Cienega Medical
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VI Peel

Medical-Grade Chemical Peel for Acne, Pigment, Texture + Tone

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Established 2010
3,356 5-Star Reviews & Counting
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16+ Years
3 Locations
7 Days Open

What Is a VI Peel?

You’ve heard of countless chemical peels, but VI Peel® is in a class of its own.

VI Peel® is a medical-grade chemical peel with trichloroacetic acid (TCA), retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol + vitamin C) to improve the tone, texture and clarity of the skin. You can also reduce age spots, improve hyperpigmentation (including melasma), soften lines and wrinkles; clear acne skin conditions; reduce or eliminate acne scars; and stimulate the production of collagen, for firmer, more youthful skin.

It’s strong enough for a total skin reset, but safe for all skin tones!

See Our Transformations

Featuring VI Peel clinical results and transformations. Individual results may vary.

*Results featured from practices throughout the United States. Individual results may vary.

VI Peel Treatment Options

Choose your treatment

You’ll see the price before you book. Nothing due today.

Your VI Peel Visit

Skin Preparation

5 min

Your provider cleanses your skin, reviews your goals, and confirms the right VI Peel (we have a few different options for different skin types).

Peel Application

15 mins

The Vi Peel solution is applied in-office. Most patients feel tingling or warmth.

Peeling Window

days 2-5

Peeling usually starts around the mouth and chin, then works across the treatment area over the next few days.

VI Peel Benefits

The VI Peel delivers powerful, medical-grade skin renewal. Here are the key benefits:

Smooth Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Stimulates collagen to soften fine lines and wrinkles for a fresher, more youthful look.

Fade Sun Damage & Dark Spots

Lightens hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and melasma with medical-grade brightening ingredients.

Clear Acne & Refine Texture

Reduces breakouts, acne marks, oil, and inflammation while smoothing uneven, rough texture.

Treats the Body, Not Just the Face

The VI Peel Body reaches areas facial peels cannot, like the back, chest, arms, and hands, for body acne, rough texture, and sun damage. Ask us about other areas at your visit.

Safe for All Skin Tones

A medical-grade peel customized for every skin tone, Fitzpatrick I to VI, for face and select body areas.

Visible Results in About a Week

Most patients see brighter, smoother, more even skin within about a week, with continued improvement afterward.

Patient Reviews

★★★★★ 3,356 Five-Star Reviews
across all locations
J

Jaspinder R.

Santa Monica

Google
★★★★★

"I had a great experience at Cienega Med Spa in Santa Monica! Victoria helped me with the VI Peel and was incredibly helpful and thorough throughout the entire process. She made me feel comfortable and informed every step of the way. Highly recommend!"

✓ Verified Google review
N

Nina G.

West Hollywood

Google
★★★★★

"Yasmin is that girl!! She always does my skincare treatments and I really feel like she’s gotten to know my skin. I usually get Clear+Brilliant at Cienege West Hollywood, but today I got a chemical peel! 5 star experience AND REASONABLY PRICED!!! …"

✓ Verified Google review
C

Christopher A.

Calabasas

Yelp
★★★★★

"Location - 5Booking Service - 5 Laser Hair Removal on Dark Skin - 5 VI Chemical peel on Dark Skin - 5B12 boots - 5 Hidden Gem, frequented over the last year or so. Appreciate the staff giving honest opinions on what I exactly need. If you have a chance go book with Suzi."

✓ Verified Yelp review

VI Peel Aftercare, Downtime, and Side Effects

Most patients feel tightness, warmth, or mild redness on day 1, then start peeling around days 2 to 3. Active face peeling usually lasts 3 to 5 days, while body areas can take a little longer. A cool compress can help if you feel extra warm once you are home. Everything from light flaking/peeling to sheet peeling is considered normal.

Plan ahead if you have a wedding, trip, photo shoot, or other major event. We usually recommend scheduling a VI Peel at least 2 weeks before anything where you want your skin completely settled. Travel is fine after treatment, but you will need to be diligent about wearing an SPF 30 and above, while avoiding excessive sweating and sun exposure while your skin is in the healing phase. You will also need to pause retinoids, exfoliating acids, and any other dermabrasion treatments for a period of 1-2 weeks before and after the peel.

You will be given an at-home treatment care kit. Please use the recovery products exactly as directed.

 

FAQ

Click on a question to see more

  • What is a VI Peel?

    A VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel that improves tone, texture, clarity, and brightness with less downtime than many older medium-depth peels. It uses a blended formula rather than a single-acid approach, which is part of why it works across so many skin concerns and skin tones.

    At Cienega, VI Peel is our primary chemical peel for acne, pigment, sun damage, melasma, rough texture, and early lines when patients want more than a light spa peel but are not ready for laser downtime.

  • What types of VI Peels are available?

    VI Peel comes in several formulations that are selected based on what your skin needs most:

    • VI Peel Original for overall tone, texture, and radiance
    • VI Peel Purify for acne, congestion, and oilier skin
    • VI Peel Precision Plus for stubborn discoloration, melasma, and sun damage
    • VI Peel Advanced for collagen support, texture, and early aging concerns

    You do not need to pick the exact formula alone before booking. We help match the right VI Peel to your skin at the appointment.

  • How does a VI Peel work?

    VI Peel works through controlled exfoliation. The formula loosens damaged outer cells, speeds turnover, and pushes fresh skin to the surface while also supporting collagen remodeling underneath.

    That is why patients often notice a smoother surface, brighter pigment, more even tone, and clearer texture after the peeling phase is done.

  • What is the difference between a VI Peel and other chemical peels?

    VI Peel sits in the sweet spot between a very light spa peel and an aggressive old-school peel. It goes deeper than many glycolic or lactic peels, but with a more manageable recovery than the harsher peels patients often worry about.

    It is also one of the better options for patients with deeper skin tones because it is designed to be safer across Fitzpatrick I through VI when done correctly. That makes it a strong choice for patients who want a real medical-grade chemical peel without automatically jumping to laser.

  • How much does a VI Peel cost in Los Angeles?

    A VI Peel at Cienega is $199 for the face and neck, and $299 for a body area such as the chest, shoulders or back. Those are single-session prices, not a starting point.

    Pricing depends on the formulation your provider selects and whether you are doing a single session or a planned series. The pricing cards on this page always show current rates and any package options we are actively offering.

  • Is a VI Peel worth it?

    For the right patient, yes. VI Peel can address pigment, acne marks, rough texture, pores, and early aging in one treatment cycle instead of making you chase each concern separately.

    Patients usually see the most value when they want a true reset in skin clarity and tone but still need something realistic for a normal workweek.

  • Is a VI Peel safe for all skin types?

    Yes. One of VI Peel's biggest strengths is that it can be used across Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI. That matters because many resurfacing options carry more pigment risk in darker skin tones.

    We still screen carefully for sensitivity, recent procedures, active irritation, and medical issues before treatment, but the peel itself is designed to work safely across a broad range of skin types.

  • What areas can a VI Peel treat?

    VI Peel is commonly used on the face, chest, hands, back, arms, and other selected body areas where you want clearer, smoother, more even skin. The right area depends on your skin condition, how much peeling you can tolerate, and whether you are treating the face or body.

    If you are not sure whether your target area is a good fit, book the consult and we will confirm it before treatment.

  • Can a VI Peel treat the body, not just the face?

    Yes. Along with the face, the VI Peel Body is made for larger areas like the back, chest, arms, and hands, and it helps with body acne, rough texture, and sun damage. If there is a specific area you are wondering about, just ask at your visit and your provider will let you know whether it is a good fit.

  • Who is a good candidate for a VI Peel?

    Good candidates include patients dealing with acne, acne marks, melasma, sun damage, uneven tone, enlarged pores, rough texture, or early lines who want a stronger reset than a standard facial or superficial peel can offer.

    VI Peel also makes sense for patients who want a medical-grade chemical peel but are not ready for laser downtime or laser pricing.

  • Who should avoid a VI Peel?

    You should postpone treatment if you have open wounds, an active skin infection, significant irritation, a recent sunburn, or a recent procedure that still has your barrier inflamed. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their OB-GYN before chemical peels.

    If you have used isotretinoin, prescription actives, or have a history of cold sores, let us know before booking so we can guide the timing safely.

  • Does a VI Peel hurt?

    Most patients describe VI Peel as tingly, warm, or spicy rather than truly painful. The stronger sensation usually comes during application and then settles quickly.

    If you run sensitive, a cool compress can help once you are home. The main recovery issue is usually peeling and tightness, not pain.

  • How long does a VI Peel appointment take?

    Plan on roughly 60 minutes in clinic. The peel itself is applied in stages during the appointment, then stays on the skin for a few hours before you remove it at home.

    That means the office visit is easy to fit into a day, but you still need to follow the aftercare timing once you leave.

  • What does VI Peel recovery look like day by day?

