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POSTED UNDER VI Peel REVIEWS

Definite Improvement for Acne and Complexion! - Chicago, IL

ORIGINAL POST

This is my 3rd Vi Peel and I've had great results...

LuminousGlow
WORTH IT$300
This is my 3rd Vi Peel and I've had great results each time. I originally went in for a chemical peel 2 years ago for acne scarring on my cheeks. My main concern was to minimize my scars and little bit of active acne I had. And the peel did just that. I was really pleased with the results and noticed an improvement in scars and also my skin was much smoother after the peel.

The 2nd peel was almost 1 1/2 years after the first and was a Vi Peel Precision Plus. I still wanted to diminish my acne scars because my skin developed more acne and scars since my first peel. However, this time I was also concerned about large pores, uneven complexion and texture, and overall dull skin. I had even better results with the Precision Plus Peel than the original Vi peel. However, I had much more irritation this time and my skin took a few weeks longer to get back to normal so it took a little longer for me to be happy with my results, but the results were definitely better!

I just had my 3rd Peel and it was back to the original Vi Peel this time because I could not justify the cost or extra irritation/discomfort of the Precision Plus. My concern for this peel was still acne scarring. Though I haven't had active acne in some time, my scars are definitely still there and very noticeable. In addition, I was unhappy with my large pores, uneven skin tone and I also have a few wrinkles that popped up overnight since my last Peel.

The application has been painless for me every time. I experience no discomfort or stinging, but I also use a handheld fan. I kept the solution on for 10 1/2 hours because I got the peel in the morning and didn't wash it off until bedtime. I pretty much peeled according to the pamphlet and only on days 2,3,4 was there itching, but it was minimal and easy to handle. I try to avoid putting any cream on my face for itching/irritation during that time and I also do not care for the moisturizer that is included in the Vi kit so I did not use it after this last peel, I honestly think it caused a breakout around my nose and chin the first 2 peels. So, this time I just used a natural moisturizer full of antioxidants and vitamins, but make sure any products you do use do not contain any acids or alcohol. I also have never had any urges to peel the skin or "help" it along, so I can say that my skin peeled exactly how it should have so I did not suffer from any hyperpigmentation.

I also would say that the tagline of a peel with no downtime is totally inaccurate. I would say that I'm probably more insecure than others when it comes to going about my business while having skin hanging off my face so maybe other people have found that there is no downtime, but not me. Each time I have gotten the peel I made sure that I had plenty of time off otherwise I honestly would not have gotten the peel because I just would never go out in public when it's at its worst. But, I am totally in awe of those who just don't care, seriously!! I do wish that the company and/or professionals performing this peel would be more honest and upfront about what you're really feeling and looking like a few days in. It's just not pretty!

I have my peel performed by a licensed esthetician at a local medical spa. It's the only medical spa in the area so that's why I went there, but I really lucked out because it's a great spa with a very small, friendly, helpful staff. I know they honestly want their clients to have the best results which is how it should be, but it sounds like that is not everyone's experience. You should be comfortable when doing any procedure like this and if you're not or the person doesn't seem confident or qualified I would suggest going somewhere else. Putting you skin (and subsequent happiness) in the hands of another person you don't feel confident with may not be worth it in the long run.

Also, I must say money is very tight for me and I was only able to afford these peels because I saved every penny that other people might spend on extra groceries, shopping, social activities etc for months before I could afford each peel. The chemical peel was more valuable to me right now than those other things so I did have to really save. I don't want to represent that having 3 peels wasn't a major cost and that everyone should just go out and do it because it's worth it. It is worth it, but it's very costly! That being said, an at home Vi peel sounds enticing, right?!? Wrong! Having gone through 3 peels I feel confident enough that I know what the esthetician does and how she does it, but I would never do it myself. Burns can happen so easily and then you will need to spend much more money to try and correct the problem and end up more unhappy with your appearance than when you started.

Purchasing the Vi Peel at my medical spa comes with a micro treatment a few weeks after you get the Peel. The esthetician said the micro really allows for the greatest results because weeks after the peel you still have a lot of dead and dry skin that we can't see looking in the mirror. So by removing that final layer of dead skin gives even greater results. And I have to say that I do tend to get a few whiteheads around my nose and chin after the peeling and so the micro clears that right up and gives that little extra exfoliation that my skin needs. I am so happy that my spa includes that because I could never afford to pay for the peel and the micro separately, but I think it really is necessary for the best results.

