Chemical Peel in San Diego
How long does it take for the sun to damage your skin? When you live in a sunny coastal spot like San Diego, it may only take 15 to 25 minutes for a burn to occur. However, exposure over time throughout the years can lead to more lasting damage—such as sun spots and a higher risk of cancerous cells. High SPF sunscreens and other forms of UV protection can go a long way in preventing these outcomes. But when you’re looking to reverse the clock and remove visible signs of sun damage, it’s worth investing in a chemical peel.
Chemical peels are treatments performed by skin care specialists that help clear away older skin cells to minimize the appearance of sunspots, acne scars, wrinkles, and other imperfections. If you’re curious about where to find an effective chemical peel in San Diego, check out the list below for top skin care providers in the area.
Table of Contents
- Where Should I Get a Chemical Peel in San Diego?
- La Jolla Chemical Peels
- North County Coastal Chemical Peels in San Diego
- North County Inland Chemical Peels in San Diego
- Central San Diego Chemical Peels
- East County Chemical Peels in San Diego
- South Bay Chemicals Peels in San Diego
- Chemical Peel FAQs
- The Last Word on Chemical Peels in San Diego
Where Should I Get a Chemical Peel in San Diego?
Southern California is a hotspot for dermatologists, estheticians, and plastic surgeons who offer the latest in skin rejuvenation. As such, it can be tough figuring out which provider offers the best chemical peel in San Diego. To help you get quality results from trusted specialists, here’s a look at some of the most recommended chemical peel providers in San Diego.
La Jolla Chemical Peels
Is sand good for your skin? Yes! It can help exfoliate old cells to make way for fresh skin.
Is saltwater good for your skin? Yes! The minerals in this resource can help cleanse away acne-causing bacteria, as well as speed-up recovery from infections and wounds.
But when spending time at the beach isn’t doing enough to revitalize your appearance, you can look to the coastal community of La Jolla for exceptional chemical peels—such as those offered by the providers listed below.
La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic
Beyond their signature laser treatments, La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic also provides medical-grade chemical peels to achieve next-level skin rejuvenation.
Utilizing a high concentration of active compounds, their Jessner Peel reaches deep to correct hyperpigmentation and sun damage. It’s complemented with an oil-cleansing pre-treatment to maximize penetration, as well as a calming mask post-treatment to soothe redness.
This office also offers a 30-minute Apeele treatment for those looking for a quicker and more affordable way to target smaller skin issues—such as acne, photoaging, and brightness.
- Address: 7720 Fay Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037
- Phone: (619) 555-5555
- Hours: Mon – Thu 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
Aesthetic Skin Sanctuary
Located in the heart of the Village of La Jolla, Aesthetic Skin Sanctuary is a peaceful spot to tend to many cosmetic needs.
Among their many services, this nurse practitioner and aesthetic nurse team offer a ZO Skin Health 3 Step Peel that targets medium-layer issues—including signs of aging and sun damage. For additional touch-ups, you can also turn to this clinic for other enhancements—such as RF hair removal, injectables, and laser skin tightening.
- Address: 7776 Ivanhoe Ave. Suite 100., La Jolla, CA 92037
- Phone: (619) 555-5555
- Hours: Mon – Thu 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
Ciao Bella La Jolla Skincare
If you like options, you’ll love Ciao Bella La Jolla Skincare. Found near the westside of La Jolla Natural Park, this highly-reviewed provider boasts a wide menu of chemical peel treatments. In addition to standard resurfacing peels, this PETA-approved cruelty-free clinic offers treatments designed to specifically target sun spots, pimples, sagging skin, and much more. You can also go beyond the facial area with their neck and decollete peel.
- Address: 7301 Girard Ave. Suite LL 5, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Phone: (619) 721-5141
- Hours: Mon – Sat 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed Sundays
North County Coastal Chemical Peels in San Diego
Between the Carlsbad Premium Outlets and coastal wineries, North County Coastal is a San Diego hotspot for makeovers and relaxation. Whether you need to soothe your skin after spending all day at LEGOLAND or want to shine in the new outfit you bought from a shop in the Cedros Avenue Design District, getting a chemical peel from one of the following providers is an easy solution for a refreshing enhancement.
