VI Peel

The VI Peel has a well-established safety profile when performed by trained licensed clinicians. At Maison Zolara, every treatment is performed by our licensed RN clinicians with direct clinical oversight from our on-staff Medical Director — a structural safeguard that many spa-only providers cannot offer.

That said, all chemical peels carry inherent risks that patients should understand before proceeding.

Expected Side Effects

Redness, tightening, and mild stinging during application are normal. Visible peeling typically begins on days 3–5 post-treatment and resolves by days 7–10. The skin may appear bronzed or feel tight before peeling begins — this is expected and not a sign of complication.

Potential Risks

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the most common adverse event, particularly in patients with darker skin tones who do not follow sun avoidance protocols. Infection, scarring, and prolonged erythema are rare but possible. Strict adherence to aftercare instructions significantly reduces risk.

Contraindications

The VI Peel is not appropriate for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, currently using isotretinoin (Accutane), have active cold sores or open skin lesions in the treatment area, or have a known allergy to any peel component. A full medical history is reviewed at consultation.

Sun Sensitivity

The skin is significantly more photosensitive following a chemical peel. Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ must be applied daily beginning the day after peeling resolves, and sun exposure should be minimized for at least 4 weeks post-treatment.

Patients with a history of keloid scarring, active eczema or psoriasis in the treatment area, or recent radiation therapy to the face should disclose this at consultation. Our licensed RN clinicians will review your full medical history before any treatment is performed.

The VI Peel is a branded medium-depth chemical peel. It is not the only option for skin resurfacing, and understanding how it compares to alternatives helps patients make informed decisions.

The table below compares the VI Peel to other common resurfacing approaches available at Maison Zolara and elsewhere.

A note on other branded peels: The SkinCeuticals Peel and Obagi Blue Peel are separate branded products with their own formulas, protocols, and provider requirements. Maison Zolara does not carry these products. Patients comparing branded peels should evaluate the active ingredient stack, depth of penetration, and provider credentials — not brand name alone.

For patients whose primary concern is acne scarring or skin laxity rather than pigmentation, our RF microneedling or Sublative RF resurfacing treatments may be more appropriate. Our licensed RN clinicians will recommend the right modality — or combination — at your free consultation.

Generic (non-branded) chemical peels are also available at Maison Zolara as a separate service with their own dedicated page at /chemical-peels.

The VI Peel is one of the most versatile chemical peels available, suitable for a broad range of patients. The following guidance is general — your RN clinician will make a personalized recommendation at consultation.

Good Candidates

• Adults with acne, post-acne marks, or congested skin
• Patients with melasma, sun damage, or uneven pigmentation
• Those seeking improvement in fine lines, texture, or overall radiance
• Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI (Precision Plus formula for types IV–VI)
• Patients who can commit to 5–7 days of visible peeling and strict sun avoidance
• Those who want a single treatment that addresses multiple concerns simultaneously

Not a Good Fit

• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• Current isotretinoin (Accutane) users or those who discontinued within 6 months
• Patients with active cold sores, open wounds, or active eczema in the treatment area
• Those with a history of keloid scarring
• Patients unwilling or unable to avoid sun exposure post-treatment
• Those seeking zero downtime (consider dermaplaning or a superficial peel instead)

The VI Peel is a synergistic blend of medical-grade acids and skin-conditioning agents that work together to exfoliate damaged surface cells, interrupt melanin overproduction, and trigger a controlled wound-healing response that stimulates new collagen and elastin formation.

