“Vi Peel Didn't Go Like the Website Said, but Was Worth It!”
I have to admit what drew me in was the research I did on the product's website. The before/after photos; even the instructional video; that made this peel look like no pain, lots of gain!
The best price I found in my area was a package deal, $500 for two peels. I just didn't want to spend the money. So what does any discerning, informed consumer do? Go to ebay. My neighbor used to work for a Dermatologist, so I figured if I had an emergency I could call on her. Otherwise, how hard could it be to give yourself a chemical peel?
I timed out my peel so that the worst peeling days (3 & 4 according to the website) would coincide with days I knew I didn't have to leave the house. After all, how bad could it be? The day-by-day photos on the website were VERY misleading. That lady looked like all she did was remove her makeup.
I am a 37 year old woman of Italian descent who has admittedly enjoyed my time in the sun.....
Day 1: The website said after the 1st pass over your face, the peel numbs the skin and that there's no pain after this. Lies. It stung, it was uncomfortable. Not unbearable, but not comfortable. You leave the product on for a minimum of 4 hrs or overnight if you can bear it. I washed it off at the 4 hr. mark. My face was already appeared sunburnt.
Day 2: Skin started feeling very tight and was very dark brown in color. Not exactly fit for public. The website said make-up could be applied on this day. My skin was so brown and dry and crusty my makeup just made my face look purple. At this point every time you talk or make a facial expression you feel it. Like your face is gonna crack and fall off. Which you will wish it did by day 3.
Day 3: Let the peeling begin. Which,by the way, happens nothing like the website says. At this point your damaged top layer of skin is very brown (if you're caucasian) and begins to loosen and peel around your mouth first. That is typically where the most of my sun damage shows up for some reason. You are advised from ever peeling the skin. Your only comfort during this time as you literally have sheets of skin hanging off your face is the cuticle scissor. Otherwise you would go insane with the tickling and the itching as your skin peels/heals at the same time.
Day 4: More of the same, just seems slower than the day before. I think this was the day I absolutely had to do the grocery shopping and I wore a hat and sunglasses and still felt like everyone was staring at me. I looked like a burn victim, as the area around my mouth had fully peeled, with fresh pink skin showing and the rest of my face was dark brown.
Day 5: Still peeling, only now I'm starting to wonder if it will ever be over. I couldn't imagine having to work outside the home during this time. My children were so enthralled with the entire process. Everyday was like a new adventure. Oooo Mom, look at your face now. MOMMMM, you have a big piece hanging off, can I pick it?! NOBODY TOUCH MY FACE! I even had to slap my husband's hand.
Day 6: Light at the end of the tunnel. I have to admit at this point I was "so over it" and all that was left was my cheekbones and a bit of forehead and hairline. My skin was less tender at this point so I spent more time washing to encourage the rest of the skin off. Ta-DAAA! By mid-day I was presentable. Skin was fresh, pink and glowing like a newborn baby!
Day 7: As your PH levels get back normal, you may have a couple of whiteheads pop up, no biggie. Your skin has just been traumatized. Over the next 2 days or so I had a couple of "dry spots" around my mouth especially. I just kept piling on the moisturizer.
Day 8 and beyond....
I have been told I'm so pretty, my hair looks great, even my husband (who was out of town for the worst of the peeling) said "Wow, your skin looks amazing!"
With all that said, I would recommend it. It's not for the faint of heart, and it doesn't go anything like is advertised. But definitely worth it!
This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.
LisaLisa197...how are you now? I did the VI Peel this past Sunday afternoon by an aesthetician. The application of the peel was totally painless for me. It was applied at 12:30pm and I didn't wash my face until 10pm that night. All was well until I applied the Retin-A towlette...I thought my face was going to burn off! I had to wash it after only about 30 min. I used cortisone cream, but nothing relieved my burning until I washed it and applied the VI moisturizer (not sure if that was ok, but I did it anyway) My face has been fine today, just really tight and red. I washed again tonight and applied the Retin-A towlette and it did not burn near as bad as last night. Tomorrow is day 3...I'm so nervous! I hope all goes well and will keep you posted. Your comments so far are encouraging to me.