Skin Assessment
Our team evaluates your skin type, concerns, and history to select the optimal VI Peel formulation for your goals.
Medical-grade peel correcting sun damage, acne scars, and uneven tone for visibly smoother, brighter skin.
Understanding Skin Damage and Discoloration
Over time, sun exposure, hormonal changes, and the natural aging process leave visible marks on your skin -- dark spots multiply, acne scars remain long after breakouts clear, and your complexion loses its natural luminosity. These changes can make you appear tired, older, or less vibrant than you feel. Many patients notice that foundation no longer evens out their tone, or that stubborn patches of discoloration seem to worsen each summer. The accumulated damage disrupts your skin's natural renewal cycle, leaving dull, rough-textured skin that topical products alone cannot correct.
The VI Chemical Peel works by delivering a precise blend of medical-grade acids and active ingredients that penetrate the skin's surface to accelerate cellular turnover and reveal fresh, healthy tissue beneath. Using the proprietary VI Peel formulation, our team can address multiple skin concerns in a single treatment -- reducing dark spots, smoothing acne scars, softening fine lines, and restoring an even, radiant tone. Results develop over seven to ten days as the skin completes its peeling cycle, and most patients return to their daily routine within a week. The treatment triggers your skin's own repair mechanisms to rebuild collagen and restore clarity from within.
The Science of Controlled Exfoliation
The VI Chemical Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel developed by Vitality Institute Medical Products. Unlike superficial peels that only address the outermost layer of skin, the VI Peel uses a proprietary blend of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, retinoic acid, phenol, and vitamin C to penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis. This synergistic combination targets melanin production, stimulates collagen synthesis, and accelerates cellular turnover to correct multiple skin concerns simultaneously.
The VI Peel works through a process called controlled chemoexfoliation. Each active ingredient serves a specific function: TCA provides medium-depth penetration to resurface damaged tissue, salicylic acid clears pore congestion and reduces inflammation, retinoic acid stimulates collagen remodeling and cell renewal, phenol acts as a numbing agent while enhancing penetration, and vitamin C provides antioxidant protection to support healing. Together, these ingredients break down the bonds between damaged surface cells, triggering your skin to shed the compromised layer and regenerate smoother, healthier tissue beneath. Clinical studies demonstrate that the VI Peel significantly reduces melanin index scores and improves overall skin quality metrics within a single treatment cycle.
The VI Peel line includes several targeted formulations: VI Peel Original for general skin rejuvenation, VI Peel Precision Plus for stubborn hyperpigmentation and melasma, VI Peel Purify for active acne and oily skin, VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus for acne with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and VI Peel Advanced for mature skin with deeper wrinkles. During your consultation, our team selects the formulation that best matches your specific skin concerns and goals.
Transformative Skin Renewal
Addresses pigmentation, texture, fine lines, and acne scars in a single session
Built-in numbing agents make the application process comfortable with no anesthesia needed
Formulated to be effective on Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI including darker skin tones
Unlike many medium-depth peels, the VI Peel requires no skin pre-conditioning regimen
Results continue to improve over weeks as new collagen forms and skin fully remodels
Compare Your Options
| Treatment | Mechanism | Time | Results | Duration | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VI Chemical Peel | Multi-acid exfoliation | 30-45 min | 7-14 days | 3-6 months | 5-7 days | Pigmentation, acne scars, tone |
| PCA Peel | Customizable acid blend | 30 min | 3-7 days | 2-4 months | 2-5 days | Mild discoloration, sensitive skin |
| Jessner Peel | Lactic/salicylic/resorcinol | 20-30 min | 5-10 days | 2-3 months | 3-7 days | Oily skin, mild acne scarring |
| Laser Resurfacing | Light energy ablation | 30-90 min | 1-3 months | 1-5 years | 7-14 days | Deep wrinkles, severe scarring |
VI Chemical Peel
Most patients notice visible peeling beginning on day three or four after their VI Chemical Peel, with fresh, renewed skin emerging by day seven to ten. Full results -- including improved tone, reduced pigmentation, and smoother texture -- develop over two to four weeks as collagen remodeling continues. Results typically last three to six months with a series of treatments recommended for optimal correction. Individual results vary based on skin type, severity of concerns, sun exposure habits, and adherence to post-peel care.
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Finding Your Best Skin
The VI Chemical Peel is ideal for adults who want to address sun damage, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone without the extended downtime of laser treatments. During your consultation, our team will evaluate your skin type, current concerns, and treatment history to select the optimal VI Peel formulation for your needs.
In addition to the face, the VI Peel can be applied to the neck, chest, hands, and back to address sun damage and discoloration on commonly exposed areas. Our team will recommend the appropriate treatment zones based on your assessment.
