Chemical Peels in Newport Beach
3‑Step Medical Peel: Advanced Acne, Pigment & Texture Solution in Newport Beach
If breakouts, dark spots or rough texture keep coming back no matter what you put on your skin, a professional peel can offer a more focused reset. At Beyond Restore in Newport Beach, we offer two medical-grade chemical peel lines, ZO® Skin Health peels and VI Peel, and choose the peel and strength that fit your skin.
Every chemical peel starts with a free consultation, so you know what to expect before you book.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a professional exfoliating treatment. Your provider applies a blend of acids that loosens the outer layer of dead skin cells. Over the following days, your skin sheds that layer, and the skin underneath tends to look clearer, brighter and smoother.
Our ZO® and VI Peel treatments are medical-grade: they are stronger than over-the-counter peels, and a trained provider applies them in our office. Depending on the peel and its strength, you may see light flaking or a few days of more visible peeling.
What Can a Chemical Peel Treat?
A chemical peel can help with:
- Acne and acne scarring
- Clogged pores and blackheads
- Sun damage and age spots
- Hyperpigmentation and melasma
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Fine lines and early signs of aging
Peels aren’t the right tool for every concern. Deeper wrinkles, loose skin and volume loss usually respond better to other treatments, and we’ll tell you so at your consultation.
How Chemical Peels Work
Our peels use professional-strength exfoliating acids. ZO® peels include salicylic, lactic and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). VI Peel blends TCA, Retin-A (tretinoin), salicylic acid, phenol and vitamin C.
- The acids loosen the bonds between dead skin cells.
- Over the next several days, your skin sheds those cells, sometimes as visible peeling.
- Newer skin is revealed underneath, often looking brighter and more even.
Benefits You May Notice
- A brighter look once dull surface cells are gone
- Clearer-looking pores, as the acids help dissolve oil and debris
- A more even tone over a series of peels, including dark spots and post-acne marks
- Smoother texture without gritty scrubs
Results vary from person to person.
Our Peels: ZO® Skin Health and VI Peel
ZO® Skin Health Peels
ZO® peels were developed by dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi. They use salicylic, lactic and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and we adjust the strength to your skin and goals. A lighter ZO® peel may cause only minor flaking, while a stronger one leads to more noticeable peeling.
- Often chosen for: acne, pigmentation and rough texture
- Visit: about 30 to 45 minutes
- Aftercare: a simple routine of gentle moisturizer and sunscreen
VI Peel
VI Peel is a professional peel made by VI Aesthetics. Its blend includes TCA, Retin-A (tretinoin), salicylic acid, phenol and vitamin C. The manufacturer describes it as a medium-depth peel for in-office use by trained providers only.
VI Aesthetics makes six VI Peel formulas, five for the face and one for the body, aimed at concerns such as pigmentation and melasma, active acne and oily skin, signs of aging such as fine lines and rough texture, and, on the body, discoloration, body acne, keratosis pilaris, stretch marks and scars. We offer the full VI Peel line, including VI Peel Body, and choose the formula that fits your skin at your consultation.
- Often chosen for: pigmentation, acne and early signs of aging, on the face or body
- Application: about 20 minutes
- Aftercare: a take-home kit with a week of step-by-step care
VI Aesthetics describes VI Peel as safe and effective for all skin tones. We still review your skin and history first, because any peel can cause irritation or dark marks in some people.
ZO® vs. VI Peel at a Glance
| ZO® peels | VI Peel | |
|---|---|---|
| Often chosen for | Acne, pigmentation, texture | Pigmentation, acne, early signs of aging; the full line, including VI Peel Body |
| Time in our office | About 30 to 45 minutes for the visit | About 20 minutes to apply |
| Right after | Skin may feel tight and look pink; no makeup for 24 hours | The solution stays on; nothing on your skin, including makeup and sunscreen, for 4 hours |
| At home | Gentle moisturizer and sunscreen | Take-home kit with post-peel towelettes, repair cream and SPF |
| Peeling | May start in 2 to 3 days and usually lasts up to 7 days, depending on strength | Flaking by about day 2, peeling around days 3 to 5, mostly done by day 7 |
| Sun and activity | Avoid direct sun, active skincare and heat for 3 to 5 days | Avoid direct sun for 7 days and exercise for 72 to 96 hours |
VI Peel timings follow VI Aesthetics’ guidance. Not sure which to choose? You don’t need to decide before you come in. A ZO® peel may suit you if you want a shorter aftercare routine and an adjustable strength. VI Peel may suit you if you’re focused on pigmentation, acne or early signs of aging and can follow a structured week of at-home care. We’ll recommend the peel that fits your skin, or tell you if neither is the right tool.
