Chemical peels are a popular treatment for skin resurfacing. They remove the damaged outer layer of skin, revealing new, healthy skin underneath.

A chemical peel procedure involves applying a chemical solution to the skin and allowing it to work for a set amount of time. Then, the solution is washed off and the skin is treated with an agent that helps promote healing and recovery.

The cost of a vi peel will depend on factors such as your location and the type of treatment you need. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600-$1,000 for a single treatment. If you need more than one treatment, then this cost can increase substantially.

How much is a vi chemical peel

For most of my adult life, my skin has been breakout-free thanks to a combo of birth control pills and spironolactone. Then I quit both last fall and shit hit the fan. Despite my derm-approved skincare routine, the area around my nose became peppered with blackheads and my chin and jawline covered in cystic zits and resulting acne scars. I clearly needed something else to more effectively target my breakouts and hyperpigmentation, so I decided to book myself a VI Peel—a professional chemical peel that’s designed to treat both.

Keep reading for my full VI peel review for acne—plus everything you need to know about the VI peel, including how it works, what it costs, the recovery time, and more.

What is a VI Peel?

The VI Peel from Vitality Institute is a medium-depth chemical peel that’s administered by a licensed professional either in a medspa or doctor’s office. There are six different types of VI peels, each with their own benefits, but in general these peels utilize a combo of TCA, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, and phenol to exfoliate the top layers of the skin and reveal the smoother, brighter, and less damaged layers of skin underneath, says medical aesthetician Zsamieka Gammon at Ever/Body, where I booked my VI Peel treatment.

What are the benefits of a VI Peel?

Depending on the type of VI Peel you get, the treatment can be fantastic at smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing acne and acne scarring, improving skin texture, and fading hyperpigmentation (like melasma or sun spots) caused by UV damage and inflammation, says Gammon.

After my practitioner assessed my skin and I filled her in on my current situation, we decided that the VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus was the best option for me. It’s the VI Peel with the best benefits anyone with adult acne (🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️) thanks to a dose of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (together, they help reduce acne-causing bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum on the skin) and brightening ingredients that regulate melanin production to help fade stubborn acne scars and marks

How long do the VI Peel results last?

The results of a VI Peel can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Ultimately, the longevity of your results will depend on how well you take of your skin post-treatment. That means cleansing, moisturizing, and wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or more everyday. Lifestyle factors—like smoking, excessive drinking and sugar consumption, and lack of sleep—will also impact your results, so the better you are to your body, the better your VI Peel results will be.

What does a VI Peel cost?

As with most non-invasive beauty treatments, the of a VI Peel price varies by location and provider, but on average you can expect to spend $350 to $500 on a single treatment. Your provider may suggest a series of peels—like three or four spaced a month apart—for best results, so definitely keep that in mind when considering the cost too.

My experience with the VI Peel:

The day of the peel:

I arrived to my appointment with clean skin and not having used any actives on my face for three days prior. After talking me through the treatment, my provider prepped my skin with an alcohol wipe and then began applying the peel in layers. After each layer was applied, my skin started to look more and more orange—which is totally normal. I experienced a very slight tingling sensation as each layer of the peel was applied, but it wasn’t painful at all.

About 10 minutes later, once all the layers of the peel were applied, I was done. The peel is self-neutralizing, so four hours after application you simply wash it off and home and begin using the VI Peel at-home care kit. Using the at-home care kit—which includes post-peel towelettes, soothing hydrocortisone cream, and a face sunscreen with SPF 50— and following the instructions to a T is crucial for the best result.

The day after the peel:

My skin looked kinda shiny and felt weirdly dry and tight, but nothing major to report. I used the at-home care kit as instructed (hydrocortisone cream and SPF in the day and post-peel towelettes and night) and opted to not wear any foundation or face makeup, even though technically it’s allowed.

Three and four days after the peel:

On day three, I woke up with flakes and peely skin on my chin and around my mouth. I was told by my provider it was crucial not to pick or remove any of the dead skin prematurely (it can cause hyperpigmentation and scarring), so I tapped on more of the hydrocortisone cream and avoided any mirrors until the evening. By nighttime, my face was fully shedding. I’m not going to lie it was totally gross—like Baby Foot but if you did it on your face.

