What is a VI Peel?
A VI Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel that penetrates your top layer of skin, called the epidermis, reaching into the dermis underneath. It uses a product trademarked by Vitality Institute Medical Products.
Like other chemical peels, a VI Peel works by exfoliating your skin and stimulating the production of new proteins. The procedure is commonly used to treat signs of aging, improve skin texture, and correct pigmentary issues.
The product used in VI Peels is made up of a blend of ingredients that include:
- trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (10 to 12 percent)
- phenol (10 to 12 percent)
- salicylic acid (10 to 12 percent)
- vitamin C (4 percent)
- tretinoin (0.1 to 0.4 percent)
VI Peels are gentle enough that they can safely be used on your face, chest, eyelids, hands, and back. Let’s break down everything you need to know about a VI Peel facial, including how it works, safety information, and potential benefits.
VI Peel benefits
A VI Peel offers benefits similar to those of other light to medium chemical peels. Let’s look at some of the most common conditions it’s used to treat.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Chemicals peels break down your top layers of skin cells. This breakdown can stimulate your body’s natural healing process and the production of new collagen and elastin.
Collagen and elastin are the two key proteins that give your skin its structure and elasticity
The loss of these proteins contributes to the formation of wrinkles.
Treating sun spots and discoloration
Chemical peels can help you lighten areas of skin darkened by sun damage or skin conditions like melasma.
One of the key ingredients in VI Peels is phenol. Phenol is one of the most effective ingredients used in chemical peels for treating freckles and discoloration.
Treating keratosis pilaris
Some of the active ingredients in a VI Peel, such as salicylic acid
may help break down bumps caused by keratosis pilaris (chicken skin).
Keratosis pilaris is a common condition in which dead skin cells clog hair follicles and produce bumps that resemble the skin of a plucked chicken.
Does VI Peel treat acne?
A VI Peel and other light to medium chemical peels are often used to improve acne.
Chemical peels can treat acne in a number of ways, including:
- reducing oil production
- killing bacteria
- reducing inflammation
- breaking down your outer layer of skin
- reducing your number of clogged pores
Salicylic acid, one of the key ingredients in a VI Peel, is also one of the best treatments for acne scars.
VI Peel side effects and precautions
VI Peels are generally well tolerated. However, some people may experience side effects, such as:
- burning pain
- skin discoloration
- swelling
- blistering
- itchiness
- allergic reaction
- infection
- dry skin
- inflammation
- redness
- scarring
Is a VI Peel safe during pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak with a doctor before getting a VI peel. Due to a lack of research, chemical peels that contain TCA or salicylic acid are not recommended while pregnant.
How does a VI Peel treatment work?
A VI Peel only takes about 30 minutes and is usually painless. It uses a blend of ingredients to break down your top layer of skin and reveal healthy skin underneath.
Your exact procedure may differ slightly, but here’s what you can generally expect:
- The practitioner will cleanse your skin to remove dirt and oil.
- They will then apply the VI Peel solution in two layers.
- You may experience some numbness or tingling once the first layer is applied.
- Once the second layer is applied, your skin will “frost,” or turn white.
- About 4 to 6 hours later, you’ll wash off the peel.
- Your skin will start peeling about 3 days after the procedure.
VI Peel aftercare
About 4 to 6 hours after your procedure, and at least an hour before bed, you should wash off the peel using a mild cleanser and water. Your skin will likely start to peel 3 days after treatment.
You can take care of your skin after your procedure by:
- avoiding applying any creams or lotions until you wash off your peel
- applying the “Post Peel Protectant” given to you after your procedure two to four times per day
- applying moisturizer frequently until you’re done peeling
- avoiding direct sunlight when your skin is peeling and make sure you wear sunscreen whenever you go outside.
How often should you get a VI Peel?
The frequency that you should get a VI Peel depends on the specific skin condition you’re trying to treat.
Wait at least 4 to 6 weeks between treatments to see continuous results.
VI Peel costs
The cost of a VI Peel at Aging Young Aesthetics ranges between $300 and $350.
Your insurance will not cover a VI Peel since it’s considered a cosmetic procedure. Our clinic does offer discounts for buying a package of treatments.
