After receiving a VI Chemical Peel, proper aftercare is crucial to achieving the best possible results and ensuring your skin heals beautifully. To help guide you through this process, we'll share essential aftercare tips, from managing peeling and sensitivity to protecting your skin from the sun, so you can enjoy radiant, glowing skin.
What to Expect after a VI Chemical Peel
Immediately after…
- Immediately following the peel, the skin may appear tan, red, or yellow; this is temporary and will fade within an hour.
- You will be given written instructions as well as a downloadable app to guide you through the peeling process.
- You will also be given a skincare kit to use on Day 1-7 after your peel.
- Do not wash, touch, or apply make-up and/or sunscreen for at least 4 - 6 hours after peel application while peel is on the skin.
Download the App
4 hours after the peel...
- Follow the instructions 4 hours after the peel: Cleanse with cool water and use the included towelette.
- Continue to follow the AM & PM steps specific to your VI Peel.
3 Days after your peel...
- On Day 3, the peeling process often begins. This usually first occurs around the perioral area (mouth) then the rest of the treated areas.
- DO NOT PICK THE PEELING SKIN.
- At this time the skin can get very itchy. This is a sign of healing and is normal! Again, apply VI Derm's Post Treatment Repair Cream (hydrocortisone) over the "itchy" areas. If you feel the Post Treatment Repair Cream is not helping, consult your practitioner. They may recommend you upgrade to a an over-the-counter antihistamine blocker or a stronger hydrocortisone cream, which requires a prescription.
- Around day 3-4, your skin may begin "purging." Purging is when a treatment like a chemical peel increases cell turnover, bringing existing clogs and impurities to the surface more quickly. This can look like a breakout, but it's actually your skin clearing itself out. Purging is actually a good thing, helping your skin to remove impurities as quick as possible. "Once your skin transitions through purging after a chemical peel like the VI Peel, your skin will settle down, and you’ll see the smoothness, clarity, and radiance that originally piqued your interest in getting a professional peel" (VI Derm, 2022). Purging can last as long as 10-14 days depending on your skin’s normal cell turnover and renewal time frame, however most purging only lasts a few days. More questions about purging after a peel? Learn more HERE.
- Remember to only use the VI Peel Post Peel Kit Skincare for 7 days after the peel.
- Take your daily selfie!
- What if I am not peeling? There are many reasons why you may not see the peeling. Even if you can’t see something with the naked eye, the VI Peel is still working for you and exfoliating at the cellular level to brighten and improve your skin’s appearance. If you have further questions or concerns, we highly recommend you return to your Practitioner.
6-7 Days after your peel...
- By day 6, the peeling will ease. By day 7, most patients have stopped peeling and that fresh glowing skin is on full display!
The following week…
- On Day 8 post peel, you can begin using your skincare regimen again.
- If you're provider has recommended starting prescription skincare, you can begin this now.
- If your skin gets red or flaky while begining a retinol or tretinoin treatment, you should consider using the Skin Cycling Method.
- It is recommended that you continue to protect your skin from the sun with SPF to maintain the benefits of the peel even after the initial week.
The following month...
- Did you know the life cycle of the skin cell is 30 days? Yes, that means it can take a full 30 days to see results from your VI Chemical Peel. Be patient and let your skin do the work.
What to avoid after a VI Chemical Peel
- No exercise for 72 hours.
- Avoid any heat like saunas, hot tubs or hot showers for 72 hours post peel.
- Do not pick the peeling skin - instead you may trim it gently.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 7 days.
- Avoid swimming for 7-10 days because the chlorine and chemicals in pools can irritate the skin.
- Avoid shaving or waxing the area that the peel was applied for 7-10 days after the peel.
- Avoid LED light for the first 7 Days after your VI Peel. LED can be used once your skin has completely recovered from your VI Peel.
- Avoid alpha- and beta- hydroxyl acid products, retinols and facial products containing fragrance for 7 days after the peel.
- Avoid all facials for 14 days after a chemical peel.
When to Follow-up after a VI Chemical Peel
- Let your provider know if you show any signs of infection, irritation, inflammation or complication following the peel.
- Experiencing excessive redness or dryness post peel? In addition to the Post Treatment Repair Cream, you can also include Aquaphor to help heal the irritated skin. Aquaphor is a barrier ointment and does not replace the need for the Post Treatment Repair Cream. It is always best to contact your practitioner and allow them to assess your skin needs.
- Sometimes just one peel isn't enough to fully treat your area of concern. You can schedule another VI Chemical Peel 4-6 weeks after your last VI Chemical Peel.
Comments