When Should I Get a VI Peel?

A chemical peel is an innovative cosmetic treatment that can transform your complexion by removing the top layers of your skin. 

Your skin goes through a lot and can start to lose that youthful glow due to its constant exposure to the sun’s damaging rays and pollution in the environment. In addition, as you age, your skin’s collagen and elastin stores naturally decrease, which can leave it looking dull, thin, and saggy. 

When you’re unhappy with the look of your complexion, a chemical peel is a great treatment option that’s minimally invasive but still effective.

At Thomas Dermatology, located in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and Lake Havasu City, Kingman, and Bullhead City, Arizona, our team of dermatologists offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments to address your skin concerns, including chemical peels. 

Chemical peels come in a variety of types, and a popular option that works for a range of skin types and issues is called a VI peel. In this month’s blog, we discuss how VI peels work and when to consider getting one to rejuvenate your skin. 

How does a VI peel work?

Chemical peels use an exfoliating solution containing acid to remove layers of your skin. Removing damaged and dead skin cells allows the beautiful, fresh layer of skin underneath to reveal itself, transforming how your skin looks. 

The VI peel is a medium-depth chemical peel, meaning that it removes the outermost layer of your skin, and even some of the middle layer as well. The solution in the VI peel can contain different types of acid depending on your specific skin concerns, but common ingredients include trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol, salicylic acid, tretinoin, and vitamin C.

The chemical solution penetrates your skin, and the acidic ingredients damage the skin cells, causing them to start peeling off. The ingredients used in a VI peel not only encourage the damage and removal of old skin, but they also stimulate collagen production to improve the look and texture of the new skin layer. 

Is a VI peel right for you?

A huge benefit of VI peels is that they can address a wide range of skin concerns. You may want to consider getting a VI peel to effectively correct any of the following: 

• Age and sun spots
• Dull and textured skin
• Hyperpigmentation
• Acne and acne scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Enlarged pores
• Rosacea

Many types of chemical peels aren’t suitable for those with darker skin or anyone prone to scar formation. However, VI peels are much safer when it comes to these specific concerns. If you’re still hesitant or worried about dark spots and scarring, our team can discuss how we work with you to mitigate those risks. 

What to expect from your VI peel

To prepare for your VI peel, avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for two weeks and stop all use of retinoids for one week before your procedure. To undergo a chemical peel, the area we’re treating can’t have any open sores or infections. If you do have either of those things, you can reschedule your session for when your skin is clear again. 

Our team starts your VI peel by thoroughly cleansing your skin. We then apply two layers of the chemical solution. As we apply the exfoliant and it begins to penetrate your skin, you may experience some tingling and numbness. 

Once we finish applying the solution, we send you home, where you wait up to six hours before washing off the peel ingredients. Over the next few days, your skin will begin peeling. 

As your skin is peeling, make sure to apply moisturizers and non-scented emollients to your skin several times a day to help the healing process. Your skin will likely be red and peeling for several days as it heals, but avoid wearing makeup or concealer as much as you can. Keeping your skin protected from the sun is also key during the recovery process. 

To learn if a VI peel might be right for you, schedule a consultation with our team by calling your nearest office location or using our online booking feature today.