Overall, the Vi Peel is costly, but worth it! Honesty, the weeks right after each peel I feel like there isn't that much of an improvement, but after about 4-6 weeks I can really tell the difference with my complexion and skin tone. I have had 3 peels and I needed 3 peels to get the final results that I have today. Just having 1 peel did not give me the results that I wanted when I first started out. So, for me, having multiple peels was necessary. I did have to wait around a total of 2 years to complete all 3 peels due to the high cost otherwise if I had done them in a series I would have had the best results possible. Unfortunately, I just could not afford that, but I'm still very pleased with the outcome.

I wish I had pictures before my first Vi Peel because the difference between then and now is huge. Even though I still have problem areas, my skin looks amazing compared to 2 years ago and that is all because of the Vi Peel. I also have a new skin care regimen in place for after this peel that will definitely help me upkeep the results and no, it's not a medical grade skin care line.

If anyone has any questions, I'll definitely try to help out! And I'll definitely update in a few more weeks.

The one thing I do want to say that I've learned, and am still learning, is that nobody sees what we see! As women, especially, we are so hard on ourselves and scrutinize every flaw and line on our face, but nobody else is. People look at our beautiful smiles or eyes and not all of the flaws we see. It's definitely okay to pursue radiant, beautiful skin, but it's also important to appreciate what we already have! Honestly!

Replies (9)

April 29, 2013

Wow, thank you so much for posting such good pictures!! Its easy to see the results you got and your skin looks great!!

I loved what you wrote about being self conscious about going out with the skin hanging off - right there with you!! I always try to just push thorough it, but ultimately I don't like the way it looks either.

July 11, 2013
How much downtime was there before the peeling wasn't bad enough that you would skip work? I am wondering how long I need off. I don't mind going to work with minimal peeling or even a red face after the peeling is over for a day or two but I don't want the all over peeling and skin hanging off while at work.
July 17, 2013

hello What is the medical spa called in chicago ? Thank you.

June 4, 2014
Hi thank u for sharing i had same skin problem just like u and my big concern is my acne scars i did my first vipeel on last wenesday so far my skin is look pretty good but i havent seen any improvement in my scars . Should i continue do this or should i go with laser treament pls rply if u hve any sugestion
November 1, 2014
Thanks for a great, thorough review. I'm currently debating getting the peel-I'm 51 with very fair, pretty sensitive skin. My big fear is coming out looking worse then when I went in! I appreciate your comments on the down-time. I'm like you, I'm not comfortable walking around with skin hanging off my face-I'd feel very self-conscious. Are you still happy with the results a year and a half later? From your photos you seem pretty fair skinned too but I can't really tell. Thanks for your input. Christina
UPDATED FROM LuminousGlow

4th Vi Peel

LuminousGlow
I finally decided to go in for my 4th Vi Peel. Again, my concerns are acne, large pores and uneven skin tone. I went off of birth control several months ago and have been dealing with acne ever since. It's the classic hormonal acne along the jawline, cheeks, down to my neck. I have found nothing to clear it up even balancing out my hormones with natural supplements, usually you just have to wait it out until your body bounces back. But, I didn't feel like waiting it out this time so I headed to the spa for a peel!

When I went in for the regular Vi Peel, I found out they now offer a Vi Peel Acne so that was recommended since I have active acne. The procedure was exactly the same as it has been. I experience no discomfort at all. It's quick and painless taking a total of 20 minutes before I'm out of there.

In the past I have felt irritation on days 2 and 3, but I have not had any irritation so far. The only thing I experience is slight burning in the creases of my nose the first time I wash my face after it peeled, usually on day 3. It's very mild and stops right away. After having 4 peels what I have learned is that even though there may be a long period of time between peels, the more peels you have done the less 'sensitive' your skin is to the peel. Not in effectiveness, but in irritation, stinging, etc. My esthetician even commented that your skin doesn't take as long to revert back to normal ph after subsequent peels. The other difference I noted is that my skin for the 3rd and 4th peels is just sloughing off where the first 2 peels it was more like layers peeling off.

I am on day 4 and the skin around my nose and mouth has already peeled. The skin from my hairline started peeling off late on day 2. I am expecting to be peeling until day 6 or 7. The information always says that peeling usually takes 3 days, but mine has always taken longer. I don't mean until every bit of skin has peeled, but my cheeks and forehead do not usually peel until day 4 of peeling so about day 5-6 of the peel.

I will continue to update. I did not get to take before photos this time, but will definitely post after.

