Chemical Peels Carlsbad
the right depth for the right problem

A chemical peel costs $200 to $350 at Glow Theory in Carlsbad depending on depth: the Glow Signature Peel is $200, BioRePeel $300 and the ZO 3-Step Peel $350. The Cosmelan MD depigmentation programme is $1,000. Members save 15% on all of them, and peels are currently 15% off.

It depends on your concern and how much downtime you can accept. Glow Signature for maintenance and glow with essentially no peeling. BioRePeel for texture and scarring without visible shedding. ZO 3-Step for sun damage and pigment, accepting five to seven days of peeling. Cosmelan MD only if your pigment is melasma. We choose at consultation rather than asking you to pick from a menu.

BioRePeel is a TCA-based biostimulating peel that works without the usual shedding — it stimulates remodelling in the deeper layers while leaving the surface largely intact. That makes it useful for texture, acne scarring and pore appearance in people who cannot take a visible peeling week. It is typically done as a course of four to six, spaced one to two weeks apart.

The ZO 3 Step Peel is a medium-depth TCA-based peel with a structured home component: the in-clinic application is followed by take-home steps applied over the next 48 hours. It targets sun damage, pigment, acne and early lines. Expect genuine visible peeling from around day two or three, finishing by day seven.

Cosmelan MD is a depigmentation programme rather than a single peel. A mask is applied in clinic and left on for several hours, then a structured home regimen runs for months afterwards. It is one of the more effective options for melasma specifically, and unlike light-based treatments it does not generate heat — which matters, because heat is one of the things that makes melasma rebound.

For a medium-depth peel: day one the skin looks tight and slightly darker; day two to three it begins flaking, usually starting around the mouth and nose; day four to five is the heaviest shedding; by day six or seven it is finished and the new skin underneath is visible. Superficial peels compress this into light flaking over two or three days.

It depends entirely on depth. The Glow Signature Peel produces little or no visible peeling — you can have it days before an event. BioRePeel has minimal shedding. The ZO 3-Step gives five to seven days of genuine, visible peeling that you should plan around. We tell you honestly which one you are booking.

You feel warmth, tingling and sometimes a brief sting as the solution goes on — stronger with deeper peels, and typically peaking in the first two or three minutes before settling. Cool air is used throughout. No numbing is needed for the peels we perform.

Yes, for congestion, blackheads and active inflammatory acne, particularly with salicylic-based peeling. It works best as a course of three to six rather than one visit. For cystic acne it is an adjunct rather than the answer — that needs a medical plan, and we would rather start you on one.

Superficial peels are generally safe across the Fitzpatrick range. Medium-depth peels carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in deeper skin tones and are approached carefully or avoided. Cosmelan MD is specifically formulated to be safe in deeper skin and is often the better choice. Your provider assesses your type before recommending a depth.

Superficial peels work best as a course — three to six, spaced two to four weeks apart, then maintenance every six to eight weeks. Medium-depth peels are often done once or twice a year. Cosmelan is a single in-clinic application followed by a months-long home phase.

After a superficial peel, skin looks brighter within a few days of the light flaking finishing. After a medium-depth peel, the real result appears once peeling completes at around day seven and continues improving for several weeks as collagen responds. Pigment results build across a course.

Stop retinoids and exfoliating acids for about five to seven days beforehand, avoid waxing or laser hair removal in the area for two weeks, and avoid sun exposure and self-tanner for two weeks. Tell us if you have taken isotretinoin in the last six months or if you get cold sores.

Do not pick or pull peeling skin — that is how you get marks that outlast the peel. Cleanse gently, moisturise often, and wear SPF 30+ daily without exception. Skip retinoids, acids, exfoliation, saunas and heavy sweating until peeling has completely finished.

Yes, with sequencing. Peels pair naturally with injectables in the same visit and with facials between courses. We separate them from lasers and Morpheus8 by two to four weeks so the skin barrier is not recovering from two things at once.