Luminous Skin Care by Meli
Luminous Skincare by Meli offers a welcoming alternative to those tired of impersonal or clinical providers. As an esthetician with more than a decade of experience, Meli is known for delivering one-on-one care for each of her clients all within her tranquil studio north of Leucadia State Beach. Repeat customers celebrate Meli’s attentiveness to clients and ability to select the right care for their needs.
Meli offers PCA and SkinCeuticals corrective skin peels that address sun damage, aging, and other blemishes in a quick fashion without a burning sensation. Better yet, these treatments don’t require an intensive recovery.
- Address: 1354 N Coast Hwy 101 B, Encinitas, CA 92024
- Phone: (619) 721-5141
- Hours: Mon, Wed: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tue, Thur, Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed Sundays
Skin Therapy By Gena
Nestled within the suburban neighborhood of Olivenhain, Skin Therapy by Gena offers quality services for a competitive price.
Gena carries more than 20 years worth of experience as an esthetician, giving her the insight necessary to customize treatments for every client. In addition to her focus on comfort, Gena has received five-star Yelp reviews for her ability to address aging, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea through her chemical peel, microdermabrasion, and facial treatments.
In terms of chemical peels, this provider offers Jessner, TCA, glycolic, and lactic treatments. However, if you’re looking for something completely natural, consider her unique organic facial peel service that utilizes compounds derived from fruits and other plants.
- Address: 1991 Village Park Way Suite 1-Q, Encinitas, CA 92024
- Phone: (760) 803-4976
- Hours: Mon, Thur 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed, Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sundays
Brio Skin Studio
Value is king at Brio Skin Studio. As of July 2022, this Oceanside clinic offers chemical peels as low as $90—a perfect price point for those who are curious about the treatment. For a slightly higher cost, the skin care center also offers SWiCH™ treatments as an alternative to the traditional chemical peel. The difference with SWiCH™ is that it works by stimulating the skin’s natural injury response to revitalize appearance without the initial surface damage that may occur with a chemical peel.
- Address: 1012 S Coast Hwy M, 2nd Floor, Oceanside, CA 92054
- Phone: (760) 938-0629
- Hours: Mon – Thur 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 3 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 5 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
North County Inland Chemical Peels in San Diego
You don’t have to stick to the coastal region to get a top-notch chemical peel in San Diego. With plenty of skin care providers in North County Inland, residents of Poway, Escondido, Scripps Ranch, San Marcos, and other idyllic communities can find convenient solutions to revitalize their appearance. Here are just a few top options in the area.
Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinic
Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinic in Rancho Bernardo recognizes every client as an individual with specific needs. That’s why they offer a wide selection of premium peels and tailor their offerings to fit client goals. Their SkinMedica® peels, for instance, are available in three varieties to tackle everything from general maintenance to significant blemishes. They also offer a VI and Precision peel, which are often combined to provide radiant skin and sun-damage reversal in just one session with minimal downtime.
- Address: 11770 Bernardo Plaza Ct #201, San Diego, CA 92128
- Phone: (858) 224-2713
- Hours: Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
The Derma Lab: Beauty Lounge
Five-star Google reviews for The Derma Lab: Beauty Lounge showcase this provider’s ability to provide fun, relaxing, and sanitary treatments that restore youthfulness.
If you’re just getting started, this center offers a “Level 1” chemical peel that’s designed to help skin glow. But if you’re looking for chemical peels for acne scars in San Diego, consider their “Level 2” treatment that goes deeper and delivers corrective benefits.
Peel services are often combined with dermaplaning, a medical-grade “shave” that removes small hairs and top-layer skin cells to allow peel enzymes to penetrate more effectively.
- Address: 430 N Cedar St., Escondido, CA 92025
- Phone: (920) 915-8584
- Hours: Tue, Wed, Sat 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
The Peel Parlour
Licensed esthetician Jennifer Titus personalized services at The Peel Parlour have earned her the title of “Esty Bestie”—and for good reason. Focused primarily on chemical peels, this provider offers an array of luxury services that are customized to address acne, collagen depletion, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, aging, and large pores.
Many of her treatments are designed as packages that combine peels with services that enhance results—such as hydro-facials, protein lifts, and nano-infusion. Chemical peel series and high-level peels are also available and come with pre- and post-treatment home care to optimize comfort and results.