Replies (4)

September 15, 2014
Hi Luminous Glow, both have us have a common problem, i.e. enlarged pores. Looking at your photos is like looking at mine. :) Have you by any chance done CO2 Fractional Laser before? The reason why I'm asking is that my pores problem were a result of a botched CO2 Fractional Laser a few years ago. By the way, my photos are available at my website where I documented the process. Google 'myBeautyCravings'.
November 3, 2014
Hi! No, I have never had anything done besides the Vi Peel. As I've gotten older, I've noticed that my pores have gotten larger and as a result I have suffered with adult acne. The chemical peels help the overall appearance of my skin though. But, you do have to do them somewhat often in order to maintain that appearance. And not only is it expensive, but the downtime is too significant for me to do it more than once a year. I have tried a weaker peel with little downtime, but I had absolutely no improvement, in fact, I didn't even peel and it was still over $150. As far as treatments go, the Vi Peel is still my number one, I just wish I could get similar results without so much downtime. As far as a daily regimen goes...it's a constant battle to figure out the best products for my skin that actually work. I still haven't found a system I'm happy with that I can afford.
January 18, 2015
Hi Luminous Glow, my issue is shallow acne scars on cheeks and forehead. From your pictures I see no acne scars. What were your acne scars like before the peels and how many peels did you have before you saw the results you wanted in acne scarring? Thanks!
January 20, 2015
Hi Cleveland, I did have acne scars at the time, they are all the red marks and discoloration in the pictures. My scars are mostly discoloration on the surface of my skin as opposed to indentations or pock marks which is why it may be hard to see in the pictures. I do have a few pores that are very 'deep' and actually look like a tiny pin hole, but the peels don't help those and actually I'm not sure anything would because I don't think fillers would be appropriate for such tiny 'holes'. I would say after my second Vi Peel is when I noticed an improvement with the scarring. The peels are great and I highly recommend them, but they are definitely not a 'cure' for me. The biggest benefit is that the overall texture and tone of my face improves, but it doesn't last forever either. I think the best way to use the Vi Peel is to find a really great skin care system that helps with acne, but also with the health of your skin and getting a peel 2 times a year to rejuvenate your skin and clear up any issues you might be experiencing. I can say for sure that none of the peels have left my skin glowing or without issues for an extended period of time. In fact, my skin is probably worse than it has been in years at the moment and I just had a peel and a micro done 4 months ago. The peel is still a great option and one that I hope I can continue to afford every now and then, but the real challenge for me is to figure out why my acne is so bad and to finally find a skin care system that works. I've been tackling this issue for the last few years and I always focus as much on what goes in my body as what I put on my body and even with that approach it's been impossible to keep clear skin for long. I hope you find something that works for you! But, like I said, I definitely recommend the Vi Peel for healthier skin, but it's not a miracle worker.
UPDATED FROM LuminousGlow

5th Vi Peel Precision Plus

LuminousGlow
I went in for a 5th Vi Peel. This time I went with the Vi Peel Precision Plus because it was discounted cheaper than the original Vi Peel. Plus, my skin has progressively been getting worse over the last year so I figured the booster, which is 25% stronger, would be beneficial at this point.

One thing to note is that even though my biggest concern and reason for getting the Vi Peel, or any peel, is acne and its scarring. However, I will not get the Vi Peel Acne again because the only added 'benefit' is that it kills the bacteria from any current breakouts, but as my esthetician has pointed out, the peel is so strong and removes so much dead skin, along with the follow-up facial, that all the bacteria that is 'active' will be killed off and removed anyway. So, it's not worth the extra cost and if you are willing to pay extra, it's better to just go for the Precision Plus and get those added benefits of removing more skin and going deeper.

My esthetician warned me that I may not peel anymore because I have gotten several peels and the more you get them, the less likely you'll have the same reaction in regards to peeling and/or pain/stinging. I did peel though and actually started the second night which is earlier than ever before. I started peeling around my mouth and nose first with a little on my cheeks. I'm currently on day 4 and only have my forehead and a little patch on my cheeks left to go. The skin on the forehead is always the last to peel off.

The initial application and day of is never painful or uncomfortable to me. The days that hurt a little are days 3-5 when a majority of the peeling occurs and that's just because the skin exposed is so tight and so raw that it burns regardless of what product you put on it. You must use a very mild product with no acids though because that will definitely burn and can leave scarring since it's on raw skin. I use a tiny bit of the protectant that comes with the peel kit to reduce any stinging, but I try to apply as little product or moisturizer of any kind as possible in the first week after I peel because I'm prone to breaking out after I peel.

I will update shortly on the rest of my progress.

