If you’ve looked at a peel menu and wondered what actually separates a $90 treatment from a $265 one, you’re not alone. Chemical peels aren’t one-size-fits-all — the acid, depth, and downtime all change depending on what your skin needs. Below is a side-by-side look at every peel offered at our Chemical Peel Bar in San Diego, so you can walk in already knowing which one fits your skin and your schedule.
What a Chemical Peel Actually Does
A chemical peel applies a controlled exfoliating solution to the skin, which removes damaged surface cells and triggers the body to regenerate smoother, more evenly toned skin underneath. Clinical literature on the technique groups peels into three depths — superficial, medium, and deep — with the choice of acid and depth selected based on the specific skin concern and how much downtime a patient can tolerate, according to a peer-reviewed review published by the National Institutes of Health. That same superficial-to-deep framework is what separates the five treatments on Viva Brazil’s menu.
Compare Viva Brazil’s Chemical Peels
| Peel | Price | Duration | Best For | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensi Peel | $120 | 45 min | All skin types, hyperpigmentation, rosacea | Minimal — gentle formulation |
| Ultra Peel I® & II® | $175-210 | 45 min | Mature skin, pigment disorders | Minimal — soothing, retinol + vitamin C blend |
| Jessner's Peel – Mid Depth | $155 | 30 min | Hyperpigmentation, early aging, acne scarring | 3–5 days flaking/light peeling |
| Jessner's Peel – Plus Depth | $205 | 45 min | More advanced pigmentation and sun damage | 3–5 days flaking/light peeling |
| Retinol Peel (6% Pure Retinol) | $265 | Varies | Moderate-to-severe discoloration, visible aging, dull complexions | Peeling starts 2–3 days post-treatment, lasts up to 10 days |
The Advantages of Each Option
Sensi Peel is the entry point for anyone new to peels or with reactive skin. It’s formulated to brighten and strengthen the skin barrier while treating sun damage and discoloration, and it’s gentle enough to be labeled safe across skin types — including rosacea-prone skin that usually can’t tolerate exfoliating treatments.
Ultra Peel I® & II® layers retinol (vitamin A) with vitamin C. The retinol accelerates cell turnover while the vitamin C reinforces the skin, which is why this peel is positioned for mature skin and pigment disorders without the harsher downtime of a medium-depth peel.
Jessner’s Peel comes in two strengths. The Mid Depth version sheds several layers of surface skin in a single 30-minute session, fading acne scarring and tightening texture, with results visible after 3–5 days of light peeling. The Plus Depth version is a stronger dose of the same formula for clients who need more dramatic correction of pigmentation and sun damage and can accommodate the same short recovery window.
Retinol Peel is the deepest option on the menu. At 6% pure retinol, it’s built for moderate-to-severe discoloration and delivers the fastest, most visible rejuvenation on the list — but it also asks the most of your skin, with sheeting and peeling that begins 2–3 days after treatment and can run up to ten days.
How to Pick Between Them
- New to peels or have sensitive/rosacea-prone skin → start with the Sensi Peel.
- Mature skin or early pigment changes, want zero downtime → Ultra Peel I or II.
- Acne scarring or moderate sun damage, can handle a few flaky days → Jessner’s Mid Depth, stepping up to Plus Depth for more intensity.
- Significant discoloration or visible aging and you can plan around a week of downtime → Retinol Peel.
Whichever you choose, plan the appointment around your calendar, not the other way around — sun exposure needs to be minimal for the days following any of these, and WebMD’s guidance on chemical peel aftercare recommends daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ during the healing window regardless of peel depth. For the full week-by-week recovery timeline, see our full recovery and aftercare breakdown.
Peels vs. Other Resurfacing Options
If a chemical peel feels like too much downtime right now, Viva Brazil also offers microdermabrasion and HydraFacial treatments, which resurface the skin mechanically rather than chemically and typically carry no recovery time. Many clients rotate between the two depending on the season and how much downtime they can spare. Men considering a peel for the first time can also check our men’s skin care menu, which pairs peels with treatments designed around shaving irritation and ingrown hairs.
If you’re getting peels regularly, Viva Brazil’s monthly membership also covers chemical peel visits at a reduced rate alongside Brazilian waxing.
FAQ
How often can I get a chemical peel? It depends on depth. Lighter peels like the Sensi Peel can typically be repeated every few weeks; medium-depth peels like Jessner’s need more spacing to let the skin fully recover; the Retinol Peel is spaced out the most due to its longer downtime.
Will a chemical peel hurt? Most clients describe a warming or mild stinging sensation during application rather than pain. Deeper peels like the Retinol Peel produce more noticeable sensation and post-treatment sheeting than the Sensi or Ultra Peels.
Can I wear makeup after a peel? Your esthetician will advise based on your specific peel and skin response, but most peels require at least a short makeup-free window while the skin barrier resets.
Is a chemical peel safe for all skin tones? Peel selection matters more for skin tone than for skin type — your esthetician will match the acid and depth to your tone to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory discoloration.
Ready to find your peel? BOOK NOW and contact your esthetician. She will match you to the right one on the menu above.
Viva Brazil Wax + Skin 3077 Clairemont Drive Suite 103, San Diego CA 92117. Telephone 6192318483