    Day 1 usually feels tight or warm. Peeling commonly starts around days 2 to 3, often first around the mouth and chin, then spreads through the treated area. Days 3 to 5 are usually the most visibly flaky, and by about day 7 most patients are seeing the cleaner, brighter layer underneath.

    Body areas can peel a little longer than the face, and some patients peel lightly while others shed more noticeably.

  • How long does peeling last after a VI Peel?

    For most face treatments, active peeling lasts about 3 to 5 days. Body areas may take longer. The important part is to let the skin peel naturally instead of picking, rubbing, or trying to speed it up.

    Once the peeling phase is over, your skin usually looks brighter, smoother, and more even.

  • What side effects are common after a VI Peel?

    The most common side effects are tightness, mild redness, temporary warmth, and the expected peeling phase. Some patients also look a little darker or patchier before the peel fully turns over.

    Those effects are usually normal and temporary. The bigger risks come from picking at the skin, overusing actives too soon, or skipping sunscreen during recovery.

  • How should I prepare for a VI Peel?

    We usually ask patients to stop retinoids and other exfoliating actives for several days before treatment. Avoid fresh sunburns, waxing, or other aggressive skin treatments right before your peel.

    Come in with clean skin and tell us about prescription skincare, recent lasers, or cold sore history so we can guide timing the right way.

  • What aftercare do I need after a VI Peel?

    Leave the peel on exactly as directed, then use the post-peel kit we send home with you. Stick to gentle cleansing, recovery products, sunscreen, and a hands-off approach while the skin sheds.

    Pause retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, and heat-heavy activities until your provider clears you. The less you fight the process, the better the finish tends to be.

  • Can I get a VI Peel before a special event or travel?

    Yes, but plan ahead. We usually recommend scheduling at least 2 weeks before a wedding, party, vacation, or photo-heavy event so the visible peeling is behind you.

    Travel itself is fine, but sun-heavy travel right after a peel is not ideal unless you are extremely disciplined with SPF, hats, and heat avoidance.

  • When will I see results from a VI Peel?

    Most patients start seeing the refreshed layer within about 7 days, once the active peeling is done. Skin often looks brighter, smoother, clearer, and more even at that point.

    Texture and pigment can keep improving after that as the skin settles and collagen support continues.

  • What kind of results should I expect from a VI Peel?

    Patients usually notice clearer tone, smoother texture, less visible pigment, a brighter overall finish, and better-looking post-acne marks after a good peel cycle. It can also soften the look of pores and early lines.

    For stubborn melasma, deep acne scarring, or heavier sun damage, one peel can help, but a series usually gives the more dramatic change.

  • How many VI Peel sessions do I need?

    Some patients are happy after one. Others need a series. Mild dullness or texture issues may respond quickly, while melasma, acne scarring, and more stubborn pigment often do better with 3 or more sessions spaced out appropriately.

    We will tell you honestly if your goal looks like a one-peel fix or a longer plan.

  • How often should I get a VI Peel?

    For maintenance, many patients do best every 4 to 6 weeks when they are in an active series, then less often once their main concern is under control. Your cadence depends on what we are treating and how your skin responds.

    If you are mainly using VI Peel as a periodic reset rather than a series, your provider may space treatments farther apart.

  • Is VI Peel a good option for men?

    Yes. Men book VI Peel for acne, discoloration, texture, ingrown-prone areas, pores, and sun damage all the time. The treatment plan is based on your skin goals, not gender.

  • Can I combine a VI Peel with other treatments?

    Yes, but timing matters. VI Peel is often paired within a broader plan that includes neurotoxin, filler, microneedling, or medical-grade skincare. We simply space things in the order that makes sense for healing and results.

    If you already know you want a combination plan, tell us that when you book and we will map the sequence correctly.

  • Where can I get a VI Peel near me?

    Cienega offers VI Peel in West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Calabasas. Pick your location when you book online, or call us and we will arrange it.

Visit us near you in Calabasas, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica

In-person, physician-supervised care at all three Cienega Medical clinics.

Modern medical spa lobby with marble desk, green plant ceiling, and sage green walls.
Calabasas
26787 Agoura Rd
Calabasas, CA 91302
(310) 341-2776 Location details →
Modern medical spa reception with a green wall, floral goddess mural, neon sign, and gold ring chandelier.
West Hollywood
375 N. La Cienega Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90048
(323) 992-0090 Location details →
Modern med spa lobby with a colorful rainbow mural, white reception desk, and a wooden surfboard on a blue wall.
Santa Monica
902 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 307-3617 Location details →

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