What Is A VI Peel? Everything You Need To Know!
As summer starts to wind down it’s time to begin thinking about clearing up the evidence that’s been left behind on your skin. With less time outdoors, a medium depth peel is a great way to jump start the skin’s rejuvenation process. VI Peel is one of our favorites at Aesthetics by Design.
In general, chemical peels accelerate the skin’s natural cellular turnover to refine overall texture, help resolve breakouts, soften fine lines and improve pigmentation issues through a controlled injury. A chemical, or blend of chemicals, is applied to the skin in an even application and left for a specific amount of time to garner these desired results. The active ingredients loosen the bonds holding the old cells together allowing them to slough off. When skin is removed from the surface, new healthier cells take their place. Medium depth peels do have more downtime but more dramatic outcomes. VI Peel is a blended product that includes TCA, phenol, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and retinoic acid in precise concentrations. If acne or hyperpigmentation is a concern, there are additional boosters that can be added for those issues.
Unlike some other types of peels, VI is quite comfortable during the application. Stinging and itching is almost non-existent. One thing you should know is that once the peel is applied it needs to stay on for four hours as it self-neutralizes. In that time you’ll look like you have poorly applied self-tanner on because the peel solution is an orange-y color. Flaking typically begins 24 to 48 hours after the initial application and usually starts around the mouth. The forehead and the neck are the last places to peel. Everyone experiences a different degree of peeling from mild flaking that looks like normal dry skin to a full on sheeting peel. The treatment is working regardless of how vigorously you visibly peel.
The week following the peel is all about being gentle with your skin and using the post-treatment towelettes in the first 48 hours of the peel application. These enhance your overall treatment. It’s super important to keep working in the solution on the entire treated area until the towelette is dry. If they cause some irritation or itching you can apply the Post Treatment Repair Cream 10 minutes after. Personally, the first few days after I get the peel I usually have a little buyer’s remorse because I look worse than when I started but once the process is finished I LOVE the results.
In a perfect world a patient would have two of these peels four to six weeks apart for the best results. There are a few contraindications though. Pregnant and nursing women cannot have this peel along with anyone undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments within the past six months. If you have an aspirin allergy or are allergic to any of the active ingredients it’s a no-go for you too. If you’re prone to cold sores it’s advised to start on an antiviral medication, like Valtrex, prior to your appointment.
The VI Peel is a wonderful chemical peel to start improving your general skin health but with the additional additives, has the ability to hone in on more specific concerns. With summer starting to wrap up in Colorado, now is a good time to start thinking ahead about more intense treatments. Sun protection is still very important post-peel even if you do it in the dead of winter. Please call Aesthetics by Design in Englewood, Colorado to set up your treatment appointment at 303-866-0180.