Had the Vi Peel three weeks ago and it is entirely worth it. My skin was looking gross and like the top needed to go, and I figured it was time for a peel. There is downtime with this peel--I looked icky for about 5 days, but I LOVE THE RESULT. My skin has better texture and fewer brown spots. I definitely look younger. Additionally, I love the moisturizer that comes with the peel. My skin breaks out with virtually everything and it does not break out at all with this stuff.

I read the review below about looking like a burn victim--I won't say that I looked that bad, but I was red and very itchy. I had a peel a long time ago and I actually did look like a burn victim and I was afraid, but I have to say that was the best peel that I ever had. Anyways, this one was very good too.

On Monday February 11, 2013 I called a local Medi-Spa to inquire about the Vi Peel. I am of Caribbean decent and have what would be considered African-American skin. I suffered from hyperpigmentation for many years due to acne scarring. The Doctor invited me in for a consultation and ended up performing an intense pore extraction, which was then followed with the Vi Peel.

My understanding of the Vi Peel was that the only discomfort to be expected was when the solution was applied and to expect plenty of peeling/shedding. I was upsold the Obagi deep cleanser and given the Vi Peel spf 55 and post peel protectant. There was no instruction on how to apply the cleanser, or if I should use it at all during the peeling process.

I went to work that evening, covering the solution, as instructed by the Doctor, with makeup so as to not scare my clients. The solution was left of my face from 1:00pm to roughly 10:00pm, which was in line with the recommended 4 or more hours.

On Day 2 my skin started to look leathery as it should since the old skin will be shed in a few days. I did not wash my face that morning and applied the Post Peel Protectant as well as some of the Sun Protectant to keep my skin somewhat moisturized. That evening I showered as usual and gently washed my face with the Obagi cleanser, I didn't want the skin to peel prematurely so I washed it just enough to not feel the Sun Protectant anymore before bed. I patted my skin dry and used the included towelette, which burned and caused my face to itch.

On Day 3 my skin really started to crack and shed in some places. I did not wash my face that morning either and applied the Post Peel Protectant, which burned and caused my face to itch instead of sooth it as stated in the packet. That evening I trimmed some of the hanging skin with sterile scissors. I also showered and used the Obagi cleanser, this time ALL the loose skin came off, which was strange to me since I had read that major shedding was to happen Day 4, 5, and 6. When I stepped out the shower, to my dismay there were areas of my skin that looked raw and pinkish like chemical burns. Most of what I read about the Vi Peel online said that chemical burns were virtually impossible with this peel.

This is where my experience turned hellish. My skin burned and itched the entire night, I was up for more than 24 hours straight. I tried the Post Peel Protectant, that burned. I tried the Sun Protectant, that burned. I rinsed my face off and tried Vaseline, that helped for 5 minutes and my skin went back to feeling like fire ants were biting my entire body. I rinsed that off and left my face with whatever residue I couldn't get, I fell asleep at 7am only to wake back up at 11am.

Day 4 I pulled on some clothes and headed straight over to the Medi-Spa. I was scorned for "forcing the skin" and washing my face. The instructions on the included pamphlet said:

" Day 3. On day three follow the instructions given by your provider. The included VI Derm Post Peel Protectant (moisturizer) and VI Derm SPF 55 may be used as often as desired. Apply a light layer of the VI Derm Post Peel Protectant (Moisturizer) at least twice a day. It is also very important to use the VI Derm SPF 55 liberally once skin begins to peel. You will begin to peel on the third day. The peeling is accurately described as a sloughing off of the skin. When washing treated areas morning and night, old skin will slough off. WASH AND PAT DRY. Do not scrub or pull at the skin. Use the VI Derm Post Peel Protectant (Moisturizer) as often as necessary for comfort or to hide any sloughing of the skin. Refrain from picking at the skin so redness, irritation and hyperpigmentation do not occur."

When I complained about the burning and itching I was told to lather my face with Neosporin for the rest of the day and the day after. This advice was given after I decided to just show up to the office since the receptionist told me she'd call me back and never did. I also called about an hour ago to report the incessant itching and my call wasn't answered.

This is still Day 4 and my disappointment with the conflicting information in the pamphlet and the directions of the Doctor along with the INTENSE discomfort I'm experiencing right now as I write this is what led to a 3 star rating.

