#1 Chemical Peel – VI Peel

A VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel that improves skin tone, texture, and clarity with minimal downtime. Unlike traditional chemical peels that can be harsh or require significant recovery, VI Peel uses a proprietary blend of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, phenol, vitamin C, and other active ingredients to treat multiple skin concerns simultaneously.

The peel is applied in-office during a 60-minute appointment and works by removing the outermost layers of damaged skin, triggering your body's natural healing response to produce fresh, healthier skin underneath. Most patients see visible improvement within 7 days.

VI Peel offers several formulations, each targeting different skin concerns:

• VI Peel Original — General improvement in tone, texture, fine lines, and enlarged pores
• VI Peel Purify — Formulated for active acne, oily skin, and congestion
• VI Peel with Precision Plus — Enhanced for stubborn hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun damage
• VI Peel Advanced — Peptide-enhanced for anti-aging, collagen stimulation, and firmness

During your consultation, your provider will assess your skin and recommend the best variant for your specific concerns. You can also mix and match across sessions as your skin's needs change.

The VI Peel works through controlled exfoliation. Your provider applies the peel solution in layers during your appointment. The active ingredients penetrate the skin to:

1. Break down damaged cells — TCA and phenol dissolve the bonds holding dead, damaged skin cells in place
2. Stimulate cell turnover — Fresh skin cells are generated to replace what's removed
3. Boost collagen production — The controlled injury triggers your body's healing response
4. Target specific concerns — Variant-specific ingredients address acne, pigmentation, or aging

After application, you'll leave with the peel on your skin (it's removed at home after several hours). Over the next 3-7 days, the outer layer of skin naturally peels away, revealing smoother, brighter skin beneath.

VI Peel differs from traditional chemical peels in several important ways:

• Comfort — VI Peel is virtually painless during application, unlike deeper TCA peels or Jessner's peels that can cause significant burning
• Versatility — Safe for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I through VI), while many chemical peels carry risks for darker skin tones
• Downtime — Social downtime is minimal (3-5 days of peeling), compared to 7-14 days for medium-depth peels
• Self-neutralizing — VI Peel neutralizes on its own, reducing the risk of over-treatment
• Multiple formulations — Tailored variants for acne, pigmentation, and aging vs. one-size-fits-all

Standard chemical peels often use a single acid at high concentration. VI Peel uses a synergistic blend of multiple ingredients at lower concentrations, achieving deeper results with less irritation.

Here's what to expect after your VI Peel:

• Day 1 — Skin may feel tight or slightly warm. Leave the peel on as directed.
• Day 2 — Remove the peel at home (your provider will give you specific timing). Apply the included post-peel protectant.
• Day 3 — Peeling typically begins, starting around the mouth and chin. Skin may look patchy.
• Days 4-5 — Active peeling continues. This is the most noticeable stage. Do not pick or pull at peeling skin.
• Days 6-7 — Peeling subsides. Fresh, smoother skin is revealed.
• Days 7-14 — Continued improvement in tone, texture, and radiance as new skin matures.

The peeling is typically mild to moderate—more like a sunburn peel than dramatic shedding. Most patients are comfortable returning to work within a day or two.

Most patients see noticeable improvement within 7 days as the old skin finishes peeling and fresh skin is fully revealed. Skin appears brighter, smoother, and more even-toned.

Results continue improving over the following weeks as collagen remodeling occurs beneath the surface. For concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, or deeper wrinkles, a series of treatments typically provides the most dramatic results.

View our before-and-after gallery above to see real patient transformations from VI Peel treatments at our Los Angeles locations.

Active peeling typically lasts 3-5 days, starting around day 2-3 after treatment. The intensity varies by person and peel variant—some patients experience light flaking while others have more noticeable peeling.

Important tips during the peeling phase:

• Do not pick, pull, or scrub peeling skin (this can cause scarring or uneven results)
• Keep skin moisturized with the provided post-peel products
• Wear SPF 30+ whenever outdoors
• Avoid heavy exercise and sweating for the first 48 hours

Once peeling is complete, you'll see the full results of your treatment.

Many patients see meaningful improvement after just one VI Peel. However, the recommended number of sessions depends on your goals:

• General maintenance — 1 peel every 4-6 weeks for ongoing skin health
• Mild concerns (dull skin, texture, minor discoloration) — 1-2 sessions
• Moderate concerns (acne, sun damage, uneven tone) — 3 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart
• Stubborn concerns (melasma, deep scarring, significant hyperpigmentation) — 3-6 sessions

Your provider will recommend a treatment plan during your consultation. We offer packages that make multiple sessions more affordable — see our pricing options above.

VI Peel pricing varies based on the specific formulation used for your skin concerns. Each variant contains different active ingredients targeting different conditions, which accounts for the price difference between options.

See our treatment pricing cards above for current rates on each VI Peel option. We also offer multi-session packages that reduce the per-treatment cost — a better value for patients planning a treatment series.

During your consultation, your provider will recommend the best option for your skin and budget.

VI Peel offers strong value compared to other professional skin treatments:

• Addresses multiple concerns simultaneously — One treatment tackles tone, texture, fine lines, and clarity (vs. laser treatments that often target one concern)
• Minimal downtime — Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days, making it practical for busy schedules
• Cumulative benefits — Each session builds on the last, with results improving over time
• Medical-grade ingredients — Professional-strength formulations deliver results that over-the-counter peels cannot match
• Cost-effective vs. laser — Achieves comparable results for many concerns at a lower price point than laser resurfacing

Patients consistently tell us the visible results after even one session make VI Peel one of their best skincare investments.

Yes. We offer multi-session packages that provide a better per-treatment value for patients planning a series of VI Peels. Packages also include added benefits like take-home skincare products to extend your results between sessions.

Check our pricing section above for current package options, or ask about available offers during your consultation. We also offer promotional pricing for first-time patients.

Yes. One of VI Peel's key advantages is that it is safe for all skin types, including Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI (the full range from very fair to very dark skin). This is a significant differentiator — many chemical peels and laser treatments carry risks of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening) for patients with darker skin tones.

VI Peel's self-neutralizing formula and synergistic ingredient blend were specifically designed to minimize these risks while still delivering effective results across all skin types.

Your provider will assess your skin during your consultation and select the appropriate VI Peel variant and application technique for your skin type.

VI Peel is appropriate for most adults looking to improve their skin. Good candidates include people concerned with:

• Fine lines and early signs of aging
• Uneven skin tone or texture
• Acne and acne scarring
• Hyperpigmentation, melasma, or sun damage
• Enlarged pores or dull, tired-looking skin

You may want to postpone treatment if you have active cold sores, open wounds, or are using isotretinoin (Accutane). Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should consult their OB/GYN before chemical peel treatments.

A quick consultation with our team will confirm whether a VI Peel is right for you and which variant best addresses your concerns.

VI Peel side effects are generally mild and temporary:

• Expected — Peeling and flaking (days 3-7), mild redness, skin tightness
• Less common — Slight stinging during application, temporary darkening before peeling begins
• Rare — Prolonged redness, uneven pigmentation (typically resolves on its own)

Serious complications are extremely rare when performed by trained medical providers and when patients follow aftercare instructions. The most important thing you can do is avoid picking at peeling skin and wear sunscreen diligently during recovery.

All VI Peel treatments at Cienega Medical are performed by licensed medical providers who can adjust the treatment to your skin's sensitivity.

To get the best results from your VI Peel:

• 2 weeks before — Stop using retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin), hydroquinone, and any exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, glycolic acid)
• 1 week before — Avoid waxing, depilatory creams, or laser treatments on the treatment area
• 48 hours before — Minimize sun exposure and avoid sunburn
• Day of — Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup and moisturizer

If you're using any prescription skincare products, mention them when you book so your provider can advise on timing. Patients with a history of cold sores should discuss antiviral medication with their provider before treatment.

Proper aftercare is essential for optimal results:

• First 4-6 hours — Leave the peel on. Do not wash your face or apply products until your provider's specified time.
• After removing peel — Apply the provided post-peel towelettes and protectant cream as directed
• Days 1-7 — Use only gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and the included recovery products. Avoid retinoids, acids, and active ingredients.
• Sun protection — Apply SPF 30+ every morning and reapply throughout the day. Your new skin is highly photosensitive.
• Do not pick or pull — Let skin peel naturally. Pulling can cause scarring or uneven results.
• Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of water and keep skin moisturized.

Each VI Peel includes a take-home post-peel kit with everything you need for recovery. Your provider will walk you through the aftercare routine before you leave.

Chemical peels vary widely in depth, ingredients, and recovery. Here's how VI Peel compares:

• vs. Glycolic/Lactic peels — These are lighter "lunchtime" peels with minimal peeling and subtle results. VI Peel goes deeper for more noticeable improvement while still being comfortable.
• vs. Jessner's peel — Jessner's uses salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. VI Peel's multi-acid blend provides similar depth with less irritation and better safety across all skin types.
• vs. TCA peels — High-concentration TCA peels can cause significant pain, longer downtime, and pigmentation risks for darker skin. VI Peel uses TCA at controlled concentrations with buffering agents for safer, more predictable results.
• vs. Deep peels (phenol) — Deep phenol peels require sedation and weeks of recovery. VI Peel achieves meaningful results with days of recovery, not weeks.

VI Peel occupies a "sweet spot" — strong enough for real results, gentle enough for all skin types with minimal downtime.

Yes, VI Peel works well as part of a comprehensive skincare plan. Common combinations include:

• VI Peel + neurotoxin (Botox) — Peel addresses surface texture while Botox smooths dynamic wrinkles. Can often be done the same day.
• VI Peel + dermal filler — Schedule filler 2+ weeks before or after your peel for best results
• VI Peel + microneedling — Alternating these treatments accelerates collagen remodeling. Space them 4-6 weeks apart.
• VI Peel + medical-grade skincare — A consistent at-home routine between peels extends and amplifies your results

Your provider can design a treatment plan that combines VI Peel with complementary services based on your skin goals and timeline.