Vi Peel: Stories

I went to my dermatologist for my third Revitalize peel (light peel from SkinMedica) and told her I wasn't happy with the results so far, so she recommended the vi peel instead. I started a series of 5 peels for problems with dry, yet acne prone skin and deep white bumps around my nose (milia).

I should mention that I also have sensitive skin, which is why I tried the Revitalize peel first. I just had the Vi peel yesterday afternoon. It did burn a bit at first (only a few minutes), then by the time I left the office, my face felt sort of numb and tight. When you leave, you should be given a kit with post peel directions and some products by Vi-2 post peel towelettes, a post peel protectant cream and SPF 55 cream.

By evening, my face looked like I had a sunburn but not uncomfortable. Before bed, I followed the post peel directions and used the post-peel wipe. In the morning, my face was very itchy. I washed my face with Cerave, then applied the post peel protectant. My face is still itchy (but less so) and very red and blotchy. It looks like I have an allergic reaction to something. I'll keep posting updates during the next few days... I should mention that the price is because it was a special offered at my dermatologist's, when you purchased a package. Great deal, if it works!

Day 4- Ok, yesterday was New Years eve, so I missed a post, here's my update:
Yesterday, (day 3) I was peeling like crazy! It looked like I stuck my face in white glue and let it dry. It was tight and started peeling around my mouth and radiated out from there. It was really hard not to pull the hanging, flaky skin. At night, I took a shower, then took a wet washcloth and gently wiped away some of the skin. I didn't rub, honest! Then, I put on the protective cream, like I had been doing all day. My face was really red, so I used some Sheer Cover mineral powder, instead of my normal makeup. We were going to a party for New Years, so I didn't want to look too scary! Not sure if it was the peel, using the washcloth, or the mineral makeup but as the night went on, I noticed my skin was puffy under my eyes. This morning when I woke up, I looked like the elephant woman! My face was so swollen, my eyes were practically swollen shut! It is now 6:30pm and it is just as swollen. I tried ice packs, taking Benedryl and Ibuprofen and the Vi protective cream. Nothing seems to help. I am so swollen and my skin is so tight, I can hardly eat. Skin is still peeling, but less itchy and irritated than before. Not sure what to try next. I guess I'll keep icing and taking ibuprofen and hope for the best. I'm supposed to go back to work on Tuesday!

Day 5- I woke up this morning and the swelling on my face was worse! I didn't think it could get much worse, but my eyes were almost swollen shut and I could barely open my mouth. I can't get in touch with my dermatologist or my physician (holiday). I'm not sure if my reaction is to the actual peel or maybe an allergic reaction to the post peel protective cream. I realized that I had a Rx for prednisone (I suffer from bad allergic reactions to poison ivy and bug bites), so I started taking it this morning. I also sent my husband to the store for some Aquaphor. That was a lifesaver! It soothed my face and kept it soft. It is now 8pm and the swelling has gone down, but still as bad as it was yesterday. My face is actually starting to peel a second time around my mouth. Just hoping I can go back to work tomorrow!

It took over a week for my face to look "normal" again. I followed up with my Dermatologist and she said it's very possible the reaction was from the post peel creams. Six weeks later, I went back but this time decided to just do another Revitalize peel. I actually had a reaction to that this time too, though not nearly as bad. I'm done with peels! My skin is just too sensitive to handle it...My skin tone does look a little better, but not as much improvement as I would have liked.