The Vi Peel should not be advertised as a milder peel. The Doctors should be more involved and available for questions/progress.

I would've been open to the another peel if there was a more immediate solution to the itching/discomfort.

Will post back in a week or so to report results.

I Love the VI Peel!!!!!! It changed my skin and worked wonders for malasma,breaking out, smaller pores and my texture is amazing. You can't get it on ebay but I bought mine at this link on ioofer and do them my self. It's super easy and safe and comes with instructions . Here's the link to buy it. if it does go through just type it vi peel on ioffer. It's just $149.99 and you can buy it through paypal.com

http://www.ioffer.com/i/vi-peel-kit-aut ... -by-doctor)-ships-free-fast-524517476

I think I've only written one review on any product in my life. After the nightmare of my VI Peel, I thought it necessary to warn women about this peel. I tan easily, but my skin can be sensitive to face products. I decided to try to VI Peel after consulting with a plastic surgeon. He said it was virtually painless and little down time....couldn't be farther from the truth!

During the application, my face was burning. The doc assured me it would subside momentarily. My face felt like it was on fire for 2 hours! I don't know if it stopped burning on its own or if the combination of motrin and benadryl did the trick. I looked like I had spent hours burning in a tanning bed. My face was orange/brown/red. My daughter's teacher thought I had pink eye because my eye area was so red. There was no hiding that I had something done. I was scared to touch my face with the after products.

Day 2--I woke up with eyes so swollen that it looked like someone punched me. I called the doc and he called in a prescription for oral steroids--6 days worth to control the swelling. I looked worse Day 2 than Day 1--thankfully, I could work from home because I looked scary.

Day 3--my face started peeling, but the redness never subsided. My eye area looked bad through day--well, still today! It's Day 8!! My skin was super tight and wrinkly looking. I know know what I will look like at age 60! I wore my hair down and glasses trying to cover my face. I would dream of putting makeup on it. Once the peeling started, I was careful not to touch the peeling skin so I didn't do any further damage to my face. What was underneath stung and was raw. The lotions made it worse...even Aquaphor.

Day 4 to Day 7 was the worst of the peeling. My skin was crispy brown/reddish--really gross. My 5 year old check on me every morning to see if I was okay. My teenager tried not to say anything so he didn't hurt my feelings. I felt like a total idiot for trying a cosmetic procedure. On Day 7, I had a second peel start around my eyes, nose, mouth--different than the first--deeper--almost looked like my face cracked. The only thing that seems to help is the Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream.

Day 8--still too afraid to put makeup on, but at least I can get my contacts back in! I'm hoping in the next few days my face will be healed enough to put makeup back on.

Bottomline--if you have even the slightest problem with sensitive skin, don't do this. I'd like to say my face looks better than before, but I can't tell yet. If you get this treatment and it feels like it is burning (should only feel a slight tingling--like Sea Breeze), wash it off right away. I think the burning sensation was my skin actually getting a deeper burn.

I had my first Vi Peel four months ago. My skin now looks pretty much the way it did before I had my peel so I can't say it was worth the $400 I paid. My experience with the Vi Peel was also a little traumatic so I doubt I'll ever do it again, especially for $400.


I got the peel done at my dermatologist's office. I was told I could go back to work the next day (Thursday) so I didn't plan to take any time off. I have also never had a peel of any kind before so I didn't know what to expect and took my doctor's staff at their word that I wouldn't need any time off work. On Thursday, I woke up with my face mottled deep red like I had measles. I could not go to work looking like that so there's one day off work. My skin started peeling off right on cue on Saturday and had mostly peeled off by Sunday but my skin was so red, raw-looking, and painful that I could not go back to work until Tuesday. That's another day off work for a total of three days for a stupid skin peel.


My skin was red, raw, and itchy for an entire week. During that time, I could not wear any makeup (it just looked terrible but it didn't hurt) and could not even wear sunscreen. I had to walk around with a big umbrella the few times when I went outside. Once I started to finally heal, I could tell that my skin was a lot smoother and silkier than before. People told me my skin had a glow to it but I never saw that myself. Unfortunately, I also had some mysterious hyperpigmentation that my dermatologist couldn't explain and my skintone stayed "tanned" for a good three months. I was not happy about that since I didn't get the Vi Peel to look tanned, but my doctor gave me a bleaching cream and the hyperpigmentation eventually faded.


