Chemical Peels · Brentwood, Los Angeles
Chemical Peels in Los Angeles
Medical-grade peels for tone, texture, acne and pigment, performed under the direction of Nurse Jamie.
Chemical peels are one of the most requested treatments at Beauty Ranch Medical Spa in Brentwood, and for good reason. A single medical-grade peel can smooth texture, fade dark spots and acne marks, and brighten dull skin with only a few days of downtime. Our peel menu is built around two clinically proven options: the VI Peel, a medium-depth peel that starts at $250, and Cosmelan, the $950 depigmentation treatment for stubborn melasma and hyperpigmentation. Every peel at Beauty Ranch is performed under the direction of Nurse Jamie, the aesthetics nurse behind the celebrity-favorite Nurse Jamie brand, so you get real medical-grade formulas, not spa-strength versions.
Below you will find how peels work, which one fits your skin, what to expect during recovery, and exactly what chemical peels cost in Los Angeles at our Brentwood location.
How Do Chemical Peels Work?
A chemical peel applies a controlled blend of acids to the skin to remove damaged outer layers and trigger the body's natural repair response. As the treated skin sheds over the following days, fresh, more evenly pigmented skin takes its place and collagen production increases beneath the surface.
The active ingredients vary by peel. Common ones include glycolic and lactic acid (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid that is excellent for oily and acne-prone skin), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for medium-depth resurfacing, and retinoic acid to speed cell turnover. Medical-grade peels like the ones we use at Beauty Ranch combine several of these at concentrations that are only available in a medical setting.
Chemical Peel Depths: Superficial, Medium and Deep
Chemical peels are grouped by how deeply they penetrate the skin. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right treatment and set expectations for downtime.
Superficial Peels
Superficial or "lunchtime" peels use gentle acids such as glycolic, lactic or low-strength salicylic acid to exfoliate only the outermost layer of skin. They brighten, refine pores and improve mild texture with little to no visible peeling. They are ideal for maintenance, for first-time peel clients, and as an add-on to facials like Diamond Glow or dermaplaning.
Medium-Depth Peels
Medium-depth peels reach into the upper dermis, which is where sun damage, acne scarring, fine lines and most pigmentation live. The VI Peel is the medium-depth peel we recommend for most clients. It blends TCA, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, phenol and vitamin C into a formula that delivers noticeable results with roughly a week of peeling. Read more on our VI Peel in Los Angeles page.
Deep Peels and Laser Alternatives
Deep phenol peels reach the lower dermis and can dramatically improve deep wrinkles and severe sun damage, but they require sedation, carry higher risk for darker skin tones and involve weeks of recovery. At Beauty Ranch we generally recommend fractional laser resurfacing technology instead of deep chemical peels for clients who need that level of correction, because we can control depth more precisely and tailor treatment to your skin tone. See our guide comparing chemical peels vs laser resurfacing in Los Angeles to understand which is right for you.
Which Chemical Peels Does Beauty Ranch Offer?
Beauty Ranch offers two medical-grade chemical peels: the VI Peel at $250 and Cosmelan at $950. Here is how to choose between them.
VI Peel ($250)
The VI Peel is a medium-depth, medical-grade peel that is safe for all skin types and tones, including deeper complexions that are often told to avoid peels. It targets acne and acne scarring, sun damage, uneven tone, melasma, fine lines and rough texture. The application takes about 30 minutes, is virtually painless, and peeling typically begins around day three and finishes by day seven. Most clients see brighter, smoother skin after one session and best results with a series of three spaced about four weeks apart. Full details on our VI Peel in Los Angeles page, or see the VI Peel treatment page.
Cosmelan Depigmentation Peel ($950)
Cosmelan is not a traditional acid peel. It is a two-phase professional depigmentation treatment designed specifically for melasma and stubborn hyperpigmentation. In the office, a depigmenting mask is applied and worn home for a set number of hours before rinsing. Over the following months, a prescribed at-home cream regimen keeps melanin production in check so pigment stays faded. Expect redness and tightness for about three days followed by light to moderate peeling over five to seven days, with visible brightening in two to four weeks and continued improvement through months two to six. Cosmelan is safe for darker skin tones when performed by an experienced provider. Full details on our Cosmelan in Los Angeles page, or see the Cosmelan treatment page.
Peel Add-Ons and Pairings
Many clients pair a superficial peel or a VI Peel with Diamond Glow ($285) or dermaplaning ($250) to boost exfoliation and product absorption. Ask about combination pricing at your consultation.
Who Is a Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are a good fit if you are dealing with any of the following:
- Dark spots, sun damage or uneven skin tone
- Melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Active acne, congestion or acne scarring
- Fine lines and early signs of aging
- Rough, dull or textured skin
- Enlarged pores
Because our peels are formulated for all Fitzpatrick skin types, clients with medium to deep skin tones can be treated safely. Peels are not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active cold sore or open wound in the treatment area, have used isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past six months, or have a history of keloid scarring. We will review all of this at your consultation.
Your Consultation at Beauty Ranch
Every chemical peel at Beauty Ranch starts with a skin assessment. We look at your concerns, skin type, current products and any recent treatments, then recommend the peel, depth and number of sessions that will get you the best result with the least downtime. Consultations can also be combined with a same-day treatment when appropriate.
How to Prepare for Your Peel
To get the most from your treatment and reduce the risk of irritation:
- Stop retinol, retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs 5 to 7 days before your appointment
- Avoid waxing, laser hair removal and other resurfacing treatments in the area for one to two weeks
- Skip sun exposure and tanning for at least a week before, and arrive without a sunburn
- Tell us about any medications, recent isotretinoin use or a history of cold sores so we can plan accordingly
- Arrive with clean skin, no makeup
What Happens During a Chemical Peel
Your provider cleanses and degreases the skin, then applies the peel solution in even layers. You may feel warmth or mild tingling for a few minutes; VI Peel includes a numbing component so discomfort is minimal. Depending on the peel, the solution is either neutralized in the office or, in the case of VI Peel and Cosmelan, left on the skin for a set number of hours and washed off at home according to our instructions. Most appointments take 30 to 45 minutes.
Chemical Peel Recovery and Downtime
Recovery depends on the peel:
- Superficial peels: mild redness for a few hours, light flaking for one to three days, no real downtime
- VI Peel: skin looks tan or tight for the first two days, peeling begins around day three and is usually complete by day seven
- Cosmelan: redness and tightness for about three days, then light to moderate peeling for five to seven days
During recovery, keep the skin moisturized with the post-peel products we send you home with, do not pick or pull peeling skin, avoid sweating and heat for 48 hours, and wear SPF 50 or higher every day. Sun protection is the single most important factor in protecting your results, especially for pigment treatments.
Medical-Grade Skin Care at Home
Peel results last longer when your daily routine supports them. After your skin has fully healed, we typically recommend a gentle cleanser, a brightening antioxidant serum, a retinoid a few nights a week, and daily broad-spectrum SPF. Cosmelan clients follow the prescribed at-home maintenance regimen, which is essential to keep melasma from returning. Our team will build a simple routine for you at your follow-up.
Chemical Peel Results: What to Expect
After a single VI Peel, most clients notice smoother texture, smaller-looking pores and a brighter, more even tone within two weeks. Acne, scarring and pigment improve progressively with a series of three. Cosmelan clients see pigment lighten noticeably within the first month, with continued fading through month six as the home regimen does its work. Results are long lasting when paired with sun protection and a maintenance peel every few months.
Before and After
Real patient results after 1 VI Peel at Beauty Ranch. Results may vary.
How Much Do Chemical Peels Cost in Los Angeles?
