Best in the Region,
Best in the World 2020

LJC is your best choice for plastic surgery and med spa treatments in Southern California and around the globe.

Get the Full Story
Union Tribune Readers Poll - San Diego's Best 20X Winner My Face My Body 2020 Awards Winner

Chemical Peels in San Diego & Carlsbad

Give your skin a fresh start with a chemical peel at La Jolla Cosmetic Medical Spa in San Diego and Carlsbad. Sun damage, acne spots, pigmented patches, rough texture, and more are no match for these powerful peeling agents that reveal the radiant skin hiding under layers of damage.

The beauty of chemical peels is there are so many to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a light refresh or want to address deeper concerns, you’ve got options! Not sure where to start? We’ve got your guide to finding the right peel for you below!

Looking for Chemical Peels deals in the San Diego area?

If you want the best price on Chemical Peels, skip limited-time specials and coupon codes. Join our GLAMfam VIP Loyalty Club and save 10 to 15% on Chemical Peels all year round.

Save on Chemical Peels Now
GLAMfam VIP Loyalty Club logo

Don't Take Our Word for It, Trust 32 Verified Chemical Peels Reviews

95.6% Patient Satisfaction

4.78
Based on 32 ratings
5 stars (25)
78.13%
4 stars (7)
21.88%
3 stars (0)
0%
2 stars (0)
0%
1 star (0)
0%
Mar 11, 2024
Top notch service, Brittney is awesome ! I wouldn’t go anywhere else. *
Feb 7, 2024
Cameron always makes sure to walk me thru the process and makes herself available to answer any ques…*
Sep 27, 2022
"Cameron is incredibly knowledgeable and provided me all the information I needed before, during and…*
Read more verified Chemical Peels reviews from RealPatientRatings®

* These are actual patient comments verified by a 3rd party. The claims made represent the opinion of the author.

Find Your Perfect Peel

  • INTRODUCING The Vi Peel – now available in Carlsbad and La Jolla! Our experienced aestheticians will select from 5 Vi Peel formulations to give your skin what it needs. Whether you want a youthful glow, need to remove brown spots, or are ready to tackle your acne, we have a Vi Peel for you! There’s even a special peel for the body (think chest and back). AND Vi Peel is safe for EVERY skin type and color.
  • Our Most Popular Chemical Peels: Explore the peels our visitors swear by.
  • Cosmelan MD® Depigmentation Peel: This multi-step system makes hyperpigmentation a thing of the past.
  • The PERFECT™ Derma Peel: Improve your skin’s tone and texture with the powerful antioxidant glutathione.
Design the New You

Not sure how to get the look you want? Tell us about your goals, and we’ll show you the possibilities.

Try Our Treatment Planner

What Is it Like To Get a Chemical Peel?

During treatment, you might feel a tingling or stinging sensation. For deeper peels, your medical spa provider may give you a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. After treatment, you can expect to see some redness, much like a sunburn. You’ll also experience skin peeling that will last for several days. 

What Is Recovery Like After a Chemical Peel?

Depending on the peel, you may have no downtime at all or need to give your skin few days to heal before returning to daily activities. In general, the deeper the peel, the greater the recovery time. It’s crucial to protect your skin from the sun while recovering from a chemical peel. Your skin will be very sensitive during this time, and any sun exposure may cause permanent damage or discoloration.

Get the 5-star patient care you deserve at LJC
Our Promises To You

How Many Chemical Peels Will I Need To See Results?

Some people are happy after just a single peel. However, others may choose to repeat treatment after several weeks to get even better results. We’ll work with you to devise a skincare plan that best restores your natural glow.

What Is the Difference Between a Chemical Peel and a Facial?

In many ways, peels and facials are alike: They both involve an application of a specific blend of ingredients to your skin’s surface, with the goal of improving your skin’s texture and appearance. The main distinction is that chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin using a chemical solution, while facials typically involve a more gentle conditioning treatment.

That means chemical peels are usually better for removing scars, age spots, and fine lines, while facials provide a more general boost in skin tone. Additionally, a peel can be very effective on isolated areas, while facials typically are performed on the entire face.

Your Safety Is
Our #1 Priority

Since 1988, more than 36,000 patients have had safe, successful procedures at La Jolla Cosmetic Medical Spa.

