With all the amazing innovative technology of high-powered lasers, cutting-edge equipment, new devices, etc., it’s understandable that new tech may be stealing some of the consumer’s spotlight from chemical peels. And I use many high-tech devices in my practice because they deliver incredible results! However, chemical peels also deserve the hype because they are capable of peeling back time when it comes to your skin! Chemical peels are game-changers, especially when they play a regular role in your skincare routine.              

There is a variety of peel treatments available in terms of chemicals, classifications, and types to appropriately treat many popular skin concerns and issues. Acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, and uneven tone are specifically targeted for improvement through a series of peels over time. Chemical peels can be applied not only to the face, but also to the neck, décolleté, hands, and even all over the body. 

Patients experience a variety of results when it comes to peels, no matter their primary skin concern. Peels are multi-taskers, and the benefits of resurfacing the skin are significant. Patients begin to notice results in as little as a week! Chemical peel benefits include:

• Diminished lines and wrinkles
• Brighter, radiant complexion
• Balanced, even tone
• Smoother skin
• Clearer skin
• Tightened, firmer skin
• Glowing, new skin

Let’s detail the different types of peels, how they improve skin health, and the results you can expect to see in the mirror.

What are chemical peels and VI Peels?

Chemical peels and VI Peels are non-surgical cosmetic treatments that use chemical solutions to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. They resurface the skin to improve its overall quality. Due to many factors, including age and environment, dead skin cells may not fall off easily. This causes skin health issues like dull skin and acne scarring, sun damage, and other pigmentation to heal slowly.

Peels are customizable in terms of the specific skin issues being treated and which chemicals are used, and they can be considered light or superficial, medium, or deep depending on the number of layers of skin the peel penetrates and removes. Chemical peel treatments make our skin smoother, brighter, and more radiant.

Over-the-counter peels are easily accessible but are extremely limited in improving your skin’s health or appearance. Medical-grade skincare brands like skinbetter offer high-quality, effective peel pads that are a great option to use at home to complement in-office chemical peels or for those unable to visit a med spa. Several types of acid solutions can be used during the chemical peel process, whether getting a light, medium or deep peel: 

• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), like glycolic acid or lactic acid, mainly remain on the skin’s surface, allowing the superficial layer of skin to peel. 
• Beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), like salicylic, are well-known to effectively treat acne. 
• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is an aggressive acid that can reach deeper levels of the skin.
• Phenol or carbolic acid is a strong chemical used to penetrate the lower layers of skin in deep peels.

One type of peel that is extremely popular in the professional-grade aesthetics space is the VI Peel. VI Peels produce dramatic, lasting results that so many clients are searching for to address their skin concerns. They are painless yet highly effective, so let’s learn more about VI Peels. 

The Vitality Institute (hence the name VI Peel) developed several specially formulated medium-depth treatments designed to effectively treat many skin issues. Each peel is different, so I’ll describe each one, but they are all safe for every skin type and tone, and they improve pigmentation, sun damage, acne and acne scarring, and fine lines and wrinkles quickly. You’ll start seeing results in one week!

Let’s take a look at each of the VI Peels to see which one may be right for you.

          1. VI Peel Precision Plus

          2. VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus

This peel benefits anyone dealing with active acne, acne scarring, and pigmentation issues. It brightens and smooths the skin after removing dead skin cells and excess oil and purifies pores to help prevent future breakouts. Purify with Precision Plus works to minimize acne scars that tend to stick around long after the breakouts themselves, and it leaves the skin balanced and healthier.

• This chemical peel specifically targets:
• Excessive Oil
• Acne with Hyperpigmentation
• Acne Scarring
• Adult Acne

          3. VI Peel Purify

This treatment does many tasks, mainly to thoroughly clean the skin, including eliminating p. acnes bacteria. This peel is ideal for those with clogged pores, acne-prone skin, and excessive oiliness. Purify cleans house! It removes troublesome skin cells and debris caught in the skin to alleviate those concerns. Results include fresh, balanced, clearer skin.

This chemical peel specifically targets:

• Active Acne
• Break-out Prone Skin
• Oily and Congested Skin
• Teen Acne

          4. VI Peel Advanced

If you have more mature, sophisticated skin, this peel is perfect for you. It effectively treats volume loss, fine lines, and even deep-set wrinkles. This powerful treatment not only softens lines and tightens the skin, but also stimulates collagen production, which increases cell turnover.

This chemical peel specifically targets:

• Aging Skin (Ages 40+)
• Wrinkles
• Fine Lines
• Loss of Elasticity

          5. VI Peel Original
The Original Peel is a beneficial treatment for anyone looking for an all-around glow and skin rejuvenation. It’s versatile for everyone and is a great peel to try if you’ve never had a chemical peel before. Expect tighter, smoother, and renewed skin with this treatment.  

This chemical peel specifically targets:

• Sensitive Skin
• Early Signs of Aging
• Rough Texture

          6. Toxbooster Treatment

This treatment is combined with any VI Peels for an impactful combination treatment that effectively improves skincare concerns quickly and with two treatments in one! Patients receive both the VI Peel of their choice in addition to a Neurotoxin injectable to amplify the already-amazing benefits of a peel alone.

• This treatment specifically targets:
• Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Sun Damage and Pigmentation
• Uneven Tone and Texture
• Acne and Acne Scarring

          7. VI Peel Body

Many of us have skin issues and concerns that are not exclusive to our faces. Body treatments are safe for all skin types and areas of the body. This treatment stimulates collagen production to increase cellular turnover, which increases skin health and fights the appearance of aging. The results are radiant, glowing skin all over, not just on our faces!

This chemical peel specifically targets:

• Pigmentation and Fine Lines on the Décolleté
• Body Acne
• Scars from Acne, Surgeries, or Injuries
• Stretch Marks
• Sagging Skin

With any chemical peel or aesthetic procedure, your practitioner will go over details with you, but here are some general expectations following a medium-depth chemical peel.

• Some redness, flaking, and swelling are expected afterward for two days following the procedure. 
• Peeling of the skin is part of the process and is normal for a week to two weeks following a medium-depth peel.
• Avoid exposing your skin to sunlight until your skin is fully healed.
• Soak your skin and follow up with lotion, cream, and ointments daily.
• Avoid applying makeup during the healing process until your skin is healed.