--- title: "Chemical Peels" --- ## What it does - Pigmentation and uneven tone. Helps reduce the appearance of sun-related discoloration, blotchiness and uneven pigmentation. - Melasma. May be incorporated into a broader melasma treatment plan along with appropriate home skincare and consistent sun protection. - Texture and fine lines. Controlled exfoliation helps improve roughness, superficial textural irregularities and fine lines. - Overall skin quality. By removing damaged surface cells and encouraging renewal, a peel can leave the skin looking brighter, smoother and more even. ## How it works A chemical solution is applied to the skin to create controlled exfoliation and renewal. Over the days following treatment, the treated surface layers shed, revealing smoother, more even skin beneath. Dr. Pontius primarily uses The Perfect Derma Peel and may incorporate targeted boosters depending on the patient's skin and treatment goals. Other peel formulations may be incorporated as treatment options evolve. ## Which resurfacing treatment? Chemical peels, [SkinPen® Elite microneedling](https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/microneedling/) and [fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing](https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/co2-laser/) each have a different role. Chemical peels are particularly useful for pigmentation, melasma, uneven tone and overall skin renewal with relatively limited downtime. They may also be an appropriate option for darker skin types when laser resurfacing is not preferred. SkinPen Elite microneedling is often selected when texture, pores, acne scarring and collagen remodeling are the primary goals. Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing is generally Dr. Pontius's preferred option when more significant resurfacing is needed for wrinkles, sun damage and textural change. The right treatment depends on the skin, the concern and the degree of correction desired. ## Why Santa Barbara Face & Body Dr. Pontius approaches skin resurfacing as part of a broader rejuvenation plan rather than treating every concern with the same procedure. She evaluates pigmentation, texture, sun damage, skin type and treatment goals before determining whether a chemical peel, microneedling, CO2 laser, physician-directed skincare or a combination approach makes the most sense. The goal is to choose the right treatment for the skin — not simply to perform a procedure. ## What to expect Dr. Pontius will evaluate your skin and treatment goals before recommending a peel. If a chemical peel is appropriate, she will discuss the formulation, whether a booster is recommended, expected peeling and downtime, and the skincare and sun protection needed afterward. If another resurfacing treatment would better address your concerns, she may recommend SkinPen® Elite microneedling or fractionated CO2 laser instead. ## What it costs The cost of a chemical peel depends on the treatment selected and whether a booster or series is recommended. Your treatment plan and cost will be reviewed before proceeding. > Chemical Peels, American Academy of Dermatology (United States). A chemical peel applies a solution that causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off, revealing smoother skin that is more even in tone and texture; it can improve the appearance of sun damage, uneven pigmentation, and fine lines, and results and recovery depend on the peel and the patient's skin. — [Chemical Peels, American Academy of Dermatology](https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/chemical-peels) ## Chemical Peels in Santa Barbara, CA A well-chosen chemical peel can refresh your complexion — smoothing texture, brightening tone, and revealing healthier skin underneath. In our Santa Barbara practice, Dr. Pontius selects each peel to suit your skin and your goals, so the result is glowing rather than harsh. If you'd like a brighter, more even complexion, we'd love to help. Fill out the form below or call us at [(805) 764-9074](tel:+18057649074). ```ld+json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "@id": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/peels/#service", "name": "Chemical Peels", "url": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/peels/", "description": "Chemical peels apply a controlled acid to resurface the skin and prompt fresh, smoother skin to grow, improving tone, texture, and fine lines. They come in depths, superficial, medium, and deep, that trade downtime for strength. 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They can be particularly useful when pigment is a primary concern or when laser resurfacing may not be the preferred treatment. At Santa Barbara Face & Body in Santa Barbara, California, Dr. Allison Pontius primarily uses The Perfect Derma Peel, with targeted boosters when appropriate; for patients who need more significant resurfacing, she generally prefers fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing." }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/peels/#webpage" }, "url": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/peels/" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which chemical peel does Dr. Pontius use?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Dr. Pontius primarily uses The Perfect Derma Peel, with targeted boosters when appropriate. Other peel formulations may also be incorporated as treatment options evolve." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are chemical peels helpful for melasma?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "They can be. Chemical peels may be incorporated into a comprehensive melasma treatment plan to help improve uneven pigmentation. Because melasma is a chronic condition that can recur, treatment also requires appropriate home skincare and consistent sun protection." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are chemical peels appropriate for darker skin tones?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, when the peel and treatment parameters are selected appropriately. Chemical peels can be particularly useful for patients with darker skin tones when laser resurfacing may carry greater risk of unwanted pigment change." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much downtime is there?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Downtime depends on the peel selected. With The Perfect Derma Peel, patients should expect visible peeling as the treated skin exfoliates and renews. Dr. Pontius will review what to expect and how to care for your skin before treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know whether I need a peel, microneedling or CO2?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It depends on what you are trying to improve, your skin type and the amount of resurfacing needed. Chemical peels are particularly useful for pigmentation, melasma and overall tone; SkinPen Elite microneedling is useful for texture and collagen remodeling; and fractionated CO2 laser is generally a stronger resurfacing option for more significant sun damage, wrinkles and textural change. Dr. Pontius will recommend the approach that best fits your skin." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/peels/#citation-301550e3", "name": "Chemical Peels, American Academy of Dermatology", "url": "https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/chemical-peels" } ] } ```