Which Peel Is Right for Me?

Want to find your perfect peel? We’ve got options for just about everyone.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the most common concerns that peels and facials can help you address. Just find the statements that best describe you to learn more about your options.


I want a brighter, more even complexion.

For a general boost in skin clarity and texture, light peels and facials can help you get a healthy glow with no downtime, removing just the topmost layers of dull, dead skin to reveal a healthier complexion. The following are great treatments to help your skin look radiant for a special event—or “just because”:

  • Fruit Enzyme Peel
  • Lactic Acid Peel
  • Glycolic Peel
  • SkinMedica Illuminize Peel
  • Vitamin C Facial, Green Tea Facial, or Oxygenation Facial
  • Vi Peel

I want to diminish age spots, freckles, and visible sun damage.

Brown, patchy “age spots,” and discoloration are tell-tale signs of aging, courtesy of Mr. Sun. Light to medium depth peels diminish age spots to give you a more even, youthful complexion. If you have sun damage control to do, look into the following peels:

Especially great for milder discoloration:

  • Lactic Acid Peel
  • SkinMedica Vitalize Peel
  • Vi Peel

For more advanced sun damage:

  • Retin-A Peel
  • SkinMedica Rejuvenize Peel
  • Jessner’s Peel
  • Vi Peel Precision Plus

I want to control acne and erase acne scars.

Peels and facials can be particularly effective for restoring a smoother, clearer complexion to acne-prone skin or reducing acne scars. To minimize or even remove acne scars, check out these options:

  • Jessner’s Peel
  • SkinMedica Rejuvenize Peel
  • Microdermabrasion

To help clear active acne, look for a treatment with salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that are excellent for controlling acne:

  • Vi Peel Purify (with or without Precision Plus)
  • Salicylic Acid Peel
  • Teen Facial

I want to smooth fine lines or deep wrinkles.

Our once-smooth features become etched with fine lines and creases as our skin loses elasticity. But we can erase many of these wrinkles by peeling away the dull outer layers of skin. Many peels also stimulate collagen production to help improve elasticity for firmer, more youthful skin.

If fine lines are your main concern, learn more about these options:

  • Vi Peel Advanced
  • SkinMedica Vitalize Peel
  • Jessner’s Peel
  • Microdermabrasion

I’ve never had a chemical peel before.

There’s a first time for everything, and we think you’ll be happy with the improvements a chemical peel makes to your skin. We generally recommend lighter treatments for chemical peel newbies, including these favorites:

  • Vi Peel Precision Plus
  • SkinMedica Illuminize Peel
  • Lactic Acid Peel
  • Fruit Enzyme Peel

I have dry, sensitive skin.

If your skin becomes easily irritated by topical treatments, you’ll want to choose a peel or facial that has more gentle ingredients that won’t strip the skin of its natural moisture. The following options are excellent for dry skin:

  • Vi Peel Original
  • Hydrating Facial
  • Lactic Acid Peel
  • Oxygenation Facial
  • Glycolic Peel

I have a darker complexion.

Because some chemical peels can affect pigmentation, not all peels are good for darker-skinned patients. Our Vi Peels were formulated by a person of color, and are safe for any skin type and color. Typically, light peels are safe for all skin types, while deeper peels (such as a high-concentration TCA peel) will not be suitable. The best way to determine if a peel is safe for you is to consult with a skincare professional, but the following are generally good options for all skin types:

  • Vi Peel (all varieties)
  • Fruit Enzyme Peel
  • SkinMedica Illuminize Peel
  • Lactic Acid Peel

How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost in San Diego?

At our La Jolla and Carlsbad med spas, the cost of a chemical peel varies depending on the type of peel. After your consultation, we’ll give you a personalized pricing estimate, so you know what to expect.

LJC is happy to accept payments through several affordable financing plans. Learn more on our financing page.

Your Dream Starts Today

Want to peel away the past and reveal your most radiant skin yet? Let’s get started! Click to book a free virtual consultation or contact us at (858) 788-7989 with additional questions about the procedure.

Last reviewed by a La Jolla Cosmetic Medical Spa Editor on December 29th, 2023. Meet Our Medical Editors

Last Modified:
Back to Top
Contact Book Medical Spa Services