Cosmetic Surgery Tips

PCA Chemical Peel Vs Vi Peel

Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic procedure that can significantly improve the look and feel of your skin. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with acne, pigmentation issues, wrinkles, fine lines, rough patches, scarring, or sun damage. By removing the top layer of skin, chemical peels reveal new, healthy skin underneath, resulting in a smoother and more radiant complexion.


One of the key ingredients used in chemical peels is glycolic acid, a naturally-occurring fruit acid that helps exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production. This process not only removes dead skin cells but also promotes skin cell turnover, leading to a more youthful appearance. There are various strengths of glycolic acid used in chemical peels, depending on the specific skin concerns being addressed.


Chemical peels can be performed by dermatologists, estheticians, or other skincare professionals in a clinical setting or spa environment. The procedure typically involves applying the chemical solution to the skin, allowing it to penetrate for a specific amount of time, and then neutralizing and removing the solution. The exact technique and products used may vary depending on the provider and the individual’s skin type and concerns.



Popular Products on Amazon for Chemical Peels:


























Glycolic Acid Peel 30%Check PriceLactic Acid Peel 40%Check PriceSalicylic Acid Peel 20%Check PriceTCA Peel 10%Check PriceMandelic Acid Peel 25%Check Price

What is a VI Peel?

A VI peel is a popular treatment that is known for its ability to rejuvenate the skin and give it a smoother texture and a radiant glow. This light chemical peel works by removing the damaged outer layers of skin, helping to reveal healthier, more youthful skin underneath.

One of the key features of the VI peel is that it combines a variety of effective peeling ingredients, including Phenol and TCA, with anti-aging ingredients such as retinol A and vitamin C. This combination of ingredients helps to not only exfoliate the skin, but also to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone and texture. Unlike some other chemical peels that can be harsh and irritating to the skin, the VI peel is designed to be gentle, making it suitable for all skin types.

The VI peel is a quick and painless treatment that can be done in the comfort of a medical spa or dermatologist’s office. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete, and most patients experience minimal discomfort during the treatment. After the peel is applied, the skin may appear slightly red or tight, but this is temporary and will fade within a few days.

One of the benefits of the VI peel is that there is little to no downtime associated with the treatment. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately after the peel, although it is important to protect the skin from the sun and follow post-peel care instructions to optimize results.

If you are interested in trying a VI peel, there are a variety of products available on Amazon that are designed to complement the treatment and help maintain the results. Some popular VI peel products include:

1. VI Derm Cleanser – This gentle cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin, preparing it for the peel treatment.
2. VI Derm SPF 50+ Sunscreen – This broad-spectrum sunscreen helps to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause damage and premature aging.
3. VI Derm Intense Hydration Serum – This hydrating serum is designed to help nourish and moisturize the skin after the peel, promoting healing and reducing irritation.

Overall, the VI peel is a highly effective treatment for improving skin texture and tone, and it can help to rejuvenate the skin and restore a youthful glow. If you are looking for a non-invasive way to achieve smoother, healthier skin, the VI peel may be the perfect option for you. With its combination of peeling and anti-aging ingredients, this treatment can provide game-changing results without the irritation often associated with other chemical peels.

What ingredients are in a VI Peel?

VI Peel is a popular cosmetic procedure that utilizes a unique blend of ingredients to safely remove damaged layers of the skin and promote a more youthful appearance. The key ingredients in VI Peel include TCA or trichloroacetic acid, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and vitamin C. These ingredients work together to exfoliate the skin and promote cellular turnover, resulting in smoother, firmer, and clearer skin.

In addition to the main ingredients, VI Peel may also contain other beneficial components depending on the specific formulation used. Some of these additional ingredients may include hydroquinone, kojic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and hydrocortisone. These ingredients can help to address specific skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, acne, and inflammation, making VI Peel a versatile treatment option for a wide range of skin types and conditions.

One of the key benefits of VI Peel is its ability to refine the surface layer of the skin, leading to improved texture and tone. By gently removing dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production, VI Peel can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. The result is a more radiant and youthful complexion that looks and feels rejuvenated.

For those interested in trying VI Peel at home, there are several popular products available on Amazon that offer similar benefits. Some of these products include chemical peels containing ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and fruit enzymes, which can help to exfoliate the skin and improve its overall appearance. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully when using at-home chemical peels to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Overall, VI Peel is a highly effective treatment option for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their skin. With its blend of powerful ingredients and proven results, VI Peel can help to rejuvenate and revitalize your complexion for a more youthful and radiant look. Consider incorporating VI Peel into your skincare routine to achieve smoother, firmer, and clearer skin today.

Product NameKey IngredientBenefits
Glycolic Acid PeelGlycolic AcidExfoliates and brightens skin
Lactic Acid PeelLactic AcidImproves texture and tone
Fruit Enzyme PeelFruit EnzymesGently exfoliates and smooths skin

Benefits of the VI Peel

VI peels are perfect for those looking for a painless pre-wedding treatment that will yield immediate results. Depending on your skin’s needs, there are several different versions of the VI peel to choose from. During your initial skin consultation, an esthetician can help you determine which one is the best match for you. “The VI peel helps to improve the tone, texture, and clarity of the skin while reducing age spots, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation,” Doft explains. “It also softens fine lines and acne scars while stimulating collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin.”

Benefits of each of the components of a VI Peel

Retinoic Acid – inhibits melanin (pigment) production and increases cell turnover and exfoliation.

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) – acts by boosting collagen and exfoliates the skin.

Salicylic Acid – acts to reduce the bacteria that cause acne by cleansing the pores, reducing inflammation.

Phenol – numbs the skin to allow for a pain free chemical peel application. 

Ascorbic Acid – a powerful antioxidant that reverses free radicals, evens skin tone and helps prevent future damage. 

Hydroquinone -helps to reduce pigment helping to both lighten and brighten the skin.

Kojic Acid – inhibits the production of pigment.

Side Effects of the VI Peel

The VI peel is suitable for all skin types and requires little downtime, but each patient responds differently. You may experience quite a bit of itchiness on night one (have a Benadryl handy and a Claritin or other non-drowsy antihistamine for the following day, just in case).

It’s best to schedule your peel for the end of the day Thursday, so you can go to work on Friday with only minor dryness and then hibernate over the weekend since the majority of peeling takes place on days two and three. The peeling isn’t totally gross, but it’s not exactly cute (and you’re not allowed to pick at the skin, it has to fall off naturally), so if you’re uncomfortable appearing in public, limit your plans.

  • Swelling
  • Temporary red, brown or yellow tone to the skin.
  • Peeling of the skin typically lasts 4-7 days however in some individuals peeling may take longer or be more extensive.
  • Although generally a painless procedure some patients will experience discomfort after the peel that may last a few days.
  • Those prone to acne may note a temporary acne breakout.
  • Scarring. (Although scarring is rare, it is important not to pick or pull at the skin as it is peeling and adhere to the pre and post treatment instructions and to refrain from sun exposure during the course of your treatments)
  • Hyper or hypopigmentation changes  (It is not uncommon for age spots, hyperpigmentation and melasma that you are treating to become a little darker.  Typically this is temporary, however in rare instances it can be permanent.  It is important to adhere to the pre and post treatment instructions and to refrain from sun exposure during the course of your treatments).
  • Cold sores/shingles.  It is possible to reactive cold sores or shingles as result of treatment.  If you are predisposed to cold sores or shingles in or around the treatment area you should discuss this with your provider so an anti-viral medication can be prescribed prior to treatment.

What to Expect During the VI Peel

Truth be told, chemical peels sound much scarier than they actually are. Your technician will cleanse your skin and wipe the chemical solution all over your face. It’s a fast treatment that will last about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Following the office visit, you’re sent home with a handy kit that includes specific instructions for the next 72 hours. You’re allowed to remove the solution using a post-peel towelette four hours after the initial application; one hour before bed, another towelette, and gentle face washing with the VI cleanser. You’re also given a hydrocortisone cream to relieve any itching or discomfort, plus an SPF 50 sunscreen to wear over the course of the week to protect the new layer of skin.

After just one peel, you should expect to see an improvement in your skin’s appearance. Dark spots and fine lines diminish immediately upon completion of the treatment, and months later you will still be able to see the effects of the peel.

What contraindications are there to VI Peel?

  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Aspirin Allergy
  • Use of Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past 6 months.
  • Active cold sores or herpes or shingles in or around the treatment area.
  • Allergy to hydroquinone
  • Immune disorders
  • Phenol allergy
  • Inflamed skin with open wounds in the treatment area.
  • Liver conditions
  • Chemotherapy or radiation in the past 6-12 months.

VI Peel Cost

Price varies depending upon the practice, but Dr. Doft charges $400 for the peel and $250 for the facial. In some instances, a VI peel may be combined with similar skin treatment methods to improve your skin’s texture—however, the peel itself can also be a standalone treatment. On average, most VI peels cost between $400-$500 a session. It’s best to consult a dermatologist to evaluate how many treatments you’ll need to address your skin concerns. If multiple sessions are needed, then that will impact the final cost. For many brides, one treatment may be enough to reduce surface damage and restore your youthful glow.