- Address: 13525 Midland Rd. Suite C, Poway, CA 92064
- Phone: (760) 453-0291
- Hours: Mon, Wed 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tue: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thu: By Appointment
Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Closed Sundays
Central San Diego Chemical Peels
Home to Balboa Park, Little Italy, and numerous art exhibits, Central San Diego is certainly the spot to be seen and enjoy culture. Of course, if you’re being seen and you want to look your best, getting a chemical peel from one of the providers listed below can do just the trick.
Viva Brazil
Viva Brazil’s staff is PCA-certified and solely offers PCA chemical peels. PCA peels from Viva Brazil can be matched to a variety of skin types and come in compositions that can address surface and deep-layer issues—including hyperpigmentation, rough texture, and rosacea.
- Address: 3077 Clairemont Dr. Suite C, San Diego, CA 92117
- Phone: (619) 231-8483
- Hours: Mon – Thu 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sundays
SDBotox
With several locations throughout the San Diego region, SDBotox has cemented itself as a knowledgeable leader in skin care. Their Pacific Beach location carries on these values by offering a wide range of face, body, and laser treatments.
The staff here also specializes in the Perfect Peel—a chemical peel that combines a high concentration of acids, vitamins, and minerals to safely remove skin layers and stimulate new cell growth.
- Address: 1707 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
- Phone: (844) 364-8073
- Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat – Sun 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Laser Cafe Medical Spa
The Laser Cafe Medical Spa in Hillcrest boasts a wide range of services that tackle everything from general upkeep (such as laser hair removal) and more intensive care (such as IPL photofacials). And if you’re in the market for a chemical peel, you can trust in their variety of treatments that are tailored to your needs after a skin assessment from a registered nurse.
- Address: 1205 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
- Phone: (619) 795-8303
- Hours: Mon 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tue – Fri 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday
East County Chemical Peels in San Diego
As one of the more expansive regions of San Diego County, East County’s resources often tend to be spread out, offering locals lots of space to enjoy the outdoors. But while there may be more distance between hotspots, you won’t have to travel far to find a high-quality chemical peel in East County.
On Point Skin & Lash Studio
The goal at On Point Skin & Lash Studio is that every customer leaves feeling “more fabulous” than when they arrive. And if you take a peek at their photo gallery, you can see that this team is meeting the target.
Their bespoke chemical peels offer unique blends—such as Vitamin C or Mandelic Acid with Pumpkin—to remove old layers of skin and nourish new cells for a replenished look. And if you like what they do for your face, check out their other body services—including the “bootay” and back facials.
- Address: 270 E Douglas Ave Suite 105, El Cajon, CA 92020
- Phone: (619) 216-7145
- Hours: Mon – Fri 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Simply Luminous Day Spa
Simply Luminous Day Spa offers chemical peels for every level of care. If you’re visiting and want a quick touch-up, their express glycolic peel is a low-cost and quick solution for rapid rejuvenation—especially for those looking to gain sun protection. Longer-term peel series are also available for more impactful results—including the hydrating cream, vitamin A, and TCA peels.
- Address: 8407 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 921942
- Phone: (619) 735-5802
- Hours: Tue – Fri 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Mondays
San Diego Aesthetics and Med Spa
Like many other skin care centers, San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa offers AHA and TCA chemical peels to address minor to moderate blemishes. However, those looking for an even more intensive treatment can turn to these providers for a phenol peel—a deep-level procedure that addresses significant wrinkles and acne scars. This team can also help you explore insurance coverage possibilities if you’re pursuing a peel for medical reasons.
- Address: 8710 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91941
- Phone: (619) 303-0988
- Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue, Thur: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat (Every Other): 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Closed Sundays
South Bay Chemicals Peels in San Diego
Many attractions in South Bay San Diego earned their acclaim for being relatively untouched—such as the Tijuana Slough Wildlife Refuge or the classic city of Imperial City. But while the locations may shine without the need for intensive makeovers, this ideology doesn’t apply when it comes to the area’s cosmetic care offerings. To see how South Bay complements the old with the new, check out these skin care specialists that offer chemical peels.
