VI Peel is a professional chemical peel designed to improve discoloration, acne, uneven texture, fine lines and other visible signs of skin damage. The treatment uses a customized blend of exfoliating and skin-renewing ingredients to increase cell turnover and remove damaged surface cells.
The Dermatology Clinic offers VI Peel Precision Plus for pigmentation concerns and VI Peel Purify for acne-prone, oily or congested skin. Your licensed aesthetician will evaluate your complexion and recommend the formula best suited to your skin and treatment goals.
How does a VI Peel work?
A chemical solution is applied in several layers during your appointment. The peel encourages damaged surface cells to shed while supporting the emergence of smoother, clearer-looking skin.
Unlike a facial that is removed before you leave, the VI Peel remains on your skin after the appointment. You will receive an aftercare kit with products and detailed instructions to follow at home.
Light flaking may begin around the second day, with more noticeable peeling commonly occurring between days three and five. For many patients, peeling has significantly improved or ended by approximately day seven. The timing and amount of peeling vary from person to person.
What is VI Peel Precision Plus?
VI Peel Precision Plus is designed for patients concerned about stubborn pigmentation and uneven skin tone. It works by encouraging cell turnover while helping regulate the processes that contribute to excess pigment.
It may be recommended for concerns such as:
- Melasma
- Sun spots and ultraviolet damage
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Areas of persistent discoloration
- Fine lines
- Rough or dull-looking skin
The manufacturer describes Precision Plus as appropriate for all Fitzpatrick skin tones, but treatment should still be customized by a provider experienced in chemical peels and pigmentation.
What is VI Peel Purify?
VI Peel Purify is formulated for patients with active acne, excessive oil production, clogged pores or acne-prone skin. It combines exfoliating and acne-focused ingredients to clear pore buildup, reduce surface oil and improve the appearance of breakouts.
It may be recommended for:
- Active acne
- Hormonal breakouts
- Oily skin
- Congested pores
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Breakout-prone skin
- Mild post-acne discoloration
- Teen or adult acne
VI Peel Purify may help reduce acne-causing bacteria, comedones and excess sebum. However, chemical peels may need to be combined with prescription or at-home acne treatments when breakouts are persistent, painful, cystic or causing scars.
How do Precision Plus and Purify differ?
Precision Plus primarily targets pigmentation, melasma, sun damage and uneven tone. Purify is designed for active acne, oiliness and congested pores.
Some patients experience both acne and post-acne pigmentation. Your provider will examine your skin and determine which formula or treatment plan is most appropriate rather than selecting a peel based only on one visible concern.
What concerns can VI Peel improve?
Depending on the formula selected, VI Peel may help improve the appearance of:
- Active acne
- Oily or congested skin
- Blackheads and clogged pores
- Post-acne discoloration
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Sun spots and photodamage
- Fine lines
- Rough texture
- Dullness
- Uneven skin tone
Chemical peels can improve superficial discoloration, texture and fine lines, but they cannot remove deep scars or wrinkles or significantly tighten loose skin.
What areas can be treated?
VI Peel Precision Plus and Purify are commonly used on the face.
VI Aesthetics also offers a body peel formulated for concerns below the neck, including body acne, discoloration, rough texture, keratosis pilaris, scars and stretch marks. Body treatment availability and candidacy should be confirmed during your consultation.
What happens during treatment?
Your appointment begins with a consultation to discuss your skin concerns, current products, medications, sensitivities and treatment goals.
The skin is cleansed and prepared before your aesthetician applies the selected peel in several controlled layers. Time is allowed between applications so the provider can monitor how your skin responds.
You may experience warmth, tingling or mild stinging during the first few minutes. Once application is complete, you will leave the office with the peel still on your skin and follow the provided instructions for cleansing and applying your post-peel products at home.
How long does treatment take?
The peel application and review of your aftercare instructions generally take approximately 30 minutes.
Your appointment may take longer when additional consultation is needed to review your skin, medications, allergies, recent procedures or current skin-care routine.
Is a VI Peel painful?
Most patients tolerate the application well without numbing medication. You may experience mild to moderate stinging, warmth or tingling as the first layers are applied.
