Chemical Peels FAQ

Thinking about a chemical peel but not sure where to start? Here are answers to the questions we hear most, from choosing the right peel to what recovery really looks like.

  • A chemical peel removes damaged outer layers of skin to reveal fresher, healthier skin underneath. It speeds up cell turnover to fade discoloration, clear congested pores, smooth rough texture and soften fine lines.

  • We match the peel to your skin, your goals and your schedule. Epionce peels offer a gentle refresh with little to no downtime. TCA peels resurface the skin to improve texture and hyperpigmentation with a short recovery. For more significant concerns, the VI Peel works three layers deep and comes in four formulas:

    • VI Peel Original: Sensitive skin, first-time peelers, rosacea, rough texture and early signs of aging

    • VI Peel Precision + Peptide: Melasma, sun damage and hyperpigmentation, including dark spots left behind by breakouts

    • VI Peel Purify: Active and hormonal acne, excess oil and congested pores

    • VI Peel Advanced: Our deepest peel, for fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness, especially in mature skin

  • A TCA peel uses trichloroacetic acid to resurface the skin, making it a great fit if your main concerns are rough texture and uneven pigment and you want a shorter recovery. If you're treating something more specific, like melasma, active acne or signs of aging, the VI Peel offers a targeted formula for each. Your provider will help you choose based on your skin and your schedule.

  • Yes, when the right peel is chosen. The VI Peel Precision + Peptide is formulated for melasma and hyperpigmentation across all skin tones. We'll review your skin before treatment to find the best fit.

  • Yes. The VI Peel Purify targets active and hormonal acne by reducing bacteria and oil and unclogging pores. VI Peels can also treat back acne, and peels help improve the texture and discoloration left behind by past breakouts.

  • It depends on the peel. TCA peels take about 2 to 3 days to recover. With the VI Peel, peeling usually starts around day three, and downtime is 4 to 5 days. Most clients keep working through a VI Peel. Just plan to keep your skin covered and wear a hat when you're outside.

  • Every VI Peel comes with a take-home post-care treatment to guide you through healing. After a TCA peel, use a gentle cleanser and Aquaphor, skip retinol, and avoid steam rooms and jacuzzis until you've healed. And whatever peel you choose, wear SPF every day.

  • For most clients, a peel each quarter keeps skin clear, even and smooth.

At South Bay Med Spa, we offer expertly administered Alma Hybrid Fractional CO2, DiamondGlow, Chemical Peels, Eclipse MicroPen (Microneedling), PRP & PDRN, and CO2 Carboxy Therapy treatments — all performed by medical professionals and tailored to your unique skin goals. Serving clients throughout the South Bay and Gateway Cities, we're conveniently located near Redondo Beach in Torrance and in Whittier.

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