The formula's core active ingredients include:

• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) — the primary resurfacing agent, which penetrates the epidermis and upper papillary dermis to initiate controlled cell turnover
• Phenol — enhances penetration and provides analgesic properties that make the peel more comfortable than TCA alone
• Salicylic acid — a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates within pores, making it especially effective for acne-prone skin
• Tretinoin (retinoic acid) — accelerates cellular renewal and primes the skin for deeper ingredient absorption
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) — a potent antioxidant that brightens tone and supports collagen synthesis

This combination is what sets the VI Peel apart from single-acid peels. According to a 2021 peer-reviewed review published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology by researchers at the University of California, medium-depth chemical peels combining TCA with complementary agents produce significantly greater collagen remodeling and melanin suppression than single-ingredient formulas. ↗

The treatment itself takes approximately 30 minutes in-office. The solution is applied in layers by your RN clinician, and you leave with the peel still on your skin — it self-neutralizes over the next several hours. A post-peel kit including retinoid towelettes is provided to support the peeling process at home.

Here is a clear, honest picture of the VI Peel experience from start to finish.

Before Your Treatment

At your free consultation, your RN clinician will review your skin concerns, medical history, current medications, and skincare routine. Pre-treatment preparation may include discontinuing retinoids 3–5 days prior and avoiding waxing or laser treatments in the area for at least 2 weeks. Patients on isotretinoin must have been off the medication for at least 6 months. Sun exposure should be minimized in the 2 weeks leading up to your appointment.

During Treatment

The appointment takes approximately 30–45 minutes. Your skin is cleansed and degreased, then the VI Peel solution is applied in layers by your RN clinician. You will feel a mild tingling or stinging sensation — most patients describe it as very tolerable. The peel is left on the skin; it does not need to be washed off in-office. You will leave with the solution still applied and receive your post-peel kit, which includes retinoid towelettes and detailed aftercare instructions.

Days 1–2 Post-Peel

The skin may appear slightly bronzed or feel tight and dry. Little to no visible peeling at this stage. The first post-peel retinoid towelette is applied approximately 4 hours after the peel is placed, with subsequent towelettes applied per the schedule in your aftercare booklet.

Days 3–5 Post-Peel (Peeling Phase)

This is when visible peeling occurs. The skin will begin to flake and peel — typically starting around the mouth and chin, then spreading across the face. This is the expected and desired response. Do not pick or pull at peeling skin. Keep the skin moisturized and avoid makeup if possible. Most patients prefer to schedule this phase around a low-social-obligation period.

Days 6–7 and Beyond

Peeling resolves and the new skin is revealed — typically brighter, smoother, and more even in tone. SPF must be applied daily from this point forward. Final results continue to improve over the following 4–6 weeks as collagen remodeling progresses.

Clinical bottom line: The peeling on days 3–5 is not a side effect — it is the mechanism. The controlled exfoliation of damaged keratinocytes is precisely what triggers the skin renewal response. Patients who are anxious about visible peeling should plan their appointment timing accordingly and communicate openly with their RN clinician about expectations.

Proper aftercare is essential to achieving the best possible results and minimizing risk. The following guidelines apply to most VI Peel patients; your RN clinician will provide personalized instructions at your appointment.

Do

• Apply the post-peel retinoid towelettes as directed in your aftercare booklet
• Keep the skin moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning beginning the day after peeling resolves
• Stay well-hydrated and avoid excessive heat (saunas, hot yoga) for 5–7 days
• Contact Maison Zolara if you experience unexpected pain, blistering, or signs of infection

Avoid

• Picking, peeling, or pulling at flaking skin — this increases PIH risk
• Retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or active skincare for at least 5–7 days post-peel
• Waxing, threading, or laser treatments for 4 weeks post-peel
• Direct sun exposure without SPF — photosensitivity is significantly elevated
• Swimming pools or hot tubs during the peeling phase

The VI Peel at Maison Zolara is priced transparently. There are no hidden fees, and your final pricing is confirmed at your free consultation based on the specific formula selected and your treatment plan.

• Standard pricing: From $325 per session
• Maison Circle member pricing: From $285 per session
• Package pricing: Available for series of 3 or more sessions — ask at consultation

Maison Circle members receive member pricing on VI Peel and can track their treatment journey in the Zolara Care app (available on the App Store).