The sensation commonly decreases within several minutes, but comfort varies according to the formula, condition of your skin and individual sensitivity. Tell your provider immediately if you experience severe or unexpected burning.
When will my skin begin peeling?
Some patients notice light flaking as early as the second day. More visible peeling commonly begins around the mouth before spreading to other treated areas between days three and five.
Peeling often begins to decrease by day six and many patients have completed most of the process by day seven. However, some patients experience only mild flaking, while others peel more noticeably or remain dry beyond one week.
The amount of visible peeling does not necessarily determine whether the treatment was effective.
Is there any downtime?
Plan for approximately one week of visible skin recovery. During this period, your complexion may feel tight, dry, itchy, sensitive or mildly irritated.
Temporary effects may include:
- Redness
- Tightness
- Dryness
- Itching
- Flaking or peeling
- Mild swelling
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Temporary darkening of pigmented areas
- Breakouts as congested pores clear
You may be advised to avoid makeup during active peeling or until the skin is intact. Follow the instructions in your aftercare kit rather than attempting to cover or accelerate the peeling process.
When will I see results?
Many patients notice brighter, smoother and more even-looking skin after the peeling process has ended. Initial improvement may be visible after approximately seven days, although dryness or flaking can occasionally continue longer.
Pigmentation, acne, fine lines and textural concerns generally improve more gradually and may require a series of treatments. Results vary according to the selected formula, condition being treated, sun exposure, skin-care routine and individual response.
How many treatments will I need?
A single VI Peel can provide a temporary refresh for dullness, mild congestion or uneven-looking skin.
For more progressive improvement, The Dermatology Clinic generally recommends a series of three treatments. The spacing between appointments will be determined by your provider based on your skin’s recovery and treatment goals.
How long do results last?
The brighter, smoother appearance following a VI Peel may remain noticeable for several months when supported by appropriate skin care and sun protection.
Results are not permanent. Acne, melasma, sun exposure, hormones, aging and environmental damage can continue to affect the skin. Periodic maintenance peels and a customized at-home regimen may help preserve your improvement.
How should I prepare for treatment?
Before your appointment:
- Avoid tanning and excessive or unprotected sun exposure
- Arrive with clean skin and no makeup when possible
- Stop retinoids approximately three to five days beforehand unless instructed differently
- Avoid aggressive scrubs, exfoliating acids and other irritating products
- Tell your provider about all prescription and over-the-counter skin products
- Report any medications that affect healing or make the skin more sensitive
- Discuss recent waxing, laser treatment, microneedling, injectables or other procedures
- Tell your provider if you are prone to cold sores
- Report any allergies, including an almond allergy
- Report any active rash, infection, sunburn, open wound or significant irritation
Your provider may recommend a longer preparation period or a specialized pigment-control regimen based on your skin tone and history.
How should I care for my skin afterward?
Your aftercare kit will contain the products and instructions needed during the peeling process. Use each product according to the provided schedule.
During recovery:
- Cleanse gently with cool or lukewarm water
- Use your fingertips rather than a washcloth or cleansing device
- Apply the provided repair cream as directed
- Apply the provided broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning
- Avoid direct and prolonged sun exposure
- Wear a hat when outdoors
- Avoid rubbing, scrubbing or exfoliating the skin
- Avoid retinoids, acids and other active products
- Avoid excessive heat and sweating
- Avoid swimming until peeling is complete
- Follow the timing provided for all post-peel towelettes
Protecting the skin from sunlight is essential because newly exfoliated skin may be more vulnerable to irritation and pigment changes.
Why should I avoid picking peeling skin?
Do not pull, peel or aggressively remove loose skin. Picking can expose skin that is not ready to shed and may cause bleeding, infection, discoloration or scarring.
Allow the skin to separate naturally. Follow your provider’s instructions if a piece of loose skin becomes uncomfortable rather than attempting to accelerate the process yourself.
Can I exercise after a VI Peel?
Activities that produce significant heat or sweating may increase irritation during the early recovery period. Your provider may advise temporarily avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs.
