Concerns Treated
Addresses sun damage and age spots, melasma, active acne, acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin tone and texture. The VI Peel is best for pigmentation and surface-level concerns — for deeper textured scars, microneedling or laser resurfacing may be recommended alongside a peel series.
Ideal Candidate
Best for patients with pigmentation, acne, sun damage, or dull, uneven texture who can plan around a 5–7 day peeling window. The VI Peel is formulated to be safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI), including darker tones. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active cold sores or skin infections in the area, recent isotretinoin use, or a recent sunburn. Your aesthetician will confirm candidacy at consultation.
Peel Levels 1, 2 & 3
Level 1 ($250): a lighter, superficial peel for mild dullness and early texture concerns, with minimal visible peeling (does not use a VI Peel). Level 2 / VI Peel ($350): a medium-depth peel (VI Peel Original or VI Peel Purify) targeting pigmentation, active acne, redness, and sun damage, with a full 7-day peeling cycle. Level 3 ($450): our deepest exfoliation, for hormonal melasma, stubborn scarring, and advanced signs of aging.
How VI Peels Work
A medical-grade chemical peel uses a customized blend of acids — including TCA, retinoic acid, and salicylic acid — to dissolve and remove damaged surface cells in a controlled clinical setting.
The VI Peel is formulated to be comfortable during application and safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types, including darker tones that carry higher risk with older peel formulations.
Over approximately 7 days, damaged skin physically sheds, lifting hyperpigmentation, clearing active acne, and exposing a smoother, more even skin surface underneath.
The Benefits
Pigmentation Correction
Targets melasma, sun damage, and post-inflammatory dark spots by removing the pigmented surface cells and stimulating new, even-toned skin turnover.
Acne & Scar Treatment
The VI Peel Purify formulation addresses active acne breakouts, while the VI Peel helps reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind by healed lesions.
Collagen Stimulation
The controlled exfoliation process triggers new collagen and elastin production in the dermal layer, which helps smooth fine lines and improve skin firmness over time.
Concerns VI Peels Treat
A VI Peel targets pigmentation, acne, and texture concerns. Here’s what it addresses and how it works for each.
Sun Damage & Age Spots
Years of UV exposure cause melanin to accumulate in the upper skin layers, producing dark spots, uneven tone, and a weathered texture. The VI Peel’s TCA and retinoic acid combination dissolves these damaged cells in a controlled exfoliation, allowing new, evenly pigmented skin to surface over the following week. For deeper vascular sun damage, a BBL Photofacial can be added to target redness and broken capillaries that chemical exfoliation alone may not reach.
Melasma
Melasma is a hormonally driven pigmentation condition that produces symmetrical brown or gray-brown patches, typically on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. The VI Peel is a medium-depth peel formulated to help address melasma by exfoliating pigmented surface cells and supporting more even skin tone. Because melasma is chronic and hormone-sensitive, most patients require a series of peels alongside a consistent at-home skincare protocol to manage it long-term.
Active Acne
The VI Peel Purify formulation is designed specifically for acne-prone skin. Its blend of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and kojic acid works to clear active breakouts by dissolving the oil and dead cells that clog pores, while simultaneously reducing the bacteria that triggers inflammation. For patients with both active acne and post-inflammatory dark spots, the VI Peel Purify addresses both concerns in a single treatment.
Acne Scarring & PIH
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — the dark marks left after acne heals — sits in the upper layers of the skin where chemical exfoliation is most effective. The VI Peel removes this pigmented tissue layer by layer over successive treatments. For deeper, textured acne scars (ice-pick or rolling scars), microneedling works at a deeper dermal level and pairs well with a peel series for comprehensive scar revision.
Fine Lines & Aging
As collagen production slows with age, fine lines and loss of firmness become more visible. The controlled injury from a VI Peel triggers a wound-healing response that produces new collagen and elastin in the dermal layer. A consistent series of VI Peels, paired with a supportive at-home skincare regimen, helps soften fine lines and improve skin firmness over time.
Uneven Skin Tone & Texture
Dull, rough, or uneven skin tone is often the result of accumulated dead cells, environmental damage, and slowed cell turnover. Even a single VI Peel session visibly improves skin clarity and smoothness by removing the damaged outer layer and accelerating new cell production. For ongoing maintenance between peels, a HydraFacial keeps pores clear and skin hydrated without any peeling downtime.
VI Peel vs. Laser Resurfacing
Both VI Peels and laser resurfacing improve skin tone, texture, and pigmentation — but they work through different mechanisms and have different recovery profiles. Understanding these differences helps determine which approach is right for your skin.