Day four was equally gross. My skin was super peely and putting makeup on top made it look worse, so I just left my skin bare and let it do it’s thing. And even though I was told not to touch my face, I couldn’t help myself by the end of day four.

I used cuticle nippers to delicately clip—not rip!—the edges of dead skin that were lifting off my face and then patted more hydrocortisone cream on top. I imagine most medical professionals would scoff at this, but (1) it worked without causing skin trauma, and (2) I was meeting friends for dinner that night and refused to go out with chunks of dead skin hanging from my face.

Five days after the peel:

On day five, I woke up and my skin was nearly back to normal. There were some tiny dry patches around my brows and hairline, but the major flaking was done and my skin was starting to look super glowy and smooth—especially on my cheeks and forehead. The big breakouts and inflammation around my nose were way less noticeable, but I did have a little bit of purging around my chin, which my provider said is normal post-treatment.

Each day my skin continued to improve and one full week after my peel, I was super happy with the results. My skin was clearer, my acne scars had faded, my pores looked smaller, and overall, my skin had a really nice glow. Totally worth the 2.5 days of unsightly peeling IMO.

Is the VI Peel worth it?

Based on my experience, the VI Peel is absolutely worth trying—especially if you’re dealing with stubborn skin issues—like acne or hyperpigmentation—that aren’t responding to at-home options. The downtime is really minimal compared to other non-invasive treatments (like Fraxel or microneedling)—plus the treatment itself is really quick (I was in and out in 25 minutes) and it’s totally painless too.

Is a VI Peel a permanent fix for acne, or any skin issue? No—but very few things are. Did it clear up my breakouts for a few weeks and significantly reduce my acne scarring? Absolutely—which was a major benefit for me.

How Does a VI Peel Work?

What is a VI Peel?

A VI Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel that penetrates your top layer of skin, called the epidermis, reaching into the dermis underneath. It uses a product trademarked by Vitality Institute Medical Products.

Like other chemical peels, a VI Peel works by exfoliating your skin and stimulating the production of new proteins. The procedure is commonly used to treat signs of aging, improve skin texture, and correct pigmentary issues.

The product used in VI Peels is made up of a blend of ingredients that include:

• trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (10 to 12 percent)
• phenol (10 to 12 percent)
• salicylic acid (10 to 12 percent)
• vitamin C (4 percent)
• tretinoin (0.1 to 0.4 percent)

VI Peels are gentle enough that they can safely be used on your face, chest, eyelids, hands, and back. According to the Vitality Institute, this type of peel can be used on all skin types and tones.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about a VI Peel facial, including how it works, safety information, and potential benefits.

VI Peel benefits

A VI Peel offers benefits similar to those of other light to medium chemical peels. Let’s look at some of the most common conditions it’s used to treat.

Fine lines and wrinkles

Chemicals peels break down your top layers of skin cells. This breakdown can stimulate your body’s natural healing process and the production of new collagen and elastin.

Collagen and elastin are the two key proteins that give your skin its structure and elasticityTrusted Source. Loss of these proteins contributes to the formation of wrinkles.

VI Peels and other superficial to medium-depth chemical peels aren’t effective for removing deep wrinkles or sagging skin.

Treating sun spots and discoloration

Chemical peels can potentially help you lighten areas of skin darkened by sun damage or skin conditions like melasmaTrusted Source.

One of the key ingredients in VI Peels is phenol. Phenol is one of the most effectiveTrusted Source ingredients used in chemical peels for treating freckles and discoloration.

Treating keratosis pilaris

Some of the active ingredients in a VI Peel, such as salicylic acidTrusted Source, may help break down bumps caused by keratosis pilaris (chicken skin).

Keratosis pilaris is a common condition in which dead skin cells clog hair follicles and produce bumps that resemble the skin of a plucked chicken.

Does VI Peel treat acne?

A VI Peel and other light to medium chemical peels are often used to improve acne. A 2018 review of studiesTrusted Source concluded that chemical peels are generally well tolerated and potentially effective, but more research is needed to see how to best use chemical peels for acne treatment.

