In our previous blog post, we discussed why winter is an ideal time for chemical peels. In our practice, we use peels primarily to lighten hyperpigmentation and brighten overall skin tone. LaFace Essentials offers two options: Intense Brightening and Brightening.
2 peels, 2 levels of intensity
Intense Brightening is designed for severe or stubborn (refractory) hyperpigmentation. It is a mask that remains on the skin for 8–12 hours, with wear time customized based on your skin type and the severity of discoloration. Brightening is formulated for mild to moderate hyperpigmentation. It is applied as a solution and remains on the skin for about four hours. With both peels, exfoliation typically begins around day 3, intensifies over 1–2 weeks as the skin lifts and sheds, and often ends with dryness and flaking as the final layers clear.
Key ingredients: Vitamin A and Arbutin
Both peels improve discoloration through a combination of exfoliation (lifting pigmented surface cells) and melanin modulation (reducing new pigment formation) via vitamin A and concentrated Arbutin, respectively. Vitamin A is the active ingredient in RetinA and retinol and accelerates cell turnover and encourages new cells to arise. At this high concentration and duration on the skin, it breaks down the epidermal barrier and sheds the superificial layers. Arbutin, on the other hand, is hydroquinone attached to a sugar. Hydroquinone inhibits the key enzyme in melanin production, tyrosinase, from forming melanin. Arbutin is typically more tolerable than hydroquinone because the sugar makes the hydroquinone bulkier and slows its penetration. The effect is more gradual, stable and less reactive. This translates to less stinging, irritation and inflammation. At higher concentration and in carefully designed formulas other brighteners, Arbutin can result in comparable depigmentation as Hydroquinone.
Supporting ingredients to boost the effect
In addition to Arbutin, Intense Brightening mask and Brightening solution contain other brighteners. Intense Brightening mask contains vitamin C and Ferulic Acid. Vitamin C helps brighten the skin by interfering with tyrosinase, neutralizing oxidative stress from stimulating melanocytes to produce melanin, and reducing inflammation that can exacerbate hyperpigmentation after procedure. Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant and, like Vitamin C, it reduces UV-driven oxidative stress. It also boosts and stabilizes Vitamin C and enhances the overall brightening and photoprotection effect of Vitamin C.
The Brightening solution combines ingredients chosen for tone correction with a skin-friendly balance. It contains Phytic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Azelaic Acid. Both Phytic and Lactic Acid supports brightening by inhibiting tyrosinase, and Lactic Acid exfoliates. Azelaic Acid also helps with inflammation and calms the sensitized skin. The two peels are formulated precisely to maximize depigmentation while minimizing irritation, inflammation and thus risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
For smooth, predictable recovery
Post-treatment regimen must be followed strictly. Both peels come with post-treatment kit that includes gentle foaming cleanser, moisturizer, soothing balm, and mineral sunscreen. They are formulated to be non-irritating to the compromised skin barrier and supportive of the barrier recovery. The moisturizer and soothing balm are especially helpful for controlling the irritation and inflammation.
Maintaining the results
Each kit also comes with a compounded brightening complex of Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid and Vitamin C. The complex is applied the day after the peel nightly for the next 2-3 weeks to continue exfoliating the skin and improving the tone. To maintain results and prevent pigmentation, a similar compound as this brightening complex, called K+L+C, in the LaFace Essentials armament should be used daily, along with broad-spectrum sunscreen. K+L+C is strongly recommended for melasma as a long-term maintenance, as melasma is a chronic, relapsing condition and requires long-term maintenance to stay controlled. In fact, K+L+C and sunscreen are two of the most commonly used products in the LaFace Essentials line, because of how effective they are.
For patients new to peels: a gentler path still works
For those who are new to chemical peels or nervous about visible peeling, they may choose the Brightening peel and repeat it three times, spaced one month apart. Each peel may be less than the one Intense Brightening, but the results are cumulatively similar—and with each subsequent peel, the shedding often becomes less noticeable while the brightening effect builds.
With the right peel selection and consistent aftercare, the goal is brighter tone and more even, smoother looking skin.
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