VI Peel (Chemical Peels)

Most of us aren’t born with “good skin”—we get VI Peels!

What is a VI Peel?

The VI Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel that is specially formulated to reduce discomfort, making it a go-to solution for those seeking radiant, youthful skin. This plastic surgeon- and dermatologist-approved chemical peel exfoliates the outer layers of your skin to clarify and brighten your complexion. Your VI Peel can be customized to target your personal skin concerns—such as pigmentation, acne, or signs of aging—to help you achieve your smoothest, most even skin tone.

Benefits

  • Lifts pigmentation
  • Reduces sun damage
  • Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Smooths rough skin textures
  • Treats acne

Areas treated

While most patients choose VI Peel for the face, the versatility of VI Peels extends beyond facial applications to address conditions like back acne and signs of aging on the hands! It is safe and effective for use on body areas including the neck, décolleté and chest, back, buttocks, and hands.

Key Benefits
  • Comfortable treatment
  • Safe for dark skin tones
  • Customizable for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, etc.
  • The preferred chemical peel by derms and plastic surgeons
Glossary

Acid: A key component in VI Peels, often including ingredients like trichloroacetic acid or phenol.

Dark spot: Area of discoloration, i.e. from sun damage or acne scarring, that can be targeted with a VI Peel.

Retinoic acid: Related to retinol, this ingredient might be used in chemical peel formulas.

SPF: Sun Protection Factor, crucial in skincare routines, especially after a VI Peel to protect sensitive skin.

Broad Spectrum: Refers to sunscreens offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays, important after VI Peels.

Tranexamic Acid: An ingredient that may be used in VI Peels for skin brightening and treating discoloration.

Salicylic Acid: A common acid used in various skincare treatments, which can be included in certain chemical peel formulas.

Active Ingredients: The key effective components in skincare products or treatments.

Skin Types: Different categories of skin that VI Peels might be formulated for, like sensitive, oily, or dry.

Age-Defying: A term often used in marketing skincare treatments like VI Peels that target signs of aging.

Sunscreen: Essential for protecting skin from sun damage post-VI Peel treatment.

Vitamin C: An antioxidant ingredient in skincare that can be included in chemical peels to support skin health.

Phenol: A type of acid that may be used in stronger chemical peels, like some types of VI Peels.

Collagen: A skin protein that VI Peels may help stimulate production of, enhancing skin firmness.

Acid Peels: A general category of skin resurfacing treatments, of which VI Peel is a specific type.

Exfoliation: The process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin, often using physical scrubs or chemical agents (i.e. VI Peel).

Keratosis Pilaris: A skin condition that might be treated with skincare treatments like VI Peels.

Blackheads: Small, dark spots on the skin, often found on the face, caused by clogged pores.

Benzoyl Peroxide: A compound used in acne treatment products to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and help clear blocked pores.

Lactic Acid: A mild alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used in skincare products to gently exfoliate and hydrate the skin, improving its texture and tone.

Glycolic Acid: A type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its ability to penetrate the skin deeply and effectively, commonly used for exfoliation and skin rejuvenation.

Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) effective in treating acne by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear.

Phenol: A powerful chemical used in deep chemical peels known for its ability to treat deep facial lines, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation.

Tricholoacetic Acid (TCA): A chemical commonly used for medium-depth peeling to treat sun damage, facial wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation.

Tranexamic Acid: A skincare ingredient used for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties, effective in treating melasma and discoloration.

Laser Skin Resurfacing: A cosmetic procedure that uses lasers to improve skin texture, tone, and appearance, addressing issues like wrinkles, scars, and sun damage.

The 6 VI Peel options

Your VI Peel options include six formulations, each catering to particular skin concerns:

VI Peel Precision Plus

Precision plus is ideal for treating pigmentation issues, like melasma, sun damage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus

Tailored to those dealing with pigmentation issues alongside acne, oily skin, or acne scarring, Purify with Precision Plus strikes a balance between clarifying the skin and managing breakouts.

VI Peel Purify

For active acne, oily and congested skin, or breakout-prone complexions, the Purify peel offers a targeted solution, especially helpful for teenagers.

VI Peel Advanced

Aging skin requires special care: the VI Peel Advanced is tailored for individuals over 40, addressing wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity.

VI Peel Original

This peel is perfect if you are getting a peel for the first time, or if you have sensitive skin or early signs of aging! It is gentle yet effective in addressing rough texture and subtle age-related changes.

VI Peel Body

Designed for the body, this peel addresses pigmentation, fine lines on the décolleté, body acne, and scars (including those from acne, surgeries, or injuries), as well as stretch marks and lax skin.

Who is a good candidate for chemical peels?

VI Peels are suitable for patients of all genders and ages looking to improve their skin’s appearance! However, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Your appointment: What to expect

Before treatment, we will apply a product that quickly numbs the skin to help with any discomfort. We then apply the VI Peel in layers, and the entire treatment takes about 20 minutes. We provide you with aftercare products to maintain hydration and prevent skin damage.

Caring for your skin after a peel

Aftercare is extremely important to achieving the results you want, without causing damage to your sensitive post-procedure skin. Gently cleanse, moisturize, and protect the skin from the sun using the provided aftercare products. Your VI Peel product kit comes with a gentle cleanser, non-irritating cream, and a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen that provides strong sun protection. 

Remember, you’re not just trying to avoid a sunburn after treatment—avoid even short-term or indirect sun exposure to prevent unwanted hyperpigmentation!

Avoid any serum or moisturizer with active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol/tretinoin, as these skincare ingredients could not only irritate but also damage your sensitized skin.

Side effects & results

Expect visible peeling around 3-5 days post-treatment. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, although side effects like burning or itching are possible. Rare side effects include swelling, discoloration, allergic reactions, dry skin, or scarring. Choosing an experienced provider and following their pre- and post-treatment skincare instructions, including sun protection, is vital.

You can expect to see your results after peeling is complete, which usually takes just 3-5 days.

FAQs

Does your skin actually peel?

Yes, peeling is a common and expected part of the process, usually occurring for 3-5 days after the treatment. Do not pick at the skin, as it will repair itself naturally.

Is this peel an acne treatment?

Absolutely. VI Peels are effective as treatments for acne (both adult acne and acne in teens), and they also help to minimize acne scars and prevent hyperpigmentation post-breakouts. This makes it an ideal treatment with several benefits that go above and beyond any at-home acne system.

I’m breaking out after my chemical peel—is this normal? 

While rare, a short period of skin purging post-peel is possible. This is a temporary reaction, so be patient: your skin will clear, and the full benefits of the peel will become apparent at that time. If you feel the need to treat your breakouts with acne products, talk with your aesthetician first to confirm they are safe for use post-peel.

Do I need a chemical peel, laser, or something else?

Determining the right treatment depends on your specific skin concerns, budget, and desired timeline for reaching your results. Our team of experienced dermatology and aesthetic professionals guide patients in choosing the most suitable treatment every day, and we would be more than happy to meet with you to go over your concerns and your options!

References »

Fanous N, Zari S. Universal Trichloroacetic Acid Peel Technique for Light and Dark Skin. Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine. 2017 May 1;19(3):212-219. doi: 10.1001/jamafacial.2016.1666. 

Bhardwaj V, Sharma K, Maksimovic S, Fan A, Adams-Woodford A, Mao J. Professional-Grade TCA-Lactic Acid Chemical Peel: Elucidating Mode of Action to Treat Photoaging and Hyperpigmentation. Frontiers in Medicine (Lausanne). 2021 Feb 12;8:617068. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.617068. 

Chen X, Wang S, Yang M, Li L. Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2018 Apr 28;8(4):e019607. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019607. 

Nikalji N, Godse K, Sakhiya J, Patil S, Nadkarni N. Complications of medium depth and deep chemical peels. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2012 Oct;5(4):254-60. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.104913.

Schedule your appointment

Ready to embrace a more radiant, youthful appearance? Schedule your consultation with our experienced medical aesthetics team, overseen by physicians, to learn more and find out if VI Peels are right for you. Call 610-320-0200 or contact us online today!