What to Expect: Prep, Treatment Day and Peeling
Before Your Peel
It starts with a free consultation. We review your skin, goals, medical history and medications, then choose your peel and its strength. Tell us about everything you use on your face, including prescription products, and about any recent sun exposure or tanning.
- ZO® peel: you may be asked to stop retinoids and exfoliating products and avoid sun exposure for 3 to 5 days beforehand.
- VI Peel: avoid direct sun before your appointment.
We’ll give you specific prep instructions when you book.
The Day of Your Treatment
Your provider cleanses and preps your skin, then applies the peel in layers, checking how your skin responds. Mild tingling or warmth is common and fades quickly; many clients describe a ZO® peel as a “spicy facial.”
- ZO® peel: the visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Afterward, your skin may feel tight and look pink.
- VI Peel: application takes about 20 minutes. The solution stays on your skin when you leave, and the manufacturer notes that skin may look slightly flushed or tan. You go home with a take-home kit.
Peeling Timeline and Aftercare: ZO® Peels
- Days 1 to 2: skin may feel tight and look pink. Skip makeup for at least 24 hours.
- Days 2 to 7: flaking or peeling may start 2 to 3 days after your peel and usually lasts up to 7 days, depending on strength.
- First 3 to 5 days: avoid direct sun, active skincare such as retinoids and acids, and heat such as saunas. Use the gentle moisturizer and sunscreen from your aftercare plan.
- Once peeling ends: go back to gentle, non-comedogenic products, and keep wearing sunscreen every day.
Peeling Timeline and Aftercare: VI Peel
A VI Peel continues at home with your kit. Based on VI Aesthetics’ aftercare guidance:
- First 4 hours: put nothing on your skin, including makeup and sunscreen. Because you can’t use sunscreen yet, plan to stay out of the sun for the rest of the day.
- Hours 4 to 48: begin the kit at the 4-hour mark with the first post-peel towelette, and use all the towelettes within 48 hours. Makeup is fine once the 4-hour steps are done.
- Days 2 to 7: flaking usually starts around day 2 and peeling around days 3 to 5, and it’s mostly finished by day 7. A first VI Peel can peel longer, and body peels usually start peeling around days 5 to 7.
- Peeling week: use only your kit products. Cleanse gently with cool water and your fingertips, then apply the repair cream and SPF 50.
- Sun and activity: avoid direct sun for 7 days, exercise for 72 to 96 hours, swimming for 7 to 10 days and LED light for 7 days. If you’re prone to dark marks or have melasma, avoid exercise and heat for the full 7 days.
Some itching, dryness, stinging from the repair cream or a temporary breakout can happen while you peel.
With Either Peel
Don’t pick or pull at flaking skin, because that raises the chance of irritation and dark marks. If skin is hanging after a VI Peel, the manufacturer suggests trimming it with clean, small cuticle scissors.
Risks to Know About
Every peel carries some risk. Temporary redness, dryness, stinging and peeling are common. Less often, a peel can cause irritation, a cold sore flare-up, infection, scarring or a lasting change in skin color, including dark patches (hyperpigmentation). VI Aesthetics notes that heat and exercise too soon after a VI Peel can lead to blistering or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Following your aftercare plan, especially sun protection and avoiding heat, lowers these risks. Call us if your skin looks or feels unusual in a way you didn’t expect.
Results Timeline
- Within about a week: skin often feels smoother and looks brighter once peeling settles.
- 1 to 2 weeks: many clients notice fewer breakouts and a smoother tone and texture.
- Over the following weeks: skin continues to settle, and tone and texture can keep improving over a series.
Results vary from person to person. Pigmentation and acne usually improve more over a series of peels than with a single treatment; see Peel Series and Maintenance below.
Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?
Peels can be used on many skin types and tones, but the choice of peel, formula and strength matters. At Beyond Restore, your treatment is tailored to your skin’s needs and sensitivities.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have acne, pigmentation or an uneven tone
- Want smoother texture without a long recovery
- Are ready to follow an aftercare plan, including daily sunscreen
Who Should Wait
A peel may not be recommended, or may need to wait, if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have taken oral isotretinoin (Accutane) recently; VI Aesthetics lists use within the past 6 months as a reason not to have a VI Peel
- Have an active cold sore, wart, open wound or infection in the treatment area, or a history of cold sores (herpes simplex)
- Are allergic to aspirin, hydroquinone or phenol (VI Peel)
- Have had chemotherapy or radiation in the past 6 months, or have an autoimmune or immune-weakening condition such as lupus or liver disease (VI Peel)
- Have highly sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, or a rash or sunburn in the treatment area
- Have had recent significant sun exposure or tanning
Bring a list of your medications and skincare products to your consultation so we can check.
