Chemical peels in Salinas and Carmel

Three things: what bothers you most, how your skin has responded to previous procedures, and the recovery you can allow. The VI Peels are our choice when you want more correction per visit, for stubborn pigment, rougher texture, or mature skin, and can plan a week of peeling; Precision + Peptides is our first choice for melasma. Early lines and uneven tone with minimal downtime point to Vitalize; deeper lines, established sun damage, and rough texture with a lighter touch point to Rejuvenize. A stronger peel is not automatically the best first choice. We can begin conservatively and step up if your skin asks for it.

The VI Peels tend to be a little stronger. All of our peels are professional-strength, but the VI blend reaches the upper dermis, so peeling is more noticeable and the take-home kit matters more. Vitalize is the gentlest peel we offer; Rejuvenize sits between Vitalize and the VI Peels. Stronger is not automatically better: the right peel is the one your skin tolerates well and that matches your concern.

Sensitive skin is not a reason to skip peels; it is a reason to choose carefully. Within the VI family, Original is the formula VI recommends for sensitive skin and first-time peelers, and Precision + Peptides pairs its pigment correction with calming peptides and a gentler retinoid. Vitalize is the gentlest option overall. Tell us about redness, reactive skin, eczema, or rosacea at your consultation; active inflammatory rosacea is a reason to hold off, and your clinician will say which peel, if any, fits.

The VI Peels blend TCA, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, phenol, and vitamin C; Advanced adds collagen-supporting boosters, and the two Precision + Peptides formulas add peptides, retinoid, and brighteners. Both SkinMedica peels use salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol, followed by a retinol step; Rejuvenize uses higher concentrations, which is what makes it the deeper of the two. Tell us about ingredient allergies, including aspirin or salicylate sensitivity, phenol, and hydroquinone, and any prescription or exfoliating skincare you use.

Yes, with the right peel. All of the VI Peels and Vitalize are used across skin tones, and Precision + Peptides was designed for pigment in melanin-rich skin. Rejuvenize is recommended for lighter-to-medium tones. Because deeper skin tones are more prone to dark marks after irritation, we start conservatively, insist on sun protection, and may prepare the skin first.

Peels may improve selected pigment and surface-texture concerns, but improvement varies. Melasma can recur and usually needs a series, ongoing sun protection, and a broader care plan. Deep or tethered acne scars may need other approaches. A peel does not guarantee complete clearing.

Results are cumulative. VI Peels repeat every four to six weeks, a series of three for most concerns and four to six for melasma or scarring, then a maintenance peel each season. SkinMedica recommends a series of three or more: 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.

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. VI Peel patients leave with the take-home kit and a four-hour no-wash window. If Botox is planned for the same visit, it follows the peel.

VI Peels peel noticeably: flaking by day two, peeling on days three to five, mostly done by day seven. SkinMedica peeling generally begins 48 to 72 hours after treatment and lasts two to five days: usually light with Vitalize, 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.

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.

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 about a week beforehand (we send exact timing for your peel). Afterward: a gentle cleanser twice a day, moisturizer as needed, mineral sunscreen every morning and through the day, and no direct sun for at least a week. After a VI Peel, use only the kit products for the first week. Retinoids and acids wait until peeling is complete. Botox can be paired with a VI Peel at the same visit when your clinician recommends it, and microneedling alternates with peels a few weeks apart; laser, IPL, waxing, and facials on the treated area wait until we have cleared you.

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.