At the offices of Eric P. Bachelor, MD, FACS, in Pleasanton and Danville, CA, we love providing our patients with the latest in skincare treatments. That’s why we recommend the VI Peel for so many – including those who want to whisk away wrinkles, improve tone and texture, and clear breakouts. This simple peel does it all, and in the meantime, gives skin a radiant glow so you look and feel your best.
How Long Does a VI Peel Last?
Heralded as the “secret to perfect skin,” this peel works by pulling away dead cells and prompting healthy living cells to multiply, rise to the surface, and stimulate collagen production. The result is clearer, more youthful-looking skin. And because the process behind peels has been perfected in the last 50 years, you can trust treatment is now safer and more comfortable than ever.
Having said that, just one session can provide exceptional results. In fact, you can easily enjoy the effects of this peel for three or four months – at which point you’ll need a maintenance treatment. Keep in mind, however, you will need to follow some aftercare instructions to prolong your results and keep your skin in optimal shape.
Achieve Long-Lasting Results
Sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Now is the perfect time to build it into your daily beauty routine, if you haven’t already done so. At the very least, you’ll need to wear sunscreen for at least four weeks before and after your treatment. This will protect your skin from discoloration, uneven pigmentation, and general irritation.
You should also avoid touching your face after treatment. This includes no picking or scratching, regardless of how tempted you might be. Hands and fingers are loaded with germs. You can wash repeatedly, but bacteria always exist under the nails and can inflame brand new skin cells. Abide by a hands-off policy, and your skin will heal to a beautiful, soft, and dewy finish.
Use Moisturizer
Every great skincare routine incorporates moisturizer, and this element becomes more important than ever after the VI peel (VIP). A thick, nourishing cream or lotion helps facilitate the healing process and infuses skin with a lovely glow.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration nourishes skin and gives cells a natural plumpness. It’s even more important following cosmetic treatments to drink plenty of water. Your skin will need it during the recovery process, and water helps eliminate waste from the body. This last factor is crucial to maintaining a healthy complexion.
Avoid Exfoliants
The VIP serves as an exfoliator, so you won’t need to again exfoliate your skin for a full week after treatment. This means skipping scrubs, toners, and cleansers that contain a chemical exfoliant. Also put any exfoliating brushes or wipes away for the next seven days.
Keep Skin Cool
You might be wondering what exactly this means, and quite simply, you’ll need to limit your time outdoors, take cooler baths or showers, and not overexert yourself during exercise or other physical activities. You can typically resume your normal routines in a week or two.
What Exactly Is This Treatment?
A VI Peel is one of the most widely-discussed, pharmaceutical-grade peels available. It was originally created by Dr. Abdala F. Kalil to address his teenage daughter’s acne. With that in mind, the treatment uses a combination of the most effective acids possible to create a unique, synergistic, and pain-free therapy.
Dr. Kalil’s innovation transformed the concept of chemical peels from painful rituals to simplistic beauty treatments known for delivering real results. It’s so effective, many A-list celebrities vocally give credit to this peel for their red carpet-worthy skin. It addresses common signs of aging as well as:
- Acne
- Redness
- Rosacea
- Melasma
- Rough texture
- Hyperpigmentation
- Acne scars
- Sun damage
The Nitty Gritty Details
By now, you know the VIP is not your average peel. It can dramatically improve your skin’s tone texture, regardless of your skin type, and delivers remarkable results for those with a variety of skin conditions – as noted above. The secret is in the blended formula that consists of TCA, retinoic acid, vitamin C, salicylic acid, and minerals.
The VIP is a great stand-alone treatment but also pairs perfectly with other cosmetic therapies like injectables and lasers. How does it address so many concerns at once? By building collagen and elastin that simultaneously plump, firm, and lift skin.
Why Your Skin Needs Collagen
Collagen is a protein that acts as one of the key building blocks for your ligaments, tendons, muscles, hair, bones, and skin. It keeps skin from sagging and maintains that youthful, soft look so many of us take for granted when we’re young. The body naturally cranks out collagen, but production wanes with age. This typically starts in the mid-20s, and for women, up to 30% of collagen production can be lost in the first five years of menopause.
As collagen production drops, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile. This explains why fine lines and wrinkles begin to develop. But the VI Peel is sub-dermal, meaning it targets more than just the top layer of skin to give you a smooth and supple canvas. It peels away surface cells that are damaged to smooth away rough patches and improve overall clarity.
What the Science Tells Us
The VIP has done incredibly well in clinical trials. In one particular study, patients with a variety of skin types were examined before and after treatment. This allowed researchers to determine the peel can:
- Improve the appearance of crow’s feet
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines that were statistically significant
- Reduce melanin content and increase collagen
- Increase hemoglobin to promote blood flow to the treated area
What To Expect During Treatment
All chemical peels sound scarier than they really are, and the VIP is no different. Your session will start with a thorough cleansing of your skin. A member of our staff will then wipe the chemical solution across your entire face. It’s a fast and simple treatment that takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Once you’re finished in our office, you’re free to go home. There, you’ll remove the solution four hours after the initial application. You’ll also be instructed to gently wash your face one hour before bed. Don’t worry – we can review these steps during your consultation, and we’ll provide you with detailed instructions at the end of your treatment.
Multiple Treatments Deliver Maximum Results
While one session will offer incredible results, as mentioned earlier, you’ll enjoy far greater results from several sessions. This is a treatment that builds upon itself to truly rejuvenate your appearance. To illustrate, a typical treatment plan might involve four sessions delivered over a span of several months.
Skipping Cosmetics Is a Good Idea
For the first one or two weeks after your session, you should avoid the use of cosmetics. Chemicals and other substances in makeup can irritate skin and delay the healing process. A clean face is your best bet to allow skin time to breathe and fully recover.
Likewise, you may need to adjust your skincare routine after the peel. This treatment ignites your skin’s natural healing process, which explains why it’s so effective at improving your overall appearance. You may therefore need skincare products designed to work specifically with your skin type for cleansing, moisturizing, promoting cell turnover, and protecting against sun damage. We can recommend an appropriate regimen for you, if you need assistance.
Full Results Take Time
We always remind people to be patient in the days immediately following a VIP. Skin may take a short time to acclimate as fresh cells replace those that are damaged. Your youthful glow and softness will not be restored overnight, but both will reveal themselves quickly. This is why folks often say patience is a virtue, and remembering that will serve you well after any cosmetic treatment.
Who Are Ideal Candidates?
A VIP is recommended for people with all skin types. However, if you have an active skin condition like eczema or a severe sunburn, the peel may not be right for you. In addition, the VIP is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. We’ll discuss these topics in greater detail during your consultation, and if we find the VIP is not right for you, we’ll suggest an alternative treatment.
Witness Dramatically Different Skin
A VI Peel can quickly and easily provide you with dramatically different skin. From fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars and hyperpigmentation, it can address your many concerns and help you look and feel younger and softer. Schedule your consultation today by contacting the offices of Eric P. Bachelor, MD, FACS, in Pleasanton and Danville, CA.