What is a PCA peel?

A PCA peel is a brand of chemical peel manufactured by PCA Skin. The company offers a wide variety of professional chemical peels as well as everyday products to:

  • rejuvenate your skin
  • correct the effects of the sun
  • reduce scaring from acne or trauma
  • manage discoloration and wrinkles from aging

The company has manufactured products since 1990 and offers a certification program for professionals seeking to perform PCA peels.

Most PCA peels are superficial peels

Many PCA peels are known as superficial peels. This means they target the top layers of your skin, with little recovery time. There are different formulas for a variety of skin types.

Several of the PCA Skin peels use a modified version of the Jessner peel. The PCA peels contain ingredients like lactic acid and salicylic acid. Both are deemed to be effective for treating the skin, according to a 2016 research review.

Some PCA peels target deeper layers of the skin

Some PCA peels treat deeper layers of your skin. These are known as blended peels.

Blended peels contain an ingredient common to medium-depth peels called trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Blended peels lower the toxicity of each ingredient by combining them together.

Who’s an ideal candidate for a PCA peel?

Superficial PCA peels may appeal to those who are curious about chemical peels but wary of the recovery period and side effects. PCA peels work for a variety of people because of the many product options available.

If you want to correct more serious skin irregularities, you may want to consider a heavier peel. These irregularities may include conditions related to your skin’s:

  • texture
  • pigmentation
  • scarring

Before undergoing treatment, discuss chemical peels with your doctor if you’re pregnant or nursing or have a serious underlying health condition.

How many peels do you need before you begin to see results? 

Superficial peels will have some immediate results, while others may require a series of treatments.

Either way, the results aren’t permanent. You may seek monthly PCA peels or use other PCA skin care products to maintain your results.

What’s the PCA procedure like?

Here’s what to expect before, during, and after a PCA skin peel procedure.

Before your peel

Before your skin peel, you’ll discuss your needs with a doctor or skin specialist trained in PCA Skin products. This could be a few weeks before the treatment or closer to the time of your peel.

You may need to apply some products to your skin for 1 or 2 weeks before your treatment for optimal results.

Day of peel

On the day of your procedure, your doctor or skin care professional will first clean your skin. Then they’ll evenly apply the chemical solution.

Superficial PCA skin peels are applied in layers and left on your skin. They’re not timed and removed like deeper chemical peels. The strength of a superficial PCA peel is controlled by the number of layers applied.

The specialist will apply a calming topical lotion with broad-spectrum SPF protection on top of your final layer before sending you home.

After your peel

Your doctor or skin specialist will give you instructions on how to care for your skin immediately after the procedure, such as how soon you may wash your face after the chemical peel and what products to apply. Be sure to follow these instructions.

What’s the best way to take care of your skin post PCA peel?

Superficial chemical peels from PCA Skin may require very little following the procedure. Your skin specialist may even allow you to apply makeup 15 minutes after the procedure to cover up skin flaking or redness.

Within the first 2 days of your procedure, you should avoid:

  • overheating
  • hot showers, baths, and other hot steam
  • hair dryers near the treated area
  • swimming
  • activities that result in a lot of sweating
  • exfoliating the treated skin
  • icing or heating the treated area

You should avoid direct sun exposure in the 1 or 2 weeks following the peel. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, and don’t use a tanning bed within 2 weeks.

Delay other skin treatments near the affected area for 5 or more days.

You should also use any products following the procedure as recommended by your skin specialist. They’ll determine the most effective combination of products for your skin type. This may include a gentle skin cleanser and a noncomedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen.

Discuss medications you take with your skin specialist to ensure your safety and reduce the chance of a reaction following your procedure.

Contact your doctor or skin care professional if:

  • You’re in extreme discomfort following the procedure.
  • Your symptoms worsen after the initial recovery period.
  • You have any other concerns.

Pca skin chemical peel ingredients

Key ingredients: Hydroquinone, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Citric Acid. PCA Peel with hydroquinone and resorcinol is the most potent of enhanced Jessner’s formulas. This peel will even skin tone and provide more exfoliation for oilier, thicker and more resilient skin types.

PCA Chemical Peel Vs Vi Peel

The PCA Peel with Hydroquinone and Resorcinol is a great option for acne and hyperpigmentation! We use PCA at the office and my aesthetician loves that PCA gives you the ability to customize the peels to give you the maximum results. As the VI peel is great, it isn’t as customizable.

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