How Does a VI Peel Work?

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. According to the Vitality Institute, this type of peel can be used on all skin types and tones.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about a VI Peel facial, including how it works, safety information, and potential 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. Loss of these proteins contributes to the formation of wrinkles.

VI Peels and other superficial to medium-depth chemical peels aren’t effective for removing deep wrinkles or sagging skin.

Treating sun spots and discoloration

Chemical peels can potentially 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. A 2018 review of studies concluded that chemical peels are generally well tolerated and potentially effective, but more research is needed to see how to best use chemical peels for acne treatment.

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 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

People with dark skin have the highest risk of developing skin discoloration after a chemical peel.

According to the Vitality Institute, VI Peels are suitable for all skin types and skin colors. However, if you have dark skin it’s still a good idea to get a consultation before your procedure to learn how best to avoid complications.

Pregnancy, estrogen use, and excessive sun exposure after your procedure are risk factors for developing dark spots after a chemical peel.

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.

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:

1. The practitioner will cleanse your skin to remove dirt and oil.
2. They will then apply the VI Peel solution in two layers.
3. You may experience some numbness or tingling once the first layer is applied.
4. Once the second layer is applied, your skin will “frost,” or turn white.
5. About 4 to 6 hours later, you’ll wash off the peel.
6. Your skin will start peeling about 3 days after the procedure.

VI Peel results can vary, but here’s an example of what you can expect after the procedure.

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 making sure you wear sunscreen whenever you go outside

The frequency that you should get a VI Peel depends on your budget and the specific skin condition you’re trying to treat.

Wait at least 4 to 6 weeks between treatments to see continuous results.

The cost of a VI Peel can range widely depending on factors such as where you live, the clinic you visit, and who performs the procedure.

One clinic in Las Vegas ballparks the average cost of a VI Peel as between $150 and $400, while a clinic in Houston lists the general price of a VI Peel as between $300 and $450.

Your insurance will not cover a VI Peel since it’s considered a cosmetic procedure. Some clinics may offer discounts for buying a package of treatments.

A VI Peel can be a stand-alone treatment or combined with other skin treatment methods. Many skin care procedures offer similar benefits. You may want to experiment with different procedures until you find one that works for you.

Some other common procedures include:

• HydraFacial. A HydraFacial is a patented technique that exfoliates and hydrates your skin while infusing it with a serum.
• Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion uses an applicator with a rough tip to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin.
• Jet Peel. A Jet Peel uses air pressure to cleanse your pores and infuse them with serums.
• Radiofrequency (RF) therapy. RF therapy uses energy waves to heat the deep layers of your skin and promote the production of collagen.
• Dermalinfusion. Dermalinfusion is a similar technique to HydraFacial. It uses a diamond-tip wand to exfoliate your skin and infuse it with serums.

Here’s a look at how these techniques compare:

A VI Peel is a moderate-depth chemical peel that may improve your skin texture and improve signs of aging. It uses a blend of ingredients that include salicylic acid, TCA, and phenol.

You can get a VI Peel as frequently as every 4 to 6 weeks, and it can be used on all skin types. For the best results, follow the aftercare instructions your provider gives you.