San Clemente, CA

Chemical Peels

A peel isn't one treatment — it's a category. The difference between a peel that transforms your skin and one that damages it comes down to choosing the right acid, at the right strength, for the right skin.

That's the part we take seriously. We offer mild through moderate peels, and we'll be direct with you about which one you actually need.

By appointment onlyTuesday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm

A client resting during a chemical peel appointment at Skin Restore, San Clemente

What a peel does

A chemical solution is applied to the skin to dissolve the bonds holding dead cells together. Those cells release and shed, revealing newer skin underneath — and the controlled exfoliation prompts your skin to increase cell turnover and collagen production going forward.

How deep that goes determines everything: the result, the recovery time and the risk.

Our peel levels

Mild / superficial Targets the outermost layer only. Brightens, smooths, evens tone. Little to no visible peeling — you may just feel slightly dry for a couple of days. Good as a monthly maintenance treatment and safe before events. Best for: dullness, mild congestion, general maintenance

Moderate Reaches deeper into the epidermis. Expect three to five days of visible flaking. This is where you start seeing genuine change in pigmentation and texture. Best for: sun damage, melasma, post-acne marks, deeper lines

Acne-specific Salicylic and mandelic acid formulations that penetrate oil and clear congestion from inside the pore. Best for: active breakouts, blackheads, oily congested skin

Mandelic acid Worth calling out separately. Mandelic has a larger molecule than glycolic, so it penetrates more slowly and evenly — which makes it significantly safer for deeper skin tones, where aggressive peels can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We stock 5% and 8% mandelic for home use alongside our in-clinic treatments. Best for: sensitive skin, Fitzpatrick IV–VI, rosacea-prone skin, first-time peel clients

BioRePeel A 35% TCA peel with a biphasic formula designed to renew the skin with minimal visible peeling — the strength of a TCA peel, without the week of flaking. Best for: texture, tone and acne marks when you can't afford downtime

What it helps with

  • Sun damage and pigmentation
  • Melasma
  • Acne and post-acne marks
  • Fine lines and texture
  • Dullness and uneven tone
  • Enlarged pores

What to expect

Before: We may ask you to prep your skin at home for two to four weeks — especially if you're treating pigmentation. This matters. Prepping properly is what makes the difference between an even result and a patchy one.

During: The solution is applied and left on for a set time. You'll feel tingling, warmth or stinging depending on the depth. We monitor the whole time and neutralize when it's right.

After: Depending on depth — anywhere from slight tightness to five days of visible flaking. Do not pick. Do not peel it off. Let it come away on its own or you'll cause scarring or pigmentation.

Sunscreen is non-negotiable afterward. Freshly resurfaced skin burns and pigments easily. This is where people undo their own results.

Pricing

Pricing is confirmed at your consultation, once we've looked at your skin and agreed on a plan. Treatment length, the serums or settings we choose, and any add-ons all affect the cost — so we'd rather quote you accurately than guess.

Call (949) 545-7919 and we'll talk it through.

Common questions

Will my face visibly peel?

With a mild peel, usually not — maybe some dryness. With a moderate peel, yes, and you should plan for it. Don't book one three days before a wedding.

Are peels safe for darker skin?

Yes, with the right acid and the right practitioner. We favor mandelic acid and conservative depths for Fitzpatrick IV–VI, and we prep the skin beforehand to reduce pigmentation risk. What we won't do is put an aggressive peel on skin that isn't a good candidate for it.

How many will I need?

For maintenance, one every four to six weeks. For pigmentation or scarring, a series of three to six.

Can I use retinol beforehand?

Stop five to seven days before. Tell us everything you're using — retinoids, acids, prescription products — because it changes how your skin responds.

Is it safe in pregnancy?

Some are, some aren't. Tell us and we'll choose appropriately or recommend something else.

Often paired with

Book Chemical Peels

By appointment onlyTuesday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm