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SkinMedica chemical peels in Salinas and Carmel
Brighter-looking skin, smoother texture, and a more even appearance. Mona Medical offers SkinMedica® Vitalize and Rejuvenize peels, selected around your skin concerns, prior treatments, and recovery preferences.
Two peels, selected for your skin
A chemical peel removes dull surface skin in a controlled way so that fresher, more even-looking skin can take its place. We carry two SkinMedica professional peels that share the same family of acids (salicylic, lactic, and resorcinol, followed by a retinol step) at different strengths. Vitalize is the mid-strength peel and the usual starting point; Rejuvenize is SkinMedica's strongest peel and reaches deeper. We choose between them based on what bothers you most, how your skin has responded before, and the recovery time you can allow.
| Question | Vitalize | Rejuvenize |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Mid-strength; the usual first peel | SkinMedica's strongest; higher concentrations, works deeper |
| Best for | Early fine lines, uneven tone, mild sun damage, dullness, acne-prone skin | Deeper lines, established sun damage, rough texture, stubborn discoloration |
| Peeling | Begins at two to three days, lasts two to five; usually light | Same timeline; often more noticeable |
| Downtime | Minimal | Plan for a few days of visible flaking |
| How often | Every three to four weeks; series of three or more | Every four to six weeks; series of three or more |
Both peels share salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol with a retinol step. Your clinician will recommend the peel and plan that fit your skin.
What happens at the appointment
Your clinician reviews your skin and prepares the treatment area before applying the selected peel. You may feel warmth or stinging while it works. Allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes for your visit, including assessment, treatment, and aftercare guidance.
Recommendations are individualized following an appropriate skin assessment. No treatment or result is guaranteed.
Peel questions, answered plainly
Choosing between the two, and what recovery is really like.
Choosing a peel
How do you decide between Vitalize and Rejuvenize?
Three things: what bothers you most (early lines and uneven tone point to Vitalize; deeper lines, established sun damage, and rough texture point to Rejuvenize), how your skin has responded to previous procedures, and the recovery you can allow. A stronger peel is not automatically the best first choice. We can begin conservatively and step up if your skin asks for it.
What ingredients do these peels use?
Both systems use salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol, followed by a retinol step. Rejuvenize uses higher concentrations, which is what makes it the deeper peel; the application protocols differ as well. Tell us about ingredient allergies (including aspirin sensitivity, since salicylic acid is related) and any prescription or exfoliating skincare you use.
Will a peel clear dark spots, melasma, or acne scars?
Peels may improve selected pigment and surface-texture concerns, but improvement varies. Melasma can recur and usually needs ongoing sun protection and a broader care plan. Deep or tethered acne scars may need other approaches. A peel does not guarantee complete clearing.
How many treatments will I need?
Results are cumulative, and SkinMedica recommends a series of three or more for the full benefit: Vitalize every three to four weeks, Rejuvenize every four to six. Many people notice brighter skin after the first peel; texture and tone keep improving over the series.
Preparing and recovering
What happens at the appointment?
Your clinician reviews your skin and prepares the treatment area before applying the selected peel. You may feel warmth or stinging. We explain what to expect before you leave, including when to cleanse your skin and which products to use during recovery.
How much visible peeling should I plan for?
Peeling generally begins 48 to 72 hours after treatment and lasts two to five days: usually light with Vitalize, often more noticeable with Rejuvenize. The amount varies with your skin, how recently you have used retinoids or exfoliating acids, and how many peels you have had. Before an important event, allow about a week.
If I barely peel, did the treatment work?
Yes. Visible peeling is not the measure of a peel; the skin renews at an accelerated rate either way, and that is what improves tone, texture, fine lines, and pigmentation. Light peeling is common with a first peel, with regular peels, and for frequent retinoid users. Do not pick at your skin or add exfoliants to make it peel more.
How do I prepare and protect my results?
Tell us about recent tanning, waxing, laser procedures, cold sores, allergies, prescription acne treatment, and pregnancy or breastfeeding, and pause retinoids and exfoliating acids for a few days beforehand. Afterward: a gentle, soap-free cleanser twice a day, moisturizer as needed, mineral sunscreen every morning and through the day, and no direct sun for at least a week. Retinoids, acids, and other facial treatments, including injectables, wait until peeling is complete.
When should I contact the clinic?
Contact us for increasing pain, marked swelling, blistering, spreading redness, or other unexpected symptoms. Follow the aftercare instructions and avoid scratching or removing peeling skin.
Brighter, at your own pace
Book a peel in Salinas or Carmel, or start with a consultation.