Chemical Peels

By Jeanette Coutin, DDS

There are a lot of chemical peels that can help reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth, treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging, improve the appearance of mild scars, treat certain types of acne, reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills, and improve the overall look and feel of your skin.

One peel offered by Vitality Institute Medical Products, a manufacturer of medical-grade skin care treatments, attempts to reduce pain and irritation of the treatment. This is, of course, different for different patients.

This pharmaceutical-grade chemical peel is call the VI Peel, and has been shown to improve the tone, texture and clarity of the skin, reduce the appearance of age spots, and soften lines and wrinkles for more youthful skin. It can also be used in conjunction with lasers, injectables, and post procedure treatments.

How Does the Vi Peel Work?

Like any other chemical peel, the Vi Peel works when your doctor spreads a chemical evenly across the skin. The chemical reacts with the skin and creates micro damage, causing skin to blister and peel off, thus removing the top layers of skin and allowing new tissue to grow more easily.

The damage caused to the skin removes older skin cells, and at the same time helps stimulate collagen production, in order to heal the skin faster. The anesthetic contained in the VI Peel takes a moment to set in, so a stinging sensation may be experienced in the beginning of the treatment, although this subsides soon after.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

Areas most commonly treated are the face, neck, hands, and chest. Even sensitive areas such as the eyelids can be treated, although it’s recommended to have the treatment performed by a qualified doctor or skin specialist as an incorrect application can result in serious damage.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

To maintain your results, it is recommended to have a follow-up treatment done every 3-4 months. In the initial treatment stage, patients can undergo treatments every two weeks. After the peel, the skin typically takes four days to heal, during which time it may appear to be flushed or red. The VI peel requires no skin pre-conditioning and has minimal downtime. It’s practical, affordable, and gives excellent results within one week.

Who Can Use the VI Peel?

The Vi Peel was originally created for treating teenage acne as well as acne on aging skin. It can be used with any skin type, but people with a darker complexion do run a higher risk for hyperpigmentation.