All candidates undergo a thorough skin evaluation and medical history review before treatment. Our team will discuss any medications, skincare products, or medical conditions that may affect your eligibility during your consultation.
Our team evaluates your skin type, concerns, and history to select the optimal VI Peel formulation for your goals.
Our team thoroughly cleanses and degreases the treatment area to ensure even penetration of the peel solution.
Using precise layering technique, our team applies the VI Peel solution in two passes, monitoring your skin's response at each stage.
You receive a take-home aftercare kit with towelettes, SPF, and post-peel protectant along with detailed recovery instructions from our team.
What to Know
Expected side effects include redness, tightness, and a bronzed or darkened appearance within the first 48 hours, followed by visible peeling that lasts five to seven days. Mild stinging or tingling during application is normal and subsides within minutes. Some patients experience temporary dryness and flaking that resolves as the skin completes its renewal cycle.
Less frequent side effects include prolonged redness lasting beyond one week, temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (more common in darker skin tones), and heightened skin sensitivity during the healing period. Allergic reactions to peel ingredients are rare but possible, particularly in patients with salicylate sensitivity. Bacterial or viral infection of compromised skin, while uncommon, can occur if post-care instructions are not followed.
The VI Peel is formulated to be self-neutralizing, which significantly reduces the risk of over-penetration compared to traditional chemical peels that require manual neutralization. The inclusion of multiple active ingredients at calibrated concentrations allows effective treatment with a controlled depth of penetration. Our team's thorough skin evaluation and over 15 years of clinical experience help minimize risks and optimize outcomes. Dr. Joel Strehl, MD, FACS provides board-certified medical oversight for all skin resurfacing procedures at Eternal Wellness Medical Spa.
VI Chemical Peels in Traverse City, MI are priced between $250 and $350 per treatment, depending on the specific formulation selected and the treatment area. Options such as VI Peel Precision Plus and VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus may be recommended for more advanced concerns like pigmentation or acne. Most patients achieve optimal results with a series of three to four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. During your consultation, our team will recommend the ideal formulation and treatment frequency based on your skin assessment.
Standard facial peels represent the base price. Additional areas such as the neck, chest, hands, or back may be treated at an additional cost. Combination treatments that include the face plus one or more areas may be available at bundled pricing. Ask about current package options during your visit.
We believe quality skincare should be accessible to everyone. Eternal Wellness Medical Spa offers a flexible financing option to fit your budget:
Traverse City's Trusted Provider
Over 15 years of experience evaluating skin conditions and selecting optimal peel formulations
Customized peel selection from five VI Peel formulations matched to your unique concerns
Detailed post-peel kit and instructions to support healing and maximize your results
Board-certified surgeon oversight by Dr. Joel Strehl, MD, FACS ensures the highest standards
Complement your VI Chemical Peel with these popular treatments.
Maintain healthy, radiant skin with customized facials, waxing, and DiolazeXL laser hair removal
Renew skin tone, texture, and firmness with Morpheus8, HydraFacial, IPL, and advanced RF treatments
Your Questions Answered
Most patients feel a mild tingling or warming sensation during application that subsides within minutes. The VI Peel contains built-in numbing agents, so no separate anesthesia is needed. Discomfort is minimal and well-tolerated by the vast majority of patients.
Visible peeling typically begins around day three and continues through day six or seven. The intensity of peeling varies by formulation and skin type. Some areas may peel more than others, and not all patients experience dramatic visible peeling -- the treatment is still working at the cellular level regardless.
Yes, the VI Chemical Peel pairs well with HydraFacial for enhanced skin hydration and SkinPen microneedling for deeper collagen stimulation. Our team can create a combination treatment plan spaced appropriately to maximize results without overtreating the skin.
Yes, the VI Peel is specifically formulated to be safe and effective for all Fitzpatrick skin types, including types IV through VI. The calibrated acid concentrations and self-neutralizing formula reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can occur with other medium-depth peels on darker skin.
Most patients see noticeable improvement after a single treatment. For optimal correction of stubborn pigmentation, acne scarring, or sun damage, our team typically recommends a series of three to four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Maintenance peels two to three times per year help sustain your results.
We recommend avoiding makeup for the first three to four days while the skin is actively peeling. Once peeling is complete, you can resume your normal makeup routine. Using the post-peel products provided in your aftercare kit during recovery will help optimize your results.
The VI Chemical Peel is considered a cosmetic procedure and is typically not covered by medical insurance. We offer flexible financing through Cherry to make treatment accessible and budget-friendly.
In addition to the face, the VI Peel can be applied to the neck, chest (decolletage), hands, and back. These areas commonly show sun damage and discoloration. Our team will evaluate which treatment zones will benefit most during your consultation.