Chemical peel prices in Los Angeles range widely, from around $150 for a superficial spa peel to well over $1,000 for medical-grade pigment programs, and many Beverly Hills and Brentwood practices do not publish their pricing at all. We do. Here is what chemical peels cost at Beauty Ranch Medical Spa in Brentwood:
| Chemical Peel | Best for | Downtime | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VI Peel | Tone, texture, acne, acne scarring, sun damage, mild to moderate pigment | About 7 days of peeling | $250 per treatment |
| Cosmelan | Melasma and stubborn hyperpigmentation | About 7 days of redness and peeling, then at-home regimen | $950 per treatment |
Optional pairings (not chemical peels, priced separately): Diamond Glow $285, dermaplaning $250.
What Affects the Cost of a Chemical Peel?
- Peel depth and formula. Medical-grade medium-depth peels cost more than superficial spa peels because of the strength of the actives and the training required to apply them safely.
- Single treatment vs a series. Most skin concerns respond best to a series of three VI Peels; ask about series pricing at your consultation.
- Add-ons. Pairing a peel with Diamond Glow or dermaplaning adds to the total but can improve results.
- At-home products. Cosmelan requires a maintenance regimen after the in-office treatment, which is priced separately.
- Provider expertise. Peels applied under the direction of an experienced aesthetics nurse in a medical spa setting cost more than salon peels, and the difference shows in results and safety.
See our full pricing menu for every treatment at Beauty Ranch, and check our current monthly specials before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Peels
Are chemical peels painful?
Most clients describe a warm, tingling sensation for a few minutes during application. VI Peel contains a numbing agent, so it is close to painless. Cosmelan feels warm and tight while the mask is on. Neither requires anesthesia.
How much is a chemical peel in Los Angeles?
At Beauty Ranch in Brentwood, a VI Peel is $250 and Cosmelan is $950. Elsewhere in Los Angeles, superficial peels usually start around $150 and medical-grade or pigment-specific programs can exceed $1,000.
Can a chemical peel treat melasma?
Yes. Melasma is one of the most common reasons clients come to us for a peel. VI Peel improves melasma with a series, and Cosmelan is designed specifically for it. Because melasma is triggered by sun and hormones, daily SPF and a maintenance routine are essential to keep it from returning.
Are chemical peels safe for dark skin?
The VI Peel and Cosmelan are both formulated for all skin tones, including Fitzpatrick types IV through VI. Deep phenol peels are not recommended for darker skin. Choosing the right peel and an experienced provider is what keeps treatment safe.
How long do chemical peel results last?
Results from a single peel typically last several months. With a series and consistent sun protection, improvements in texture and tone can last a year or more. Pigment concerns like melasma benefit from periodic maintenance peels.
Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
Yes. Peels pair well with Diamond Glow, dermaplaning and injectables. We generally space peels at least two weeks apart from laser resurfacing and microneedling. Your provider will map out the safest sequence for your goals.
How many chemical peels do I need?
One peel gives a visible refresh. For acne, scarring, sun damage or pigment, we recommend a series of three VI Peels about four weeks apart. Cosmelan is a single in-office treatment followed by an at-home regimen.
How much downtime does a chemical peel have?
Superficial peels have essentially no downtime. VI Peel involves about a week of peeling, with the heaviest shedding on days three through five. Cosmelan involves roughly a week of redness and peeling. Most clients schedule peels before a weekend or a quiet week.
Where can I get a chemical peel near Brentwood?
Beauty Ranch Medical Spa is located at 140 South Barrington Place in Brentwood, Los Angeles, serving clients from Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Westwood, Beverly Hills and across the Westside. Call (310) 587-3502 or book online.
Book a Chemical Peel in Brentwood, Los Angeles
Ready for brighter, smoother skin? Book a consultation at Beauty Ranch Medical Spa, 140 South Barrington Place, Brentwood, Los Angeles. Open Monday through Saturday 9 to 5 and Sunday 9 to 4. Call (310) 587-3502 or book online.