Replies (6)

February 17, 2015
If you don't mind me asking, so I know more than less, how much did you pay for your VI Peel?
February 17, 2015
Sure, the cost at my medical spa for the Vi Peel is $300 while the Vi Peel Precision Plus and the Vi Peel Acne are $350. Most spa services are offered in packages as that is how they are advertised as most effective. The package of 6 Vi Peels at my spa is around $1,500. Each Vi Peel does include a microdermabrasion treatment post-peel which doesn’t change the cost, but I know I’m getting an add-on service that will help my skin even more so that makes me feel better about spending so much on one beauty treatment. The microdermabrasion costs $125 at my spa without the peel so altogether I’m paying $300 for treatments that would cost $425. Therefore, I’m pretty pleased with the prices that I pay. I go to a medical spa in the suburbs of Chicago so take into consideration the location as well since that affects costs. Cost is important as it can be very expensive, but you should also feel comfortable with the person who will be performing your services. I have checked into many places both in the city limits and outside and while I do know that I pay more at my spa than I would at other places, I really like my spa and the people so the extra cost is worth it to me. Plus, my spa also offers loyalty type programs every few months as a thank you to their clients who pay a lot of money at that spa for all sorts of services- generally that discount is only about $50 off one treatment, but it does help!! Check out prices at a few spas in your area, if you're choosing a new esthetician, and go off that for an average cost, but I personally would beware of a place that offers deeply discounted prices or groupon-type prices. Not to say those aren't good options, but I would only do it if I already knew of the spa and their qualifications because you want to make sure the person applying your peel knows what they are doing. Or, of course, if you can find some quality reviews that give you insight into the service that reviewers had and how they liked it. It is costly to get peels done, but it can be worth it. What I’m realizing after my fifth Vi Peel is that peels are very beneficial, especially in the beginning, and do benefit your skin long-term, but the most important part to having healthy, clear skin is an everyday routine that works for YOU. It’s easy to want a peel or a treatment, or feel like all the expensive products at Ulta would give you perfect, flawless skin…if only you could afford it all, but honestly, what works for others just does not work for everyone. I’ve really taken it back to the basics and although there are some great products out there that are expensive and might work, not everyone can afford them. I’m been doing tons of research and I’m focusing more on the types of products and most definitely ingredients rather than product or brand recommendations and what works for other people. And of course, nutrition is important so eat healthy and stay hydrated!
February 22, 2015
Hi, Which spa is it in Chicago, if you don't mind. Thank you. Sorry if this was answered already I didn't see it, first time on this website.
May 23, 2015
Update please! Check messages!!
August 10, 2015
Hi there!!
Thank you for your helpful post, I'm actually in the same boat as you, I have acne scarring and large pores with breakouts every so often. I have been looking into the Vi Peel and they recommended the Vi Peel Acne and the original Vi Peel. I was wondering whether in your opinion the Precision Plus works better than the Vi Peel Acne to remove deeper acne scars? Also how long do you think the down time is for the Precision Plus compared to the Acne peel? I'm just weighing up which one would be better, I have sensitive skin but I've had plenty of laser and enzyme masks when I actually had the active acne. If you could get back to me, that would be much appreciated :)
Thanks,
Nicole.
August 14, 2015
Hi Nicole,

I have done all 3 of the Vi Peels you mentioned. I did the Vi Peel Acne one time and did not notice any difference between that and the original. Though the Vi Peel Acne is marketed as "stronger" than the original my esthetician said that the only difference between the two is that the Acne version has benzoyl peroxide and salicyclic acid to kill the bacteria of acne already on the surface. My point with that is the peel is going to completely eliminate all of that anyway because the peel penetrates so deeply. Maybe the science behind it is correct, but the Acne version did not give me better results. The Acne version is supposed to have a lightener as well for scars, but I had a lot of red marks and it did not noticeably improve those either. I personally would not get the Vi Peel Acne again.

The Precision Plus definitely gave me better results than the Original. It is stronger and therefore I did peel more, however the down time was the same. So basically I shed more skin but in the same amount of time. This did mean that the skin after peeling was more "raw", but it did not extend the healing time any. At my spa, the Precision Plus is $50 more. I do think it is worth it, but the peel is already so expensive so I'm not sure I could justify the extra $50 every time I had a peel. Although, on the other hand, I guess if you're spending so much, what's an extra $50!!! So basically, for me, it comes down to cost, but if they were the same price I would do the Precision Plus every time because I definitely got better results.

I actually have sensitive skin too, but have tolerated all of the Vi Peels well except for my first one. It wasn't bad, but it seems the reaction (burning, stinging) gets less and less every time I did a peel.

Hope that helps! Sorry it took a few days before I saw your comment! I'm going to post an update soon, check back!