Chemical peels have long been known as significant skin transformers, and the VI Peel, a specific type of chemical peel, is no different. Unique in its approach and far more targeted than your typical chemical peel, a VI Peel contains various skincare acids to treat skin concerns with a gentle resurfacing effect. So many people wonder just what is a VI Peel, and once they experience it, there’s no looking back. Below, we share everything there is to know about the beloved VI Peel and why you should make it a staple in your skincare routine.
What is a VI Peel?
A VI (Vitality Institute) Peel is a unique type of specialized chemical peel that can improve the symptoms of aging, oily, acneic, and sun-damaged skin. VI Peels consist of trichloroacetic, salicylic, and phenolic acids. Chemical peels, like the VI Peel, can reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, acne and acne scars, enlarged, congested pores, discoloration and hyperpigmentation, and even redness.
There are six different types of VI Peels available to help improve various skin concerns, which include:
- VI Precision Plus for sun damage, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, and melasma
- VI Peel Purify to treat oily and acne-prone skin and acne scars along with clogged pores (also good for teen acne)
- VI Peel Advanced addresses lost elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles, and aging skin.
- VI Peel Original for early signs of aging, including rough skin texture and even more sensitive skin
- VI Peel Body to improve pigment and fine lines on the decollete, body acne, body scars, sagging skin, and stretch marks
Although every VI Peel differs slightly, the three main ingredients used in the treatment include trichloroacetic and salicylic acids along with phenol. This combination provides an exfoliating benefit to the skin while also helping to stimulate collagen.
How a VI Peel Works
No matter which version of the VI Peel is correct, the painless medium-depth treatment works across all skin types and tones, even more sensitive skin and darker skin tones, to provide fast results. After a skin consultation to determine that a VI Peel suits you, your aesthetician will select the correct formulation to address your needs.
The chemical peel is quick and painless, but you may feel a slight tingling as the acids are applied to the skin. The treatment will take about 30 minutes from start to finish and is then neutralized at the end. A few days later, the peeling will begin, signaling that the exfoliating acids are lifting away the damaged, dead skin cells, which will be replaced with fresh, new ones. It’s essential to let the skin peel and shed naturally and not pick or rip it off, which could cause scarring.
The trio of active ingredients in the VI Peel allows it to work its magic. By creating a safe and controlled injury in the skin, the peels increase collagen production and regenerate damaged skin cells for an exfoliating effect. Trichloroacetic acid helps soften fine lines, lifts away sun damage and discoloration, and improves the overall texture of the skin; salicylic acid can help alleviate acne symptoms and excess oil and lead to a more even skin tone and texture, and phenol can also improve signs of sun damage, acne, and hyperpigmentation and scarring. Other ingredients found in VI Peels include retinoic acid, vitamin C, and skin brighteners like kojic acid.
The Benefits of a VI Peel
Depending on your skin needs, a version of the VI Peel is available for you. While everyone has their reasons for choosing to get a VI Peel, the main benefits of the treatment include the following:
- Reducing acne and acne scars
- Smoothing skin texture
- Brightening dark patches and spots, including sun spots caused by UV exposure, hyperpigmentation, and even melasma
- Increasing collagen
- Decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Post VI-Peel Aftercare
To fully reap the benefits of a VI Peel, it’s important to follow all of the recommended post-care tips. Often, the skin is fragile after a chemical peel, so making sure to treat it with TLC will help nurse it back to health and allow the skin to heal properly.
Following a VI Peel, it’s essential to apply cool compresses to the skin if it feels hot. You’ll likely be instructed to apply an unscented emollient to the skin a few times a day to help speed up the healing process. Steer clear of using any harsh or fragranced skin care products as the skin sheds and heals, and protect the skin from the sun with sunscreen.
The skin will flake and shed as it recovers from a VI Peel. It’s important not to pick or peel the shedding skin, which can cause hyperpigmentation and scarring and allow it to fall off on its own.
The Results
The results of a VI Peel can vary depending on what you initially have the treatment done to address. Most people who opt for a VI Peel notice a drastic improvement in pigment, fewer breakouts, and fewer visible lines and wrinkles. To keep your skin looking good after a peel, you must repeat the treatment to maintain the results. You’ll also want to follow a well-rounded skincare routine so that your skin stays healthy for the long run.