Light daily activities are usually acceptable, but follow the instructions supplied with your peel and delay any activity that causes burning, excessive redness or discomfort.
Can I wear makeup during the peeling process?
Your provider may recommend avoiding makeup during active peeling and until the skin’s surface is intact. Makeup can emphasize flaking, irritate sensitive skin or introduce bacteria into areas where the skin barrier is temporarily compromised.
When makeup is resumed, use clean brushes and applicators and stop using any product that causes burning or irritation.
Can VI Peel be used on different skin tones?
VI Peel formulas are marketed for a broad range of skin tones, including melanin-rich skin. However, no chemical peel is completely free of pigmentation risk.
People with brown or Black skin can safely receive chemical peels, but selecting the correct formula and preparation plan is especially important because inflammation can cause temporary or lasting darkening or lightening of the skin. Treatment should be performed by a provider experienced in chemical peels for your skin tone.
What are the possible risks?
Expected effects include redness, tightness, dryness, itching and peeling.
Less common complications may include:
- Prolonged inflammation
- Significant swelling
- Blistering
- Infection
- Cold-sore reactivation
- Persistent hyperpigmentation
- Hypopigmentation
- Changes in skin texture
- Scarring
- An allergic or irritant reaction
- Worsening of an underlying skin condition
- Limited or uneven results
Chemical peels should be performed under professional supervision. Incorrect product selection, application or aftercare can increase the risk of burns, infection, scarring and permanent pigment changes.
What symptoms should be reported?
Contact the clinic if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Intense or persistent burning
- Significant swelling
- Blistering
- Pus or drainage
- Spreading redness or warmth
- Fever
- An open sore
- Hives or facial swelling
- Dark, gray, white or unusually discolored skin
- A cold-sore outbreak
- Symptoms that worsen rather than improve
Do not attempt to treat a severe reaction with additional acids, exfoliants or unapproved products.
Who is a good candidate for VI Peel?
VI Peel may be appropriate for patients who want to improve acne, pigmentation, melasma, mild fine lines, rough texture or sun-damaged skin without undergoing laser resurfacing or a more invasive procedure.
Good candidates generally:
- Have healthy, intact skin
- Have realistic expectations
- Can follow the full aftercare routine
- Can avoid prolonged sun exposure during recovery
- Understand that several treatments may be needed
- Are willing to use daily sunscreen
- Have no active infection in the treatment area
A consultation is necessary even though the formulas can be used across a broad range of skin types and tones.
Who may need to postpone treatment?
Treatment may need to be postponed or avoided if you:
- Have sunburned, broken or significantly irritated skin
- Have an active bacterial, viral or fungal infection
- Have an active cold sore
- Have a severe eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or rosacea flare
- Recently used isotretinoin
- Have a history of abnormal or raised scarring
- Have recently undergone another procedure that has not healed
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have frequent or severe cold-sore outbreaks
- Have an allergy to an ingredient in the selected formula
- Are unable to follow the required aftercare and sun-protection instructions
The current clinic protocol also advises patients with almond allergies not to receive the treatment. Provide a complete allergy, medication and medical history so your provider can determine whether a peel can be performed safely.
Can VI Peel be combined with other treatments?
Chemical peels may be incorporated into a broader plan involving acne medication, pigment-correcting products, injectables, microneedling, laser services or other aesthetic treatments.
These services should not automatically be performed together. Your provider will determine the safest timing and order based on your skin, the selected peel formula and any recent procedures.
What makes VI Peel different?
VI Peel combines an in-office professional peel with a structured seven-day home-care process. Rather than ending when the application is complete, treatment continues through the use of post-peel products and carefully timed aftercare.
Several formulas are available for different concerns, allowing the treatment to focus on pigmentation, acne, texture or visible aging rather than using the same peel for every patient.
Schedule a VI Peel consultation
VI Peel Precision Plus and Purify provide customizable options for addressing pigmentation, melasma, active acne, congested pores, uneven texture and other visible skin concerns. The Dermatology Clinic can evaluate your complexion, recommend the appropriate formula and provide a personalized preparation and aftercare plan to help you achieve brighter, clearer and more even-looking skin. Contact us today to get scheduled.
