To achieve optimal results from your VI Peel, it’s important to prepare yourself in the weeks ahead of your procedure. Dr. Daugherty recommends maintaining a balanced diet, high in protein and vitamin C-rich produce.

If you smoke or use any nicotine products, you should quit for at least 2 weeks before and after your peel. Smoking impacts the body’s ability to heal, which affects your body’s ability to regenerate new cells. In the weeks before your VI Peel, Dr. Daugherty will recommend you avoid:

• Sun exposure: Avoid the sun and tanning beds for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment. Wear sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher for 7 to 10 days before and after treatment.
• Discuss medications: Inform Dr. Daugherty of all the medications you take, including Accutane antibiotics, or blood thinning medications and supplements.
• Avoid other treatments: Schedule other facial treatments or hair removal at least 1 week before your peel.
• Avoid certain skin products: For 3 to 4 days before treatment, stop using retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, and benzoyl peroxide.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine: As alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your skin, avoid excess consumption for a couple of weeks.

VI Peel procedures are performed in 2 phases. First, the peel targets the skin’s superficial layer, and the second phase penetrates the dermis. The peel is applied to your skin and left on for several minutes before it’s neutralized. Patients often report a mild tingling or warm sensation, but the VI Peel process is well-tolerated.

Once the solution dries upon your skin, you may leave the office and resume your normal daily activities. To maximize the effectiveness of the VI Peel, wait at least 4 hours before washing the peel off with a mild cleanser and post-peel towelettes and applying post-treatment cream.

A VI Peel treatment typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

After your VI Peel, Dr. Daugherty will provide detailed aftercare instructions and a take-home post-treatment kit, including post-peel towelettes to speed up the cell turnover process and post-treatment cream.

Following your VI Peel, your skin will begin peeling 2 to 3 days after treatment. It’s important to keep the treated area moisturized during this time. You may experience sensitive skin while healing.

VI Peels do not require downtime, so you can resume most activities, such as working, immediately. However, avoid strenuous exercise or other activities that cause sweating at least 72 hours after treatment. For at least a week after treatment, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher or protective clothing if you cannot avoid sun exposure while your skin is peeling.