I don't regret having the Vi Peel since my skin has now fully recovered but I don't think it's worth the money and I will not be doing it again. My skin is not perfect but I don't really have any skin issues other than a little rosacea and an ocassional breakout so perhaps the Vi Peel is best for older skin that needs more revitalization or younger women with significant acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Also, although the Vi Peel requires significantly less down time than a traditional chemical peel, keep in mind that you might need more down time than you are told. I did my major peeling for two days, but my face was absolutely not presentable for considerably longer than I was told and I also had some secondary peeling for about a week after most of my skin had peeled. At my follow-up appointment one month after my peel, my dermatologist told me one of her patients with very sensitive skin peeled for 10 days.

I have struggled with acne for years, and this resulted in a lot of dark spots, mostly on my cheeks. But also on my chin and on my forehead. Before trying the Vi Peel I had tried home treatments, perscripted creams from a dermatologist, several expensive chemical peels at saloons. Nothing worked. I was patient but it didn't help and I felt like I spent money on empty promises. Then I went to yet another dermatologist and wanted to do a laser treatment on my scars..practically my whole face. I was ready to do something drastic and was prepared to pay. Just as long as I would get rid of it for good. But since I have dark skin this would be risky and she recommended the Vi Peel. And I do not regret it at all. Yes, it was pricey and yes, the first night it was burning like nothing I have never felt before. I was literally sticking my head into the freezer and taking deep breaths to cope with it. After a couple of days I started to peel and I couldn't leave my house for a week. They told me three days would be enough to stay at home. But I had done my research and was prepared for a week of peeling of dead skin. Although, despite the price and pain and the amount of patience it was worth it. My skin was new, my scars were reduced and I was amazed. Everyone around me, both people who did know and didn't know about the treatment, commented on my skin having changed into the better. I was overall extremely happy with this treatment. Be sure to do it at a proper clinic, pay more rather than pay less and risk being disappointed. I did it a year ago and will do it once more this year, just to get rid of it all even more. If you feel like theres no way out and that you have tried it all, and that you don't want to wait anymore for your scars to fade. I'd say, do it. And you can get the Vi Derm products cheaper online than what they sell them for at the clinics!

Back in 2000, I had a chemical peel done and I looked like a burn victim for about two weeks (during which time I did not leave my apartment) but the result was glowing, flawless skin. For about six months. After struggling with an unslightly blemish on the apple of my left cheek (I think it's a very stubborn blackhead) and some mild melasma on the sides of my face for about three years now, I started to reminisce over the results of that first peel. I talked with my aesthetician a few months ago about options and she told me about the VI Peel, which was touted to give stellar results in 7 days. Fed up with my skin's condition, I decided to take the plunge yesterday and bopped into her office to have the VI Peel done. Oy.
Day 1: Application was painful. The aesthetician actually gave me a small fan that I could adjust as needed during the process. Really? After the first layer of solution was on, I had the fan on the highest setting. It burned like the Dickens and it smelled. She did two more layers and my face was on FIRE. The entire procedure took about 25 minutes, but I sat there with the fan for another 5. I went home, and my face burned and ached for the rest of the afternoon. My hubby came home and uttered one word upon seeing my face: "Damn!" LOL--I know it sounds horrible, but I also have very sensitive skin which is probably why I had such an intense reaction. So, here I go again with the burn victim look. Luckily, I currently work remotely and don't have to go into the office.