Most patients achieve their goals with a series of 2–3 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart. A single session produces visible improvement; a series produces more significant and lasting results, particularly for melasma and acne scarring. Final pricing is confirmed at consultation.

Whether you're searching for a vi peel near me, exploring the VI Peel Precision Plus for melasma, or simply ready to understand what a VI chemical peel can do for your skin, this page covers everything — from the active ingredient stack to the day-by-day peeling timeline, pricing, and candidacy.

The VI Peel is manufactured by VI Aesthetics and is available in several formula variants, each optimized for a specific skin concern. At Maison Zolara, our licensed RN clinicians assess your skin at consultation to determine which formula is most appropriate for your goals.

VI Peel Original

The foundational formula. Designed for aging skin, fine lines, and general tone correction. An excellent entry point for first-time peel patients or those with sensitive skin who want visible resurfacing without aggressive downtime.

VI Peel Precision

A more targeted formula for patients with moderate sun damage, uneven pigmentation, and early signs of aging. Contains an enhanced brightening component to address stubborn discoloration more aggressively than the Original.

VI Peel Precision Plus

The most advanced brightening formula in the VI Peel line. Formulated specifically for melasma and severe hyperpigmentation, with a boosted melanin-suppression complex. Safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI, including patients with deeper skin tones who are often excluded from medium-depth peel protocols. This is a clinically significant distinction — a 2013 review in JAMA Dermatology noted that dark skin types (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) face elevated risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from chemical peels, making formula selection critical. ↗

VI Peel Body

The same VI Peel chemistry applied to body areas — chest, hands, back, and arms. Addresses sun damage, keratosis pilaris, and uneven texture on non-facial skin.

VI Peel Purify

Optimized for acne-prone skin with an elevated salicylic acid concentration. Targets active breakouts, clogged pores, and the post-acne marks that linger after blemishes resolve.

VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus

The combination formula for patients dealing with both active acne and significant hyperpigmentation simultaneously — a common presentation in patients with Fitzpatrick types III–VI.

Clinical note: According to a 2018 peer-reviewed study published in Biomed Research International, combination chemical peels using TCA alongside complementary brightening agents demonstrated statistically significant improvement in melasma severity scores compared to TCA alone, with a favorable safety profile across darker skin types. ↗

Maison Zolara is located at 4820 W Saginaw Hwy in west Lansing, Michigan — conveniently accessible from across the mid-Michigan region. We serve patients from Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, DeWitt, Grand Ledge, Mason, Williamston, St. Johns, Charlotte, and the surrounding 30-mile radius.

Our clinic hours are 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday. Free consultations are available — book online or call us to schedule.

Whether you're coming from the Michigan State University corridor in East Lansing, the Meridian Township area of Okemos, or further out in Charlotte or St. Johns, our west Lansing location on W Saginaw Hwy puts medical-grade VI Peel care within easy reach.

1. Brodland DG, Cullimore KC, Roenigk RK, Gibson LE. Depths of chemexfoliation induced by various concentrations and application techniques of trichloroacetic acid in a porcine model. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1989;15(9):967–971. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2768798/

2. Brody HJ, Monheit GD, Resnik SS, Alt TH. A history of chemical peeling. Dermatol Surg. 2000;26(5):405–409. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2921757/

3. Khunger N, Sarkar R, Jain RK. Tretinoin peels versus glycolic acid peels in the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned patients. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(5):756–760. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23378706/

4. Monheit GD. Medium-depth chemical peels. Dermatol Clin. 2001;19(3):413–425. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7868719/

5. Sharma BD, Mahajan BB, Gupta RR. Clinical efficacy and safety of combining 20% trichloroacetic acid peel with topical 5% ascorbic acid for melasma. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(11):28–33. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5713840/

Page Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical references are sourced from peer-reviewed research and named institutions as cited below. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment.

The Medical Director provides clinical oversight of treatments performed at this practice. The Medical Director does not author, review, or endorse website content.

VI Peel® is a registered trademark of VI Aesthetics.