Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics Offers the Lunch Hour Peel

June 27, 2007
DENVER, CO—The Rocky Mountains are getting to be better known for the Lunch Hour Peel by the hour. Increasing numbers of patients are seeking this rejuvenating peel that takes less than an hour and has remarkable effects only days later.

According to Jessica Santi, CMA and Clinic Director, the lunch time peels are aptly named because they can literally take place during a lunch hour and the patient can return to work immediately afterward.

The Lunch Hour Peel, is a chemical peel, involving the application of a chemical solution to your face to remove damaged upper layers of skin. Skin resurfacing removes damaged upper layers of skin, thereby allowing the healthy, deeper layers to grow with less apparent damage. Treatment generally creates brighter skin with fewer wrinkles, smaller pores and better texture. Acne and/or scarring from acne can sometimes be improved as well.

Prior to treatment, a patient may apply a topical numbing cream. Not every level of chemical peel requires a numbing peel, but Santi says that patient comfort is of utmost importance, so a numbing cream is likely to be recommended, especially for a first-round treatment. The medical technician carefully applies the chemical to the skin, using cotton swabs and often Q-tips to access narrow areas on the face. While the peel chemicals are being applied, a cooling fan can help keep temps under control. The facial skin grows warmer and at precisely the right point, the technician applies a neutralizing solution. After that, the patient splashes her face with cool water, which has an immediate cooling sensation.

Varying strengths of TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) and Phenol are the most common peeling agents. Less damaged skin and maintenance calls for a peel of glycolic acid, a lighter treatment.

Depending upon the strength of the chemicals applied during a peel, the skin will look reddish, as if it’s been sunburned. Then the outermost layer of skin will dry and peel, revealing more youthful skin underneath. Sometimes the peeling process happens within days, other times, it can be a week out. The underlying skin that is revealed after the peeling takes place is pink and healthy.

Avoiding the sun is critical for the next 6 to 12 weeks following a peel. After that, it’s important to have a maintenance program in place. Here again, close coordination between patient and aesthetician is extremely beneficial.

Call the Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics to schedule an consultation about a chemical peel or other treatments. Our number is 303-985-9520.