Want the full picture? Read our chemical peel guide.
Peel Series, Pairing and Cost
Peel Series and Maintenance
One peel can brighten your skin, but concerns such as pigmentation and acne usually need a series. Many clients schedule peels every 4 to 6 weeks as a series, and others do well with quarterly maintenance once they reach their goals. For VI Peel, the manufacturer generally recommends a series of 3 to 6 peels spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. We’ll build a schedule around your skin and your calendar.
Because healing skin needs protection from the sun, many people start a series in fall or winter, when it’s easier to limit sun exposure.
Pairing Peels With Facials, Microneedling or LED
A peel can be one part of a broader skin plan that includes facials such as HydraFacial, microneedling and LED therapy. Timing matters. After a VI Peel, for example, the manufacturer advises waiting 7 days before LED light and about 4 weeks before most other treatments, such as facials, waxing or IPL. Your provider will recommend the order and spacing that suit your goals.
Cost and Financing
The cost of a chemical peel depends on the peel and formula we recommend and whether you’re starting a series. We’ll go over what’s included and what it costs at your free consultation, before you decide anything. Financing through PatientFi, CareCredit and Cherry is available for all services, including chemical peels.
Chemical Peel Questions, Answered
How much will my skin peel?
It depends on the peel and its strength. A lighter ZO® peel may cause only minor flaking, while a stronger peel or a VI Peel usually leads to more noticeable peeling over several days. Some people see very little visible peeling, and VI Aesthetics notes that a VI Peel is still exfoliating even when you can’t see it. We’ll tell you what to expect for your plan.
When can I wear makeup again after a peel?
After a ZO® peel, wait at least 24 hours. After a VI Peel, wait until you’ve finished the 4-hour steps in your take-home kit. Then choose gentle, non-comedogenic products and keep up your daily sunscreen.
Can chemical peels be used on darker skin tones?
Often, yes, with the right choice of peel, formula and strength. Some skin is more likely to develop dark marks (hyperpigmentation) after irritation, so we review your skin and history first and plan your peel and aftercare to lower that risk. VI Aesthetics describes VI Peel as safe and effective for all skin tones, and your provider will confirm whether it suits you.
How many peels will I need, and how far apart?
It depends on your goals and the peel. Many clients schedule a series of peels every 4 to 6 weeks, and others do well with quarterly maintenance. For VI Peel, the manufacturer generally recommends 3 to 6 peels spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. We’ll create a schedule with you.
What should I avoid while my skin heals?
After a ZO® peel, avoid direct sun, active skincare such as retinoids and acids, and heat such as saunas for 3 to 5 days. After a VI Peel, VI Aesthetics advises avoiding direct sun for 7 days, exercise for 72 to 96 hours, swimming for 7 to 10 days and LED light for 7 days. With either peel, don’t pick at flaking skin, and wear sunscreen every day.
Can I pair a peel with a facial, microneedling or LED therapy?
Yes, a peel can be combined with facials, microneedling and LED therapy as part of a skin plan, but timing matters. After a VI Peel, the manufacturer advises waiting 7 days before LED light and about 4 weeks before most other treatments, such as facials, waxing or IPL. Your provider will recommend the order and spacing based on your goals.
How long does a chemical peel appointment take?
A ZO® peel visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes. A VI Peel takes about 20 minutes to apply. At your first visit, we’ll also go over your aftercare and, for VI Peel, how to use your take-home kit.
How much downtime should I plan for?
It depends on the peel. With a ZO® peel, peeling may start 2 to 3 days later and usually lasts up to 7 days, depending on strength. With a VI Peel, flaking usually starts around day 2 and is mostly finished by day 7, and a first VI Peel can peel longer. If you have an event coming up, tell us so we can time your peel around it.
How do I prepare for a chemical peel?
Tell us about everything you use on your skin, including prescription products, and about any recent sun exposure or tanning. Before a ZO® peel, you may be asked to stop retinoids and exfoliating products and avoid the sun for 3 to 5 days. Before a VI Peel, avoid direct sun. We’ll give you specific instructions when you book.
How much does a chemical peel cost in Newport Beach?
Cost depends on the peel and formula we recommend and whether you’re starting a series. We’ll go over the cost and what’s included at your free consultation, before you decide anything. Financing through PatientFi, CareCredit and Cherry is available for all services, including chemical peels.