Level I or Level II: Choosing a First Peel

A peel can sound intense if you've never had one, and the menu names don't help. Level I, Level II, a corrective peel, a TCA peel. Here's a calm walk through how our peel menu is organized, which level most first-timers start with, and when it makes sense to think about a series instead of a single visit.

What a peel is for

Our peels gently exfoliate the skin to remove dull, damaged layers and reveal a smoother, brighter, more even complexion. We list them as a good fit for fine lines, acne, and discoloration. Where dermaplaning and microdermabrasion exfoliate with a blade or a wand, a peel uses a professional-grade solution, and that's the main difference in how it works.

The levels simply describe how strong the exfoliation is. A lighter peel is a gentler nudge. A deeper peel goes further and is aimed at more stubborn concerns. Neither is better in general. The right one depends on your skin and what you want from it.

Level I: the first-timer's peel

Level I peels are $105 and take 30 minutes. We use the SkinCeuticals Gel Peel and Image enzyme peels. Our menu describes them as having little to no downtime, and we recommend them for first-time peel clients or for anyone who wants lighter exfoliation.

If you've never had a peel, this is where we point you. It lets you and your esthetician see how your skin responds before anything stronger comes into the picture. Plenty of people stay with Level I because it's all they want from a peel.

Level II: deeper exfoliation

Level II peels are $165 and take 45 minutes. We use Image Forte peels and SkinCeuticals Micropeels. They target uneven texture, fine lines, and discoloration with deeper exfoliation than Level I. Think of Level II as the next step once you know how your skin handles a peel, or when your concerns call for more than a light touch.

After any peel, ask your esthetician what to expect and what to avoid at home, and follow what they tell you. Many skin professionals also recommend daily sunscreen after exfoliating, and we carry EltaMD in store if you need one.

The levels side by side

• Level I: $105, 30 minutes. SkinCeuticals Gel Peel and Image enzyme peels. Little to no downtime. For first-time peel clients or lighter exfoliation.
• Level II: $165, 45 minutes. Image Forte peels and SkinCeuticals Micropeels. Targets uneven texture, fine lines, and discoloration with deeper exfoliation.
• Peel Add-On: $80+, added to another service, for a gentle peel boost that smooths, brightens, and renews.

When a series like The Remedy fits

The Remedy is $275 for 45 minutes. It's the SkinCeuticals Advanced Corrective Peel, and our menu lists it as reducing stubborn discoloration, smoothing texture, and refining pores. It's recommended as a series of 4-6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart. Four treatments spaced that way put your first and last visits about 12 weeks apart, and six put them about 20 weeks apart.

That's a real commitment of time and budget, so it's worth deciding on purpose. A series fits when you have a persistent concern, like discoloration that hasn't budged with products, and you're ready to stay on a schedule. If you just want a fresher look for the next few weeks, a single Level I or Level II visit is the more natural place to begin.

For the deepest option, there's the Smart TCA Peel at $325 for 45 minutes. It's a SkinCeuticals deep superficial peel for dead, dry skin cells and advancing signs of aging, and it's listed as fading discoloration and hyperpigmentation. It's a conversation to have with your esthetician before you book.

How to plan your first one

Start by telling your esthetician what you want to change and what you've been using on your skin at home. Mention anything that's been irritated lately. Then ask three things: which level they'd start you on, what the days after will look like, and whether a series makes sense for your goal.

If you'd like a clearer picture first, the Observ 320 skin analysis is $105 and includes two scans. The scan can be booked on its own or added, and it comes with a credit toward any peel package of 3. Ask how the credit applies when you book.

To plan a first peel, call (720) 269-4430 or book online. We're on E 6th Ave in Cherry Creek, and online bookings need a card on file, with a 24-hour cancellation policy.