Chemical Peels and VI Peel
Medical-grade resurfacing, with the formulation matched to what your skin actually needs.
What is Chemical Peels?
A medical-grade chemical solