Back then, peels were considered to be offered to those with complicated skin conditions, such as severe acne scarring or discoloration of the skin. That’s why when people get told by their dermatologists to get a peel, they get afraid because they think peels are for worst-case scenarios. That is not true because peels are often recommended as a standard form of cosmetic treatment, like facials.
One of the peels commonly offered to patients is the VI peel. This might sound new and revolutionary in dermatological circles, but it offers many benefits to people, ultimately giving them flawless skin without any reservations at all. We know you’re already curious, so read on.
What is a VI Peel?
This VI peel is a basic and most common one used by professionals. It’s known as being the gentlest of all peels available. It’s often recommended as a first-time treatment or before something more complicated to those with just mild skin issues.
The VI Peel was created by Dr. Zein Obagi, who’s often hailed as one of the pioneers in skin technology. VI peel uses trichloroacetic acid, known for its anti-aging and exfoliating abilities. It was released first on the market back in 1995, but it wasn’t until 2009 when VI Peel got FDA clearance to become a medical product.
Since then, VI Peel has become a hot favorite among dermatologists because of the many benefits to patients, especially those who are just starting with peels or have no experience with chemical peels whatsoever. VI Peel is known for its gentleness, making it the safest one to use.
What Can VI Peels Do?
VI peel is usually used to solve the following skin problems:
Wrinkles. Especially on forehead lines, VI Peel can lessen or erase them altogether.
Hyperpigmentation. VI Peel offers a solution to those with dark spots caused by sun damage. They can also use it to fade out post-acne marks too. With VI Peel, you don’t have to worry about that awful-looking acne mark ever again.
Fine lines. This VI peel is highly recommended for people dealing with fine lines around their eyes and mouth areas. That’s because it helps revitalize skin cells in that area to make skin look smoother and younger than before.
Dryness. VI peel is known for its moisturizing effect that makes skin look plump and fresh.
VI Peel works for everyone to erase or diminish signs of aging, acne scars, or discoloration all over the skin. It’s not the kind of peel that erases everything in one go, though. Instead, VI Peel is known for its slow, gentle effects comparable to other cheaper alternatives like microdermabrasion or scrubs.
Despite its gentleness, though, VI peel can be effective if you get it done by an experienced professional who knows how to use VI Peel precisely for your needs. Incorrect usage can lead to complications like permanent redness or scarring on your face, so always be careful when getting VI peels.
That said, never attempt VI peel at home. VI Peel should only be used by professionals, like those working for VI Peel centers or dermatologists. You can also check VI peel reviews to see which VI peel clinics are worth trying out in your area.
How Does a VI Peel Work?
As mentioned, you should always get your VI peels done with a professional rather than doing it on your own because it can lead to serious side effects. A VI peel session usually lasts for an hour to an hour and a half, and it is always done in your dermatologist’s office or aesthetic clinic.
First, your dermatologist will clean your face, and then they’ll apply a chemical agent to your face using a cotton stick or gauze.
The next step is where the magic happens: you’ll be exposed under a special light for about fifteen minutes so the peel can work its way onto your skin. After this, VI Peel is removed with an activated charcoal solution, and lastly, moisturizer and sunblock are applied on your face as usual.
After that, you’ll have to wait for up to three or four days before you see your skin start looking more even and glowing.
What are the Benefits of VI Peels?
There are many benefits to getting VI peels. Here are just some of them:
Fast results. Some people who’ve undergone VI Peel can see visible changes on their faces as early as after the first session itself, and it only gets better from there.
Long-term benefits. Since VI peels work gently, you don’t have to worry about side effects or long recovery times. Instead, you’ll get more benefits in terms of your skin condition with each consecutive peel that you undergo.
Affordable prices. Unlike laser treatments which are quite costly, most clinics offer reasonably priced peels that most people can afford without too many repercussions.
Superior safety profile. While lasers aren’t exactly known for having the safest profile, VI peels are pretty safe to undergo. Of course, you should always do your research on any peel first before you try it out so you’ll know what to expect beforehand.
No surgery or downtime. Unlike invasive cosmetic surgeries that can leave permanent scars and require a long recovery time, VI Peels only need about an hour of your time and don’t require any expensive surgery whatsoever.
There is no such thing as a perfect solution for everyone’s skin needs—except when it comes to getting a VI Peel done, which does work for almost anyone who wants to get rid of their imperfections and say goodbye once and for all.
What are the Side Effects of VI Peels?
Even though VI Peel works slowly, some side effects are possible. Some side effects may include redness or darkening of treated areas that can last from a few days up to two weeks. Other possible side effects are itching, swelling, blistering, crusting, scabbing, pain at the targeted area, dryness, and a temporary stinging sensation right after treatment.
People with darker skin tones can expect their pigmentation to become more pronounced for months after getting it done. People using any medications need to inform their dermatologist first before undergoing any skin peel.
People who use topical or oral acne medication on their face should stop doing so at least two weeks before getting a VI Peel done.
People with the following conditions must make sure they inform their dermatologist on what current medications they’re taking before even considering getting a VI Peel:
- Using tretinoin, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)
- Taking antibiotics
- Having allergies to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Taking oral steroids
- Taking isotretinoin for acne
- Treatment with photodynamic therapy
If you have any eye problems, be sure to let your dermatologist know because it can affect vision. Also, tell your doctor if you have a previous history of herpetic eruptions (to include herpes labialis, herpes zoster, and herpetic whitlow) as this can lead to a reactivation of the virus.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn’t get any VI peel done until after your childbearing years are over, and you’ve weaned your baby off completely. The same holds if you’re planning to have children soon as well. People with autoimmune conditions such as lupus erythematosus should also avoid skin peels altogether because they might complicate their disease condition.
People who suffer from rosacea must stay away from all kinds of facial peels for the time being because it will only worsen their condition rather than improve it.
If you’re taking isotretinoin for cystic acne, make sure you finish your treatment course first before undergoing any skin peel.
What are the Risks Involved?
The risks involved in getting a VI Peel done are pretty much nonexistent if your dermatologist is a professional who knows how to administer the right chemical peel solution on your face. Make sure you choose a board-certified dermatologist with at least five years of experience administering peels and other advanced skincare treatments.
Other possible risks that can occur when having a VI Peel done include:
- Burns from too strong of a chemical peel solution applied to the skin.
- Burns from laser resurfacing reactions Infections from deep chemical peels due to improperly prepared skin
- An increased chance for developing skin cancer if you have a history of having had more than five facial resurfacing procedures done already
People with darker skin types also face a higher risk of poor or negative results, as well as possible side effects that you can’t avoid. As always, consult a doctor before undergoing VI peels because they are the ones who know it better.
Final Thoughts
They are one of the best ways to rejuvenate your skin without having to go through expensive and painful procedures. If administered by a qualified dermatologist, VI peels can provide you with amazing results – brighter, smoother, and younger-looking skin – that last for months. Make sure you take all the necessary precautions before undergoing any peel, and always consult your doctor first.
Truth Med Spa knows how you want to have that youthful glow, so they ensure that you get the best VI peels that you can have from them. Their team of experts knows how to handle different situations, so you are sure to be in good hands. If you want to take it to the next level, you can also avail yourself of their other cosmetic treatments to achieve the best for you. Never hide behind the veil with Truth Med Spa’s experts.