Many patients benefit from combining both: VI Peels for pigmentation correction and laser treatments for deeper textural concerns. Your aesthetician can recommend the right sequence during a consultation. Explore our MOXI Laser and full treatment menu.
What to Expect
The in-clinic appointment takes about 30–45 minutes, followed by a 7-day at-home peeling cycle. Here’s what happens at each step.
Skin Assessment
Your aesthetician evaluates your skin type (Fitzpatrick scale), current concerns, and treatment history. She determines the appropriate peel level — Level 1, Level 2 (VI Peel), or Level 3 — and reviews what to expect during the peeling cycle.
Cleansing & Prep
The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed and degreased to remove oils, makeup, and sunscreen. This ensures the peel solution can penetrate evenly across the skin surface. No numbing cream is needed — the VI Peel contains a built-in numbing agent.
Peel Application
The peel solution is applied in 1–2 passes across the treatment area. You may feel a mild tingling or warmth during the first pass, which subsides quickly. The solution stays on your skin — you do not wash it off at the clinic.
At-Home Peeling (Days 1–7)
You will wash the peel off at home after 4 hours. Days 1–2: skin may look slightly tanned or feel tight. Day 3: peeling typically begins around the mouth and nose. Days 4–6: peeling spreads across the face. Day 7: peeling is complete and new skin is visible. Do not pick, pull, or scrub peeling skin.
Results & Follow-Up
Once peeling is complete, skin appears smoother, brighter, and more evenly toned. Improvements in pigmentation continue for 2–4 weeks as new cells mature. For deeper concerns like melasma or heavy scarring, your aesthetician will schedule the next peel in your series approximately 4 weeks later.
Aftercare Essentials
Use only the VI Peel post-care towelettes and SPF provided in your take-home kit for the first 7 days. Do not pick, pull, or exfoliate peeling skin — let it shed naturally. Avoid direct sun exposure and wear SPF 30+ daily. Skip retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, and active serums until peeling is fully complete. Stay hydrated and use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. For full guidance, see our post-care instructions.
Treatment Options
We categorize our peels into Levels 1 through 3 based on exfoliation depth and active ingredients. Your provider will recommend the right level based on your skin type and concerns.
Level 1 Chemical Peel
A lighter acid peel that exfoliates the outermost layer of skin. Suited for mild dullness and early texture concerns with minimal visible peeling.
- Superficial exfoliation
- Mild dullness & texture
- Minimal visible peeling
- Does not use a VI Peel
Level 2 Peel (VI Peel)
Includes the VI Peel Original and VI Peel Purify. A medium-depth exfoliation targeting pigmentation, active acne, redness, and sun damage. Full peeling cycle over approximately 7 days.
- VI Peel Original or Purify
- Pigmentation & acne
- Redness & sun damage
- Full 7-day peeling cycle
Level 3 Peel
The deepest exfoliation we offer, designed to address hormonal melasma, stubborn scarring, and advanced signs of aging. Recommended for patients who need correction beyond a Level 2 peel.
- Deepest exfoliation
- Hormonal melasma
- Stubborn scarring
- Advanced signs of aging
Multi-session packages available
- ✓ Package of 3 — save 10% on the standard per-session price
- ✓ Package of 5 — save 15% on the standard per-session price
- ✓ Deeper concerns like melasma and scarring respond best to a series of 3–4 peels
Your aesthetician will recommend the right peel level and number of sessions based on your skin type and concerns at consultation.
Who Performs This Treatment
How Many Sessions & How Often
A single VI Peel provides a visible improvement in skin clarity, tone, and texture. Suited for patients with mild concerns or those trying a chemical peel for the first time to see how their skin responds.
For moderate to deep concerns like melasma, acne scarring, or persistent PIH, a series of 3–4 peels spaced 4 weeks apart produces the most significant correction. Each session builds on the results of the previous one.
After completing your initial series, a maintenance peel every 3–4 months helps sustain results and prevent new pigmentation from accumulating. Can be adjusted seasonally based on sun exposure.
Your aesthetician will recommend the right number of sessions based on the depth and nature of your concern. Multi-session packages at 10–15% savings are available for patients committing to a series. Learn more about our microneedling and BBL Photofacial options for complementary treatment.
VI Peel Questions
What to know before booking a VI Peel at ELLEMES Medical Spa in Atlanta.
What exactly is a chemical peel?
What is a VI Peel?
Is the treatment painful?
What is the 7-day peeling process like?
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
How many sessions are needed?
What is the difference between Level 1, 2, and 3?
When You’re Ready
Schedule a consultation and your provider will assess your skin type, review your concerns, and recommend the right peel level for you.
Book a Consultation →Or call (470) 222-6581