Chemical peelsTrusted Source can treat acne in a number of ways, including:

• reducing oil production
• killing bacteria
• reducing inflammation
• breaking down your outer layer of skin
• reducing your number of clogged pores

Salicylic acid, one of the key ingredients in a VI Peel, is also one of the best Trusted Sourcetreatments for acne scars.

VI Peel side effects and precautions

VI Peels are generally well tolerated. However, some people may experience side effects, such as:

• burning pain
• skin discoloration
• swelling
• blistering
• itchiness
• allergic reaction
• infection
• dry skin
• inflammation
• redness
• scarring

People with dark skinTrusted Source have the highest risk of developing skin discoloration after a chemical peel.

According to the Vitality Institute, VI Peels are suitable for all skin types and skin colors. However, if you have dark skin it’s still a good idea to get a consultation before your procedure to learn how best to avoid complications.

Pregnancy, estrogen use, and excessive sun exposure after your procedure are risk factors for developing dark spotsTrusted Source after a chemical peel.

Is a VI Peel safe during pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak with a doctor before getting a VI peel. Due to a lack of research, chemical peels that contain TCA or salicylic acid are not recommended while pregnant.

How does a VI Peel treatment work?

A VI Peel only takes about 30 minutes and is usually painless. It uses a blend of ingredients to break down your top layer of skin and reveal healthy skin underneath.

Your exact procedure may differ slightly, but here’s what you can generally expect:

1. The practitioner will cleanse your skin to remove dirt and oil.
2. They will then apply the VI Peel solution in two layers.
3. You may experience some numbness or tingling once the first layer is applied.
4. Once the second layer is applied, your skin will “frost,” or turn white.
5. About 4 to 6 hours later, you’ll wash off the peel.
6. Your skin will start peeling about 3 days after the procedure.

VI Peel before and after pictures

VI Peel results can vary, but here’s an example of what you can expect after the procedure.

VI Peel aftercare

About 4 to 6 hours after your procedure, and at least an hour before bed, you should wash off the peel using a mild cleanser and water. Your skin will likely start to peel 3 days after treatment.

You can take care of your skin after your procedure by:

• avoiding applying any creams or lotions until you wash off your peel
• applying the “Post Peel Protectant” given to you after your procedure two to four times per day
• applying moisturizer frequently until you’re done peeling
• avoiding direct sunlight when your skin is peeling and making sure you wear sunscreen whenever you go outside

How often should you get a VI Peel?

The frequency that you should get a VI Peel depends on your budget and the specific skin condition you’re trying to treat.

Wait at least 4 to 6 weeks between treatments to see continuous results.

VI Peel costs

The cost of a VI Peel can range widely depending on factors such as where you live, the clinic you visit, and who performs the procedure.

One clinic in Las Vegas ballparks the average cost of a VI Peel as between $150 and $400, while a clinic in Houston lists the general price of a VI Peel as between $300 and $450.

Your insurance will not cover a VI Peel since it’s considered a cosmetic procedure. Some clinics may offer discounts for buying a package of treatments.

VI Peel vs. similar treatments

A VI Peel can be a stand-alone treatment or combined with other skin treatment methods. Many skin care procedures offer similar benefits. You may want to experiment with different procedures until you find one that works for you.

Some other common procedures include:

• HydraFacial. A HydraFacial is a patented technique that exfoliates and hydrates your skin while infusing it with a serum.
• Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion uses an applicator with a rough tip to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin.
• Jet Peel. A Jet Peel uses air pressure to cleanse your pores and infuse them with serums.
• Radiofrequency (RF) therapy. RF therapy uses energy waves to heat the deep layers of your skin and promote the production of collagen.
• Dermalinfusion. Dermalinfusion is a similar technique to HydraFacial. It uses a diamond-tip wand to exfoliate your skin and infuse it with serums.

Here’s a look at how these techniques compare:

Takeaway

A VI Peel is a moderate-depth chemical peel that may improve your skin texture and improve signs of aging. It uses a blend of ingredients that include salicylic acid, TCA, and phenol.

You can get a VI Peel as frequently as every 4 to 6 weeks, and it can be used on all skin types. For the best results, follow the aftercare instructions your provider gives you.