Day 2: The pain is gone. My facial skin is dark, tight and itchy. I do not want to be seen in public. Peeling should start on Day 3. Looking forward to it.
Day 3: The peeling has started around my mouth and between my eyes. Not pretty. I can see the skin underneath--in some areas it looks clear and fresh, in others it looks a bit raw. The itching is insane.
Day 4: Lots of peeling. My chin and forehead have now completely unpeeled and my neck is almost there. It will probably be another 2 days before I can leave the house.
Day 5: My nose and cheeks still haven't peeled and I look absolutely horrible. Also, my face and neck are itching like crazy! The hydrocortizone cream I was given to use isn't helping. Not sure how I will feel with the end results, but right now I am very physically uncomfortable and not being able to leave the house has disrupted my life. I am so over this!
Day 6: Pretty much the same as the previous day. Lots of itching and blotchiness on the areas that have peeled. I look disgusting.
Day 7: All of the skin has peeled away and I almost look normal. And by normal, I mean all of my post-acne marks and melasma is still there. The blackhead I was trying to get rid of is still there. So basically I went through being very physically uncomfortable and hiding out like a hermit for nearly 7 days straight for....nothing. I know that some have a series of peels to obtain the level of clarity they want, but I just don't have the patience or fortitude to go through this again. I'm sure it will look better with time, but for me, this just wasn't worth it. It was a waste of hundreds of dollars. If you are considering this peel, be sure to consider your skin type, do your research, and have the peel professionally administered. UPDATE: I am still dealing with the fall out from this experience. I noticed that all of the places the aethestician said were "frosting" during the peel actually ended up being chemical burns. Note: I never, picked, scratched or pulled the skin at any time, so I know it wasn't due to anything I did during the healing process. So now I am trying fade out five small scars: one on my lower left cheek, one on my chin, one on my upper right cheek and two on the bridge of my nose. At this point, I have spent even more money than the peel actually cost to try to correct/fade out the burn marks and other residual discoloration. And I still have a long road ahead. I will be lucky if my face has cleared up by the end of the year. Never again!!!! Sorry such a long post/rant. I just want people to be aware of the downsides of a treatment such as this.

I am a 43 year old black woman who has had cystic acne since age 12. For years I struggled. I have had 2 rounds of Accutane and tried literally every oral medication/topical medication/peel /OTC skin care and luxury skin care that is out there. The V.I. Peel literally gave me new skin. I am on my second round of peels and I am so happy every day when I wake up and see fresh pimple free skin with fading hyperpigmentation scars. I have read on several forums that people have had a lot of inflammation and even a worsening pigment problem. I am medium tone (MAC NW 45 in summer). My plastic surgeon applied this very carefully with good attention to my worst scars. He has also used Jessne's Peel just on the scars at the second peel. He also instructed me very well on using the V.I. moisturizer mixed 50 / 50 with 1% prednisone cream. I have not had one bit of trouble with severe itching or inflammation or post peeling dark patches. Of course I also applied the sunscreen religiously and wore a broad hat if I had to be in the sun. I also did not scrub, rub, pick or peel my skin AT ALL. I have noticed very good results after a package of 3 treatments and am starting on a second series of 3. My pores are clearer, I have not had anything but the most minor small whiteheads every 3-4 weeks (goes along with my cycle) and best of all the scars are about 60% lighter. The instructions to use the prednisone cream do not come with the pre-printed insert that came in the after care pack. I think this may be a new recommendation.or perhaps something my surgeon recommends for his patients. In any case I could not be happier. After Glyolic, Salicylic, Silk Peel, Vitalize Peel and who know what else...I have finally found something that really works. I did not get these scars over night, so I don't expect them to disappear over night. I never want to be without this product. If they could somehow lower the price or create a product for home use I would be in heaven!

P.S. I also use the Clinique Clinical Dark Spot Remover between peels. It has accelerated the fading since I started it 3 weeks ago.

I have had the VI Peel, a chemical peel geared for skins of women of color, and I liked it. The aesthetician applies the chemical after cleansing your skin. You leave the product on the face for at least 12 hours or overnight, if tolerated. Then, the next day, you wash it off. You will be given a skin care regimen to use. Since it is an aggressive peel, after a couple of days, you will start to peel like a snake thereby erasing all the scars and dark spots! With all the peeling, a lot of acne that had been hiding under the surface of my skin came to the top. Here is why I took a lippie off. Once the exfoliation stops, all the new stuff that's up to the surface makes you prone to more hyperpigmentation (dark spots, discoloration). I think the VI peel would be perfect if a they included a maintenance skin regimen with a cream or lotion with hydroquinone (to fade), AHAs, salicylic acid and BHAs (to exfoliate and prevent new acne) to get rid of the new stuff that comes up from all the peeling.