Vitality Institute (VI) peels are chemical peels, which may help with aging skin, oily skin, acne, and sun damage. The three main ingredients are trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid and phenol.

A person who has concerns about their skin may consider speaking with a dermatologist about chemical peels. A chemical peel may help manage:

Although scientists have not widely studied the efficacy and safety of VI peels, there is research about the main ingredients they use. And while these ingredients can help with skin concerns, they may also cause adverse effects.

This article discusses VI peels, their benefits, and their side effects. It also explores the cost and aftercare for VI peels.

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VI peels are chemical peel treatments from the Vitality Institute. Chemical peels contain different types of acid, such as:

The Vitality Institute claims that its chemical peels aim to help people with various skin concerns. Its chemical peel products include:

  • VI Precision Plus: For sun damage, melasma, UV-induced pigmentation, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  • VI Peel Purify: For oily skin, adult acne, acne scarring, and acne with hyperpigmentation.
  • VI Peel Advanced: For loss of elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles, and aging skin.
  • VI Peel Original: For early signs of aging, rough skin, and sensitive skin.

Although the exact components and concentrations of these peels will vary according to the specific treatment, the three primary ingredients in VI peels include:

Chemical peels, such as VI peels, are popular noninvasive cosmetic procedures that can help manage a range of skin conditions.

There is no repeated, long-term research on the effects of VI peel specifically. However, there is evidence to support the efficacy of its three main ingredients.

A person should consider talking with a dermatologist for further information about VI peels.

Trichloroacetic acid

A 2021 systematic review found that chemical peels with trichloroacetic acid can be very useful for treating photoaging. Photoaging is when someone’s skin shows signs of aging due to sunlight exposure.

There is also some evidence that trichloroacetic acid helps treat:

Salicylic acid

Research has shown that salicylic acid-containing chemical peels are extremely helpful for treating mild to moderate acne symptoms. Although salicylic acid is less useful for treating hyperpigmentation and sun damage, it can still help improve these skin conditions.

Phenol

There is some evidence that chemical peels containing phenol can help with a variety of skin concerns, such as:

  • sun damage
  • acne
  • hyperpigmentation
  • scarring

Clinicians tend to use phenols in deeper skin peels, where the chemical treatment penetrates more skin layers.

There is evidence that the main ingredients in VI peels can help people address a range of skin concerns. However, it is also possible that these main ingredients, and chemical peels in general, can cause unwanted side effects.

Some of the possible adverse effects of chemical peels include:

People with darker skin tones and a history of scar formation are more likely to experience side effects from chemical peels.

With this in mind, a person should discuss possible side effects with a dermatologist before having a VI peel. The risk of experiencing adverse effects may vary depending on a person’s skin type and tone.

Learn more about Fitzpatrick skin types.

A person should ensure they carry out chemical peel follow-up care. Chemical peel aftercare methods include:

  • applying a cool saline compress to soothe and neutralize the peel immediately after
  • soaking the skin with a 0.25% solution of acetic acid, or vinegar, to help improve healing
  • applying nonscented emollients 3–5 times per day may also speed up the healing process
  • only showering 24 hours after the chemical peel, and only with a nondetergent skin wash, until the skin has healed
  • reducing sun exposure, and using adequate sunscreen after exposure to sunlight
  • not using concealer or makeup until after the skin has fully healed

Additionally, the clinician administering a chemical peel should have more specific information for aftercare. The aftercare methods they suggest will vary according to the specific chemical peel and the nature of the skin concern.

The slideshow below shows examples of how a person’s skin may look before and after a VI peel procedure. Results may vary.

Private cosmetics clinics administer chemical peels. For this reason, the cost of a VI peel will vary. For instance, one clinic in Las Vegas charges around $150–400 for VI peels, while another in Houston charges roughly $300–450.

Health insurers are not likely to cover the cost of a VI peel because they consider them a cosmetic treatment.

VI peels are a chemical peel that the Vitality Institute offers. Although there is evidence that the main components of VI peels can help with various skin concerns, these chemical peels may also have unwanted effects.

As with all chemical peels, proper aftercare following a VI peel is essential.

People who are interested in VI peels should discuss them with a dermatologist first.