Chemical Peels for Acne Scars, Hyperpigmentation & Aging Skin in San Diego: What Dr. Saami Actually Recommends

Chemical peels are one of the oldest tools in dermatology - and still one of the most effective. But saying 'I want a chemical peel' is a bit like saying 'I want medication' - there are dozens of types, and the right one depends entirely on what you are trying to treat, your skin tone, and how much downtime you can manage. Here is how I think about peels for my patients in San Diego.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel applies an acidic solution to the skin to remove damaged outer layers and stimulate cell renewal and collagen production. The depth of the peel - superficial, medium, or deep - determines the results, downtime, and risk profile.

What Are the Different Types of Chemical Peels?

• Superficial peels (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid): Remove only the epidermis. Minimal to no downtime. Treat dullness, mild hyperpigmentation, acne, and uneven texture. Ideal for darker skin tones. Best as a series of 4–6 treatments.
• Medium-depth peels (TCA 20–35%): Penetrate into the upper dermis. 5–7 days of visible peeling. Treat moderate sun damage, melasma, and shallow acne scars. One of my most-recommended options for significant texture improvement.
• Deep peels (phenol, TCA 40–50%): Penetrate deep dermis. Significant peeling and 10–14 days of recovery. Reserve for severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, and significant acne scarring. Requires pre-treatment protocol and careful patient selection.

Which Chemical Peel Is Right for You?

Skin tone is the most important variable. Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) are at significantly higher risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with medium and deep peels. For these patients, I typically use superficial salicylic or mandelic acid peels - which are highly effective and carry a much safer profile.

For melasma, I recommend a modified Kligman preparation (tretinoin + hydroquinone + steroid) for 4 weeks before a peel to dramatically improve results and reduce PIH risk.

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Chemical Peel

• Before: Avoid retinoids, AHAs, and waxing for one week. Pre-treat with vitamin C or hydroquinone if recommended.
• During: The solution is applied and left for 1–10 minutes depending on the peel type. A tingling or burning sensation is normal.
• After: Peeling begins on days 2–4 and is complete by day 7 for medium-depth. Keep skin moisturized and protected from sun. No picking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does a chemical peel cost in San Diego?
A: At SOM Aesthetics, superficial peels start from $150 and medium-depth peels from $300–$500. A series package is typically recommended for optimal results.

Q: How long do chemical peel results last?
A: Superficial peel results last 4–6 weeks. Medium-depth peel results can last 6–12 months for texture improvement. Ongoing sun protection is essential to maintaining results.

Q: Can chemical peels treat acne scars?
A: Superficial peels address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Medium-depth peels improve shallow textural scars. Deep atrophic scars typically need laser resurfacing or subcision.

Q: Are chemical peels safe for darker skin?
A: Yes - with the right peel selection. Superficial peels (mandelic, salicylic, low-concentration glycolic) are safe for all skin tones. Medium and deep peels require extreme caution and physician expertise in patients with darker skin.

Book a chemical peel consultation at SOM Aesthetics →