Everything You Need to Know About Chemical Peels in the Bay Area

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Everything You Need to Know About Chemical Peels in the Bay Area
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Many people struggle with breakouts, discoloration, or dull skin, no matter how many serums they try. The truth is that even the most consistent skincare routines can hit a plateau. When your skin needs more than a surface-level solution, layering on another product isn’t the answer. Instead, you can try a deep refresh with a chemical peel in the Bay Area.

At Kintsu MedSpa & Wellness in Davis and Berkeley, we offer customized, science-backed peels designed to safely exfoliate, renew, and restore your skin. Whether you’re targeting fine lines, sun damage, or post-acne marks, a professional chemical peel can help you get there faster, with results that last.

What Is a Medical-Grade Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a professional treatment that uses a carefully selected blend of acids and other ingredients to exfoliate the skin, remove dead and damaged cells, and reveal a healthier, more even complexion underneath. 

Unlike at-home exfoliants or basic spa facials, medical-grade chemical peels go deeper, safely targeting concerns like fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, and rough texture with clinically proven ingredients.

At Kintsu MedSpa, an experienced provider performs all peels. We offer a range of peel strengths – from light refreshers to more intensive treatments that address deeper skin concerns. The key is that we understand skin at every level and suggest peels based on your skin tone, goals, and sensitivity.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. It’s a personalized, professional reset for your skin, designed to help you reach long-term skin health with precision and care.

What Do Chemical Peels Help With?

Chemical peels are one of the most versatile treatments in professional skincare. When tailored correctly, they can improve a wide range of concerns by encouraging your skin to shed damaged layers and regenerate healthier tissue underneath.

We use medical-grade peels to help with:

  • Acne and congestion: Clear clogged pores, reduce breakouts, and smooth texture
  • Hyperpigmentation and dark spots: Lighten sun damage, melasma, and post-acne marks
  • Fine lines and wrinkles: Improve skin tone and reduce early signs of aging
  • Rough or dull texture: Reveal a softer, more radiant surface
  • Uneven skin tone: Brighten and balance skin for a more uniform look

Read our guide to learn more about how chemical peels help with hyperpigmentation.

What to Expect During and After Your Peel

We get it – the word chemical can feel a little intimidating, especially if you’re someone who prioritizes clean products and a natural lifestyle. However, in skincare, chemical doesn’t mean harsh or synthetic. In fact, many of the most effective peel ingredients, like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, come from natural sources like sugarcane, milk, and willow bark.

When applied by trained professionals at the right strength for your skin, chemical peels actively remove dead and damaged cells, smooth tone, and bring healthier skin to the surface.

If you’ve never had a peel before, it’s normal to feel unsure. That’s why we start every treatment with a personalized consultation to understand your skin and what level of exfoliation makes sense for you.

Here’s what the procedure feels like:

  • During the peel: The application is quick and controlled. You may feel a mild tingling or warming sensation (that’s the acids doing their job), but it’s generally brief and well-tolerated. Our providers are there every step of the way to ensure your comfort.
  • After the peel: You might experience light flaking or dryness for a few days, depending on the strength of the peel. Redness can occur but usually resolves quickly. We’ll guide you through gentle aftercare to keep your skin hydrated, protected, and healing beautifully.

Downtime is minimal with most of the peels we offer, and you’ll begin to notice brighter, smoother skin as the top layer naturally sheds and regenerates. And unlike aggressive peels of the past, today’s formulas are far more refined, which means you don’t need to hide out at home while the redness disappears.

We also discuss which skincare ingredients to avoid because they can disrupt your skin barrier or cause long-term inflammation.

Why the Bay Area Climate Matters

Living in the Bay Area means your skin deals with a lot. Dry heat, coastal humidity, wildfire smoke, sun exposure, and constant microclimate shifts can confuse even the most balanced skin.

These environmental stressors can lead to clogged pores, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation, especially if your skincare routine doesn’t adapt to the seasons. 

Bay Area chemical peels offer a way to reset, whether your skin is dealing with summer buildup or winter dryness. In fact, cooler months can be one of the best times to schedule a peel.

We consider all of this when recommending a peel. Whether you’re in Berkeley’s marine climate or Davis’s summer heat, we tailor the strength and type of peel to your environment, your lifestyle, and your skin’s current condition.

Choosing the Right Peel for Your Skin

At Kintsu MedSpa & Wellness, we exclusively offer VI Peels because they are a trusted, evidence-backed option that offers versatility, safety, and real results across all skin tones.

There isn’t just one VI Peel. There’s a full line of targeted formulas designed to address specific skin concerns, including:

  • VI Peel Original: This is a great option if it’s your first time getting a peel or if you want a gentle refresh to improve texture, tone, and clarity.
  • VI Peel Precision Plus: This one can reduce stubborn hyperpigmentation, discolorations, and sun damage.
  • VI Peel Purify: Best for acne-prone skin. It helps unclog pores, calm inflammation, and minimize post-acne marks.
  • VI Peel Advanced: A deeper formulation for more mature skin, targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.

Each VI Peel includes a unique blend of exfoliating acids, powerful brighteners, and anti-aging ingredients. They are applied with care and adjusted to your skin’s unique needs.

Whether you’re in Berkeley, Davis, or somewhere in between, we’ll help you choose the right peel for your goals and guide you through every step of the process.

Why Clients Trust Kintsu for Chemical Peels in the Bay Area

We think of chemical peels as a part of a deeper approach to skin health. Our clients come to us because they want results, but they also want to feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for along the way.

Every treatment starts with a thorough consultation, where we take time to understand your skin’s history, current needs, and long-term goals. From there, we build a plan that’s as personalized as it is effective, using the trusted VI Peels, other treatments like Softwave, and years of clinical experience.

Whether you’re visiting our Davis or Berkeley location, you’ll find the same level of warmth, precision, and professionalism. Our team specializes in treating a wide range of skin tones and types, and we’re especially known for creating a supportive, judgment-free space where your skin can actually thrive.

It’s not just about smoother skin – it’s about feeling confident in the process.

Chemical Peels in the Bay Area for Better Skin Health

There are no quick fixes that can give you clear, healthy skin. It requires a consistent skincare routine and professional support. Chemical peels can be a powerful part of that journey, especially when they’re done with intention, skill, and a deep understanding of your skin.

At Kintsu MedSpa & Wellness, we don’t just treat what’s on the surface. We work with you to understand what your skin’s been through, what it needs today, and how to support it for the long term without overdoing it.

Whether you’re just starting to explore professional treatments or looking for the next step in your skin journey, we’re here to help you make confident, informed choices.

Book an appointment in Berkeley or Davis and let’s find the right peel for your skin.