chemical Peel?

After a chemical peel, recovery time depends on the depth of the treatment. Light peels may cause mild redness or flaking for a day or two, while medium peels can lead to visible peeling for up to a week. Deep peels require a longer recovery and close medical supervision.

To support healing, avoid sun exposure, wear SPF 30 or higher, use gentle skincare products and refrain from picking at flaking skin. Skip exfoliants, retinoids, and intense activity for several days. Most patients see brighter, smoother skin within a week, with full results appearing as the skin continues to renew.

When Will I See Results From a Chemical Peel?

Results depend on the type of peel, your skin condition, and your goals. Some people notice a glow and smoother texture within a few days. Others see progressive improvements over a few weeks, especially with pigmentation, acne scarring, or tone correction.

For long-term transformation, a series of peels is often recommended. This allows us to build results safely over time while reducing the risk of irritation or over-exfoliation. We’ll work with you to create a personalized schedule based on your skin’s needs and sensitivity.

How Long Will My Results Last?

With proper skincare and sun protection, results from a chemical peel can last for several months. Light peels may be repeated every four-to-six weeks for maintenance, while medium peels are typically done in a series, once or twice a year, depending on your concerns.

The healthier your routine, the longer your glow. Using dermatologist-approved products, practicing good sun protection and avoiding aggressive exfoliants will all help preserve your results between treatments.


“Dr. Basak is very caring & thorough. She always strives to gather information about your individual problem & decide the best solution to solve issues. I totally believe in her manner of problem solving & trust her decisions. She’s the best!!”

— Mary L.


Frequently Asked Questions

Do chemical peels hurt?

Most patients experience a mild tingling, stinging, or warming sensation during treatment. This discomfort is typically brief and manageable. We monitor your response closely and stop the peel once your skin has reached the desired reaction.

Will my skin actually peel?

While some patients experience visible flaking, others may not peel at all. The exfoliation still occurs at a cellular level, and results are achieved regardless of whether flaking is visible.

How many peels will I need?

This varies depending on your goals. For concerns such as pigmentation, acne, or scarring, a series of three-to-six peels spaced four-to-six weeks apart may be recommended. For maintenance, one-to-three light peels per year may be sufficient.

Reveal Healthier, Clearer Skin With a Chemical Peel

If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your skin, reducing stubborn pigmentation, or addressing acne scars, chemical peels at Dermatology Healthcare Excellence offer a science-backed, results-driven solution. Let’s help your skin shed old baggage, and bring your best glow forward. Call (720) 778-DERM (3376) to get started with expert chemical peels in the Denver-Lakewood region.

Schedule a Consultation Today!