To ensure a safe treatment and the best possible outcomes, please review the following guidelines before your VI Chemical Peel appointment.

Cold Sore (Herpes Simplex) Notice

If you have a personal history of cold sores, please contact the clinic prior to your appointment. A chemical peel can trigger a flare, and you may need preventative antiviral medication to ensure a safe, comfortable treatment.

7 Days Before Treatment

•Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners

•Use daily SPF 50+ and practice strict sun protection

•Discontinue retinoids, exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide, and physical exfoliation

•Do not wax, thread, or sugar in the treatment area

•Avoid any treatments that may irritate the skin (laser, IPL, microneedling, facials)

Day of Treatment

•If possible, arrive with clean skin.

•Do not shave the treatment area the day of your appointment

•Skin should be intact—no open wounds, irritation, or active sunburn

•If anything feels off with your skin (sunburn, new sensitivity, or recent unintentional sun exposure), please let us know prior to treatment.

Reminders

•There may be some degree of discomfort such as burning, stinging, redness, heat, or tightness during and a week after the procedure.

•If you have acne, the peel may temporarily bring congestion to the surface, resulting in a breakout.

•Please remember that the level of peeling may vary from flaking to heavy peeling which can last up to to 7-10 days. Plan accordingly for any special occasions, vacations, family pictures, and events you may have coming up to ensure you look your best.

• While your skin is healing, please pause any products containing retinol, AHAs/BHAs, or other active ingredients, and be diligent with daily SPF. You’ll receive some take-home products to use following your treatment, but if you anticipate needing additional products, please plan ahead.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your visit will be approximately 30 minutes. We’ll begin with a brief consultation to review your goals, assess your skin, and ensure it’s safe to proceed. After cleansing and preparing the skin, the peeling solution will be applied in a series of passes until all the solution has been used or your skin has reached its clinical endpoint. The peel will self-neutralize after 4 hours, and during this time you will be instructed not to wash or use any products on your face. You will leave with take-home products to use and detailed instructions on what to expect over the next few days.