WHAT IS A VI PEEL? | COMPLETE GUIDE


A V.I.P. (very important peel) – The Vi Peel

WHAT IS A VI PEEL? EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW.

If you are wondering why the Vi peel® is such a sought after beauty treatment, and how it can help improve your skin, please keep reading on.

It is one of the most specifically requested chemical peels. What is a Vi Peel? Why do so many people love them? Is it right for you?

VI PEEL HISTORY

The Vi Peel was one of the first chemical peel brands to promote itself as being safe in patients of all skin types – meaning patients with both light and dark skin.

Prior to then, even many experts told people of color that they could not enjoy the benefits of chemical peels because it was assumed that they would always develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks or blemishes). The Vi Peel, however, was specifically promoted as not only being safe in patients with darker skin, but more effective in this population because of its superior results in treating hyperpigmentation, which affects people with skin of color more. Thus, establishing that it was safe and effective in people with both light and dark skin, it developed a reputation as being an excellent option for everyone wanting the benefits of a chemical peel. It also delivered excellent results, with minimal social downtime, in just one week.

VI PEEL BENEFITS

Perhaps the main reason that the Vi peel is wildly popular is that, in addition to being safe for a wide variety of people, it is fast and effective for a wide variety of problems:

FOR BEAUTIFUL, YOUNGER-LOOKING SKIN

Even if one does not have a specific skin problem, it is a great tool to improve one’s complexion as the exfoliation produces more beautiful, glowing skin. It can be done once or twice a year, in combination with daily sunscreen use and good skin care, as skin maintenance. It is a great rejuvenation treatment.

VI PEEL FOR ACNE

Chemical peels are effective as part of acne treatment. They are specifically useful for speeding up results. As acne is often a chronic problem, it works best when used in combination with other treatments. They also help for the hyperpigmentation and scarring that occur with acne lesions.

Learn more: Quality dermatology in NYC

VI PEEL FOR ACNE SCARS

Inflammation associated with acne can cause scarring. If the inflammation causes destruction of surrounding tissue, people with acne can develop depressed areas, holes, poc marks, or what is known as atrophic scarring. Stimulation of collagen production with peels help reduce the appearance of these types of acne scar. This is why Vi peels are sometimes used for acne scar treatment.

VI PEEL FOR POST INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION

Inflammation from acne, burns, or a number of other things that cause trauma to the skin can result in dark marks. Inflammation can stimulate melanocytes, the pigment cells in the skin, to increase production of melanin causing staining. This problem is more common in people with darker skin. The Vi Peel is a popular tool to address this issue.

VI PEEL BEFORE AND AFTER:

before vi peel
Before- When the Vi peel came to market it was unusual to see peels recommended for dark skin

after vi peel
Patient with dark skin after Vi peel- case from their original marketing

VI PEEL FOR MELASMA

Melasma is a chronic, complex, medical condition in which people, usually women, develop dark patches (hyperpigmentation), most commonly on the face. It is distinct from post inflammatory hyperpigmentation as it is not stimulated by trauma. Melasma is more common in people with dark skin. It is associated with pregnancy, birth control pills, and sun exposure. Because of its excellence in addressing hyperpigmentation, and its safety in dark skin, the Vi peel is an excellent tool in the treatment of melasma.

VI PEEL BEFORE AND AFTER:

Vi peel for melasma

FOR FRECKLES, FINE LINES AND SUN DAMAGE

Sun exposure can cause freckles fine lines and a rough texture to the skin. The exfoliation and stimulation of collagen production with chemical peels, such as the Vi Peel, can improve the appearance of sun damaged skin.

VI PEEL for body

The original Vi Peel formula is safe and effective for use on the body to treat wrinkles, age spots, freckles, acne scars, stretch marks and discoloration. A stronger version, Vi Peel Body, specifically formulated for use below neck is available. Peels with Vi Peel Body are longer treatments that take about 25 minutes.  The peeling start later, in about 1 week and is less intense than on the face.

VI PEEL RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

All treatments have potential risks, however, the Vi peel is a relatively safe treatment when performed by a licensed and trained professional on the right person. The risks with any peel are burn, infection, scar, discoloration, pain, itch, peeling and allergic reaction. Avoid getting a peel over infected or inflamed skin. Avoid waxing, pick, direct sun exposure or having other procedures during the week on is peeling. We do no recommend getting this procedure while you are pregnant or nursing.

WHAT IS IN THE VI PEEL?

The Vi Peel is a proprietary blend of the following ingredients: TCA or trichloroacetic acid 12%, tretinoic acid 0.1%, salicyclic acid 12%, phenol 12%, vitamin C, and a mineral blend. Phenol is an ingredient particularly effective for hyperpigmentation.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE TREATMENT?

If you are using any products that exfoliate such as a retinoid, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid, we recommedn that you stop using these products 3 days before. If you have any skin problems in the target area, such as seborrheic dermatitis, cold sores, scratches or eczema, make sure these conditions are under control before your treatment.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME?

If you work Monday – Friday, and don’t have social plans for the weekend, we recommend getting the procedure on Thursday or early in the day on Friday. The flaking usually takes about a week to complete, however, there are certain days we have found that people experience the most peeling:

  • When done on Thursday (day 1), we’ve found that patients tend to look good, or even better, on Thursday and Friday (day 2),
  • on Saturday (Vi Peel day 3) and Sunday (day 4) there is significant shedding.
  • By Monday ( day 5) most people are able to return to work with only minor peeling on Tuesday (day 6) and Wednesday (day 7).
  • It is best to avoid the procedure when you plan to be in strong sun.

POST CARE

There are some extra steps that must be followed at home to get excellent results. These include using the post peel towelets before bedtime. Follow the instructions in the kit. Here are some other general post peel care tips:

  • Do not rub, scrub or pick at the skin post peel. If you are peeling, then apply more moisturizer.
  • Use sunscreen in combination with the moisturizer when you are in direct sun.
  • No waxing of the hair in the treated area during the peeling period. It’s okay, however, to carefully thread, pluck or shave.
  • Once you start peeling, it is not worth it to apply make up (foundation) as it will peel off as you peel. Also, having to remove make up while the skin is sensitive may cause hyperpigmentation.

NO PEELING AFTER VI PEEL?

Chemical peels get their name as people expect to witness peeling of the skin after they’ve had the procedure. The amount of peeling usually depends on the type and strength of the peel. If there is no peeling after a Vi Peel, however, it may be due to failure to use the towelets as part of the post care. Peeling may vary, however, each time you get a peel. Sometimes, however, the peeling isn’t visible. Even without visible peeling, a peel can produce the benefits of clearing acne, reducing hyperpigmentation, improving the complexion, etc. If you frequently exfoliate sometimes there is reduced peeling.

VI PEEL COST

We currently charge $400. This price not only gets the service of performing this procedure, but it includes the kit which has all the products needed for post care including trade sizes of Vi Derm sunscreen and post treatment repair cream.

VI PEEL NEAR ME

Aglow Dermatology was one of the first offices to offer the ground-breaking Vi peel in New York City. Our office is one of the most experienced doing chemical peels on patients of all skin types. When you are looking for chemical peels, we are the choice destination in the Greater New York City metro area. Call 212-627-1004 or contact us here to schedule.

Read next:

Vintage Aglow Dermatology salicyclic acid peel video on YouTube!

“You need a peel like you need air. “

Aglow Dermatology

Dr

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