What is a VI Chemical Peel?

The VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel that addresses a variety of skin issues, from acne and hyperpigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles. It's formulated with a blend of powerful skincare ingredients, including TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), Retin-A, salicylic acid, phenol, and vitamin C. This combination of ingredients works together to exfoliate the skin, promote cellular turnover, and stimulate collagen production, leading to smoother, more even, glowing skin!

Who is a Good Candidate for the VI Peel?

The VI peel is safe and effective for all skin types and tones, but it is most effective for patients with fair to medium skin tones as well as those that want to heal acne, improve mild-to-moderate skin damage, and reverse early signs of aging. Ideal candidates include patients looking to:

• Improve skin tone and texture

• Minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles

• Reduce hyperpigmentation and melasma

• Address acne and acne scarring

• Achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance

Before any chemical peel, our aestheticians will assess your individual skin type, medical history, and goals to determine if the VI Chemical Peel is right for you!

The VI Peel Procedure:

It’s common for clients to be concerned about experiencing some discomfort during chemical peels, but don’t worry, the VI Peel is specially designed to minimize discomfort while also delivering real results. Now, let’s get into what to expect during a VI Peel chemical treatment: 

Preparation: Your aesthetician will clean your skin thoroughly to remove any makeup, oils, or impurities. A prepping solution is then applied to degrease the skin and ensure optimal penetration of the chemical peel solution.

Application: The VI Peel solution is applied evenly to the skin using a gentle swabbing technique. This first layer penetrates the skin's surface cells and you may experience some mild tingling or numbness during this phase. The peel stays on your skin for a certain time decided by your aesthetician, based on how your skin is doing and what you can handle. Then, the process is repeated with a second layer which goes deeper in the dermis to remove dead skin cells and toxins.

Sensation: When we put on the peel, you might feel a little tingle or warmth on your skin. It usually goes away quickly - though those with sensitive skin might experience a mild to moderate burning or tingling sensation. Our aestheticians are also armed with handheld fans which you can use through the treatment to make you more comfortable!

Neutralization: Then, the peel is neutralized with a post-peel towelette or solution to stop the chemical reaction on the skin. You will leave our medical spa with the chemical peel solution still on your face - this is designed to stay on for 4-6 hours after application. During this time, your skin may appear tan, red, or yellow; this will dissipate once you wash your face.

Post-Peel Care: Your aesthetician will give you thorough post-peel instructions and some products to take home to soothe your skin and maximize your results.

The Aftercare and Recovery:

Day 1:

• Don't wash, touch, apply makeup, or sunscreen for at least 4-6 hours while the peel is still on. If you feel itchy or irritated before this time, gently wash with a mild cleanser and water. Don't rub with anything rough like a sponge or washcloth. You can always take Benadryl if needed!

• After 4-6 hours, cleanse with a mild cleanser using your hands only. Dry your skin well. Apply one of the post-peel retinol towelettes to the peeled area 30-45 minutes after cleansing, ensuring your skin is completely dry. Let the product absorb into your skin for at least an hour before bedtime.

• If your skin feels very dry or slightly stingy after using the towelette, you can use the Vi Derm Moisturizer provided. If necessary, apply a thin layer of 1% or 2.5% hydrocortisone cream to relieve irritation or redness. 

Day 2:

• AM: Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser. Now, you can return to using sunscreen and/or makeup. However, be mindful of sun exposure because the peel makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight!

• PM: Wash the area with a mild cleanser and water using your hands only, making sure your skin is completely dry. Apply the second post-peel retinoid towelette to the peeled area at least 1 hour before bedtime to allow it to fully absorb.

Day 3 to 5:

• AM: Cleanse with a mild cleanser. Apply moisturizer if needed, followed by SPF before applying makeup. You can apply hydrocortisone cream if necessary.

• PM: Cleanse with a mild cleanser and moisturize with the VI moisturizer.

• You'll likely start to see the skin peeling, beginning around the mouth and then spreading to other treated areas. If you don’t experience peeling - yes- it’s still working!

• It’s very important to avoid picking at the skin, which can lead to redness, irritation, and hyperpigmentation.

Day 6 and Beyond:

• You can resume your regular skincare routine! If your skin is still sensitive, red, or irritated, wait until these symptoms subside before using active ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

If you’re looking to correct any skin concerns, we recommend a series of 3 peels about 4-6 weeks apart. From there, you can maintain 2x/year! If you are seeking a chemical peel for preventative antiaging, doing them twice per year works great. 

How Long Do VI Chemical Peel Results Last?

Chemical peels help stimulate collagen and elastin, which provides long-term benefits for your skin! The peak of your results from chemical peels generally last around 3 to 4 months. Patients can prolong the results of their treatment by wearing SPF and staying out of the sun! 

Whether you're interested in chemical peels, Botox/Dysport, filler, skin lasers, or want to learn more about our Defy Monthly Facial Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the pricetag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon!