Peeling Away the Layers: Unmasking the Magic of VI Chemical Peels in Royal Oak

Every day is a new battle for your skin. UV rays, harsh climates (we’re talking about you, Royal Oak), extreme temperatures, poor habits, harmful bacteria, injuries – your skin comes face-to-face with danger on a daily basis, but time and again, it proves itself worthy of being your body’s first line of defense.

At Avenue 1 Aesthetics, we understand and appreciate everything the skin does for our precious bodies. We feel it’s our job to not only care for and pamper the skin (strengthening our first line of defense), but also repair, rejuvenate, restore, and revitalize the skin (relieving it of all those battle scars and blemishes). 

Wrinkles, fine lines, breakouts, acne scars, age spots, skin discoloration – these things shouldn’t rob us of our youthful appearance, but what if we told you there was a way to peel away all those battle scars your skin leaves behind? Well, you’re in luck because we have just the thing, and it’s called a chemical peel!

So, what’s all this talk about chemical peels?

A chemical peel is a chemical solution that’s applied to the face and left to sit for 10-30 minutes. During that time, the acids in the solution penetrate the skin’s outer layer and exfoliate the skin – removing any dead or damaged skin cells in the process. You can think of it as the kryptonite to all those battle scars. 

There are three primary types of chemical peels available today – they are: 

• Superficial Peels - also known as a light peel, these types of peels remove the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and can be repeated every 2-5 weeks.
• Medium-Depth Peels - these types of peels remove the entire epidermis and the top layer of the dermis (known as the papillary dermis).  
• Deep Peels - these types of peels penetrate much deeper into the dermis (up to the midreticular dermis) and should be repeated every few years. 

When the solution is removed from the face, it peels away the layer of dead cells and reveals a newer, younger-looking layer of skin underneath. This new layer is often healthier, smoother, tighter, and brighter, with fewer imperfections – it’s like peeling back the curtain to find a masterpiece that was always there.

VI Chemical Peel: A Unique Blend of All the Right Ingredients

At Avenue 1 Aesthetics, there’s only one chemical peel we trust, and that’s the VI chemical peel. Short for Vitality Institute (the company behind the unique formula), VI chemical peels are a medium-depth peel that penetrates the dermal-epidermal junction and settles in the papillary dermis, where it works its magic.

The formula is a one-of-a-kind blend of all the right ingredients – including: 

• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) - a type of acetic acid known for its anti-inflammatory effects and strong bactericidal properties. 
• Phenol - one of the most potent chemical agents found in peels, phenol is known for penetrating beyond the superficial layer of skin.
• Salicylic Acid - a type of beta hydroxy acid that’s found in a lot of OTC products, but also used as a chemical agent in a lot of chemical peels.
• Vitamin C - one of the most popular vitamins, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals and UV rays. 
• Tretinoin - a Vitamin A derivative that helps keep skin pores clear and helps treat sun-damaged skin, surface wrinkles, and acne.

The VI chemical peel is suitable for all skin types and tones. There are six formulations in total – including the Precision Plus, Purify, Advanced, Original, Body, and Purify with Precision Plus – and they’re each designed to achieve specific results. Your practitioner will help determine which solution is right for you. 

The Do’s and Don’ts of VI Chemical Peels

All in all, a VI chemical procedure takes around 20-30 minutes – meaning you can do it on a lunch break, if needed. It requires minimal downtime, and results are often visible after just one peel (though several peels are required to achieve the desired result). Don’t worry – it’s a comfortable and efficient process!

After the procedure, your practitioner will have a list of Do’s and Don’ts for you to follow – including: 

• DO avoid direct sun exposure for at least 1 to 2 weeks.
• DO keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. 
• DO moisturize the skin to improve the healing process.
• DO wait at least two weeks before undergoing another type of cosmetic treatment.
• DO listen to the direct advice and recommendations from your practitioner.
• DON’T pick away at the peeling skin – instead, let it peel naturally.
• DON’T use harsh skincare products – especially those that contain retinoids.
• DON’T wash your face with extremely hot or extremely cold water.
• DON’T go outside without using a gentle, hydrating medical-grade SPF sunscreen.
• DON’T attempt to apply a VI chemical peel at home. 

For the most part, you should expect to see visible peeling after the third day, but most of the exfoliation will subside by the end of that first week – which is when that new layer of skin will start peeping through. Most people end up returning for another peel every 4-6 weeks, but listen to your practitioner’s advice!

Avenue 1: Where Younger-Looking Skin is Just a Few Peels Away

Every day is a new battle for your skin, but that doesn’t mean it has to fight that fight alone. With a VI chemical peel, you can give your skin a new canvas to work with – like a new sheet of armor, designed to protect the skin from sun damage, the natural aging process, unpredictable weather, and so much more.

If you’d like to learn more about chemical peels and the many ways they can transform your skin for a more confident you, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Avenue 1 – Royal Oak’s one-stop shop for all your skincare needs. With Avenue 1 by your side, younger-looking skin is just a few peels away!