A variety of different Chemical Peels are available; although many require weeks of pretreatment, moderate discomfort, and a long recovery. The VI Peel®, however, can provide patients with the same dramatic results seen from deep Chemical Peels, without the pain or lengthy healing process. The VI Peel® contains a synergistic blend of powerful ingredients suitable for all skin types. This peel provides dramatic results with virtually no pain, no skin preparation and little downtime. It will improve the tone, texture and clarity of the skin; reduce or eliminate age spots, freckles, and hyper-pigmentation, including melasma; soften lines and wrinkles; clear acne skin conditions; reduce or eliminate acne scars; and stimulate the production of collagen, for firmer, more youthful skin. Vi Peel® also works well in conjunction with lasers, injectables and post procedure.
What are the VI Peel® ingredients?
The VI Peel® is a combination of several of the most effective medical peel agents:
TCA – Trichloroacetic Acid for penetration, deep scar healing, and collagen stimulation
Retin-A – acid derived from vitamin A to combat wrinkles
Salicylic Acid – this beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is an exfoliant;
Phenol – has antiseptic and anesthetic properties; aids in skin penetration;
Vitamin C – ascorbic acid has antioxidant and mild exfoliation properties
How many peels can you do and how far apart should they be done?
For most patients, peels should be done 3-4 times a year starting at puberty to repair sun damage that is already present, and to avoid permanent scarring for those affected by acne. The frequency of the peel depends on various factors, and will be determined by your esthetician. For extremely damaged skin, the VI Peel® can initially be done once a month to get quicker desired results.
How is the VI Peel® different from other peels?
Without exception, obsolete peels of the past epitomize the “no pain, no gain” approach to skin care. Before the VI Peel, the deeper the peel, the more painful, the more downtime, the better the results. The VI Peel is the first peel to combine the strongest and most effective acids, yet it’s virtually painless with little downtime.
How many treatments are required to show an improved look?
A single VI Peel® will achieve significant repair and add a healthy glow to the skin. Ideally, though, 3-4 peels a year are recommended. Some conditions like acne scars, pore enlargement and hyper pigmentation might require multiple applications. It is a restorative and painless repair of damaged skin, including sun damage and acne. The VI Peel’s® results will last as long as skin is maintained with an appropriate skin care regimen.
Does it burn?
Not really. You will feel a slight stinging sensation for a few seconds which subsides almost immediately. The peel is applied topically, and numbing of the skin takes place after the first pass of the VI Peel solution. Some patients may feel more comfortable using a fan.
How much will I peel?
The skin peeling associated with the VI Peel® is a light, fluffy peel that generally starts on day three and generally be finished by the end of day seven. The peeling is easily hidden by moisturizer. In some cases, the peel is virtually invisible. Patients using Tretinoin may experience heavier peeling. The peel can be modulated by your skin care provider to produce a deeper, more aggressive peel, if necessary, depending on your skin condition
What will I look like right after the VI Peel® and during the next few days?
The skin will look slightly tan, yellow or red immediately after the peel. On days one and two the skin will feel slightly tighter, with no visible signs of having had a peel. Any pigmented areas might appear slightly darker. On approximately day three, you will begin to peel. The first signs of peeling usually begin around the mouth area and continue for a day or two. With the use of the VI Derm™ Post Care Moisturizer (provided in your post peel kit) , you may go about your usual daily routine. By day six or day seven you will be done peeling and the results are dramatic! If a more aggressive peel, such as the VI Peel® with Precision, was performed, a secondary peel might occur around day seven.
What about normal activities after the VI Peel®?
There are no restrictions. We recommend avoiding heavy sweating for the first few days after the peel. Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the peel.
What will the VI Peel® do for my skin?
It tackles skin problems at the cellular level. Thanks to the concerted actions of its many acids and vitamins, it will reduce fine lines and wrinkles, help enlarged pores and build collagen and elastin which help tighten skin. It is extremely effective in reducing or eliminating hyper pigmentation including melasma, the most difficult pigmentation issue to correct. The VI Peel® also provides excellent results for acne.
How many peels are needed?
The VI Peel may be repeated as often as every four to six weeks initially, if necessary, for damaged skin and problematic skin. Our recommendation for maintenance of average skin would be once every three months to prevent damage and aging of the skin. Your skin care professional will evaluate your skin, as well as your goals and expectations and make an appropriate recommendation for ongoing skin care
Can I wear makeup after the VI Peel®?
While the long term goal is to eliminate the need for makeup, it may be worn at any time after the peel solution has dried completely (two hours or more post peel).
What about the hands or chest?
The VI Peel® is incredibly effective in removing sunspots from the hands, arms and chest and eliminating the wrinkles associated with sun damage on the décolletage. The peeling process is different and longer than for the face. Please ask your provider for more information.
What kind of final results will I see after a single VI Peel®?
It takes about four days after you finish peeling for the skin to return to its normal PH and to see the final effects. The skin will look luminous and glowing. Hyper pigmentation will be improved or eliminated, depending on the amount of damage. Tone and texture will be improved for a more youthful, radiant appearance.
Does the VI Peel® make the skin thinner?
No. By sloughing off the old skin and forcing the body to recreate new skin at a faster rate in a sequence faster than its own rate, the skin actually thickens, stimulating the underlying structure to make more collagen and elastin.
Will my skin be more sensitive after the VI Peel®?
The skin will be more sensitive during the peeling process itself. You may experience up to four days of sensitivity until PH of the skin is replenish
Will the VI Peel® tighten neck skin?
The skin on the neck responds well. The VI Peel® has proven to help improve texture and quality with gradual softening of the lines and some tightening effects. The peeling process and results are different from the face.
What other areas can the VI Peel® be performed on?
The neck, arms, hands and chest all respond well to a VI Peel®. For additional areas you are considering, please contact your physician.
Can I go in the sun after the VI Peel®?
Sun exposure should be limited and Sunscreen should be used liberally. However, the VI Peel® was created to be practical. The only days where exposure to the sun should be seriously avoided are days three and four, when the skin is peeling, to avoid uneven exposure. After that, you can enjoy moderate sun exposure, continuing regular skin care maintenance and daily sun protection.
What about exercise after the VI Peel®?
Again, the VI Peel® was created to be practical. The solution must be left on the skin for four hours prior to exercising, washing it off immediately before commencing exercise. Its best to avoid heavy sweating for the first few days after the peel.
Can cold sore sufferers have a VI Peel®?
Of course. In some cases, the physician may recommend pre-medication prior to the peel. If you break out with a sudden cold sore the day of the peel, often the VI Peel® will eliminate the sore and medication may be started concomitantly.