VI Peel

Clarify and brighten your skin with this physician-approved chemical peel

A clear complexion is important to you! To address blemishes that stand in the way, we use VI Peel—the #1 chemical peel offered by board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Designed to target pigmentation, acne, and aging, this unique chemical peel is both highly effective and virtually pain-free.

How a VI Peel works

The VI Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel that works by applying exfoliating acids to remove outer layers of skin, increasing cellular turnover. This is not your everyday chemical peel: it contains powerful ingredients, like retinoic acid and phenol, that provide a medical-grade peel without the discomfort you would normally have from a medium or deep peel.

Results are noticeable after one treatment. However, we typically recommend a series of 3 VI Peels, spaced about a month apart, to maximize your results.

Results

With minimal discomfort, the VI Peel is designed to:

• Lift pigment
• Remove sun damage
• Alleviate acne breakouts & reduce acne scarring
• Fight fine lines & wrinkles
• Smooth rough skin texture

The VI peel gives you tighter-looking skin, smoother texture, and renewed brightness and radiance. 

VI Peel options

There are six different VI peel formulas that our aestheticians will review with you, each of which is tailored to certain concerns:

VI Peel Precision Plus

Treats melasma, sun damage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus

For pigmentation issues after acne (hyperpigmentation), excessive oil, adult acne, and acne scarring

VI Peel Purify

Best for active acne, breakout-prone skin, oily and congested skin, and teen acne

VI Peel Advanced

Treats aging skin (ages 40+), wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity

VI Peel Original

For sensitive skin, early signs of aging (ages 20+), and rough texture

NEW! VI Peel Packages

Because many patients see best results after several treatments at planned intervals, we offer package options for all VI Peels! Optimize your purchase by choosing our best price in a series of 3 treatments. To learn which options are ideal for you, call to schedule a consultation with one of our aestheticians.

Areas treated

VI Peel is safe and effective throughout the face and body, and can even be used around the eye area due to its gentle formulation. VI Peel can treat conditions like back acne or folliculitis (bumpy, inflamed hair follicles) on the buttocks. Some patients may choose to extend their VI Peel below the face to include the neck and décolleté. It is also commonly requested to include the back of the hands, which are prone to early signs of aging and sun damage.

Good candidates

Patients of any gender and age looking to improve the skin’s appearance can benefit from a peel, including teens who have acne breakouts. Chemical peels are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

What to expect during your appointment

During your treatment, we will apply your peel in two layers. While the first application may sting temporarily, the peel contains ingredients that help numb your skin; most patients are very comfortable by the second application. In total, the treatment takes about 20 minutes. You will take home medical-grade skincare products to apply at regular intervals after the treatment to maintain hydration and prevent irritation.

Side effects

Expect visible peeling for about 3-5 days after your treatment. Do not pick at the skin, as this can lead to infection, dark spots, or scars. Gently cleanse, moisturize, and protect your skin from the sun using the provided aftercare products.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during VI Peels, although side effects like burning or itching are possible. Other rare side effects include pain, swelling, discoloration, allergic reaction, dry skin, or scarring. To help you avoid side effects, it is important to choose an experienced specialist working under the guidance of a physician, and follow their instructions for pre- and post-treatment skin care. At Kalos Medical Spa, our aestheticians work closely with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kirby, whose surgical practice is on-site.

Chemical Peel FAQs

Does VI Peel work for adult acne?

Yes, VI Peels treat adult acne while simultaneously reducing dark spots left behind after breakouts.

VI Peels are an excellent treatment for adult acne (even severe acne) because the peels exfoliate outer layers of skin to prevent build-up of oil and dead skin cells in your pores, thus making it harder for acne-causing bacteria to thrive.

VI Peels also help to minimize the appearance of acne scars and prevent hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) after breakouts, as the exfoliation helps to smooth the skin texture and leave you with a more even and bright skin tone.

Are there restrictions after chemical peels?

After a VI Peel, be gentle to your skin and protect it from the sun diligently. Use a non-irritating cleanser, moisturizer, and broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (we prefer mineral sun blocks for sensitive post-procedure skin).

Wait for your skin to heal before you resume use of any serum, Retin-A, retinol, vitamin c, or other skincare products that contain active ingredients. These can damage your skin if used too soon after a peel.

Will my skin flake and peel after a VI peel?

Yes, most patients’ outer layer of skin peels about 3-5 days after their treatments. Avoid further peeling of the skin, as this can lead to scarring or dark pigmentation; the skin will repair itself.

Will I have breakouts or a “skin purge” after my chemical peel? 

While this reaction is rare, it is possible for some patients to have a short period of skin purging after a peel, in which their skin breaks out with acne, blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. This can last up to 2 weeks after treatment, depending on how quickly your skin undergoes cell turnover. 

This is not cause for alarm, but it does require patience: after the breakout has cleared, you will get to enjoy your results! Skin purging is simply a result of buried oil and debris rising to the skin surface after a peel. (This same side effect can happen with use of retinol or tretinoin, which are similarly reputable treatments that promote cell turnover.) 

Talk with our aestheticians or physician before treating these breakouts with your regular acne topicals to make sure any products you use are safe after a chemical peel.

Can I combine chemical peels with fillers or Botox?

Yes, but not during the same appointment. While chemical peels and injectables are highly complementary treatments, we recommend waiting 1-2 weeks after your peel before receiving injections of dermal filler or Tox (i.e. Botox, Dysport, or Daxxify). While chemical peels treat the skin surface, Tox stops muscle contractions to smooth dynamic wrinkles, and fillers are injected beneath the skin to enhance features or smooth creases.

References »

Bhardwaj V, Sharma K, Maksimovic S, Fan A, Adams-Woodford A, Mao J. Professional-Grade TCA-Lactic Acid Chemical Peel: Elucidating Mode of Action to Treat Photoaging and Hyperpigmentation. Frontiers in Medicine (Lausanne). 2021 Feb 12;8:617068. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.617068. 

Chen X, Wang S, Yang M, Li L. Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2018 Apr 28;8(4):e019607. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019607. 

Fanous N, Zari S. Universal Trichloroacetic Acid Peel Technique for Light and Dark Skin. Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine. 2017 May 1;19(3):212-219. doi: 10.1001/jamafacial.2016.1666. 

Nikalji N, Godse K, Sakhiya J, Patil S, Nadkarni N. Complications of medium depth and deep chemical peels. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2012 Oct;5(4):254-60. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.104913.

Razi S, Bhardwaj V, Ouellette S, Khan S, Azadegan C, Boyd T, Rao B. Demystifying the mechanism of action of professional facial peeling: In-vivo visualization and quantification of changes in inflammation, melanin and collagen using Vivascope® and ConfoScan®. Dermatology and Therapy. 2022 Nov;35(11):e15846. doi: 10.1111/dth.15846.

Schedule your appointment at Kalos

When you are ready to begin your journey to optimal skin health, we are here to help! At Kalos Medical Spa, all treatments are administered by our highly trained team of licensed aestheticians, nurses, and physician assistants under the direction of female Fort Worth Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily Kirby. 

Call or text (817) 292-4200 or contact us online to schedule your personal consultation today!

Area Served:

• Fort Worth