The Skyn Bar
Led by a beauty expert with advanced skills in cosmetic solutions, The Skyn Bar is all about the glow-up. But this provider also understands that to make make-up work, you have to have a good foundation. That’s why they offer professional chemical peels that can be applied in a series to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also stimulating collagen and brightness.
- Address: 940 Eastlake Pkwy #3, Chula Vista, CA 91914
- Phone: (858) 255-1957
- Hours: Mon – Fri 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed Sundays
Eastlake Rejuvenation & Wellness Center
Eastlake Rejuvenation & Wellness Center is a one-stop-shop for renewing the face. In addition to offering a variety of facials and nano needling, this provider offers chemical peels in combination with microdermabrasion to maximize dead cell removal and resurfacing. PCA peels are also available and can be enhanced with a PCA Ultra Peel—a retinol cream that boosts tone, texture, hydration, and plumping.
- Address: 690 Otay Lakes Rd. #220, Chula Vista, CA 91910
- Phone: (619) 216-3300
- Hours: Wed – Fri 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays
Beauty by Thao Ly
Beauty by Thao Ly puts clients first by combining friendly and sanitary services with the latest advances in skin care. Among their many services, this provider offers both gentle and advanced chemical peels to help achieve finessed results. If you enjoy the treatment, Beauty by Thao Ly also offers a wide assortment of nourishing facials that can boost your appearance after your peel has healed.
- Address: 1660 Broadway #10, Chula Vista, CA 91911
- Phone: (619) 536-5868
- Hours: Fri – Sun 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Chemical Peel FAQs
Chemical peels are a popular treatment that rejuvenates facial skin. In general, treatments involve applying some type of agent—such as a gel or liquid—to the face. These solutions contain a variety of acids that help break down layers of skin to revitalize cells and minimize imperfections.
The types of chemicals used in a peel treatment can vary depending on the depth of penetration.
For example, light peels typically involve alpha-hydroxy or salicylic acids which can help exfoliate the outer layer of skin to refresh one’s appearance, reduce dryness, balance skin tone, as well as diminish wrinkles.
Medium peels use chemicals like glycolic acid to penetrate both the outer and middle layers of skin. This penetration helps take the effects of a light peel to a deeper level.
Deep peels use stronger chemicals—such as carbolic and trichloroacetic acids—to break down cells to alleviate skin concerns affecting the deepest level of skin. It might help reduce deep wrinkles, scars, and sun damage.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average price of a chemical peel was $519 when using 2020 data. Chemical peel San Diego costs can vary extremely depending on the provider and intensity of the treatment. Light peels may only cost a few hundred dollars, whereas deep peels can reach as high as $3000.
Chemical peels are worth the money if you’re looking for a quick skin refresh that has lasting results. In some cases, the effects of treatment may even last a lifetime. For many, this approach is desirable compared to using a variety of expensive skin care products that can take months or years to produce suboptimal results.
Chemical peels are safe when performed by licensed dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and estheticians who understand how to apply and remove solutions correctly. Due to the breakdown of skin cells, patients often experience redness and tenderness after treatment.
These effects aren’t dangerous but may last a few weeks depending on the depth of the peel. To minimize additional discomfort, it’s best to stay out of sunlight while your skin heals. However, you can keep a travel size mineral sunscreen to help protect your face in moments when you end up outdoors.
Chemical peels effectively help address acne problems by removing dead skin cells. Clearing away old cells helps prevent oil from building up in pores and hair follicles—a main source of acne.
Intensive peels can also help minimize the appearance of acne scars by removing skin cells deep in the skin. When new cells form skin to replace the older cells, the scar becomes less visible.
It’s best to consult with your professional skin treatment provider to determine how many treatments are necessary to achieve your goals. In general, surface layer peels can be performed as often as once a month, while deep peels may only be performed once every few years.
The Last Word on Chemical Peels in San Diego
When you want the very best in skin care, getting a chemical peel in San Diego can introduce you to the most advanced treatment options in the industry. But it’s important to remember that keeping your face healthy and revitalized requires a combination of tactics—such as staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and using the right cleansers for your skin type. And when you have serious concerns, don’t hesitate to search for the best dermatologist in San Diego. Consulting with one of these medical experts can help you treat skin cancer, chronic acne, and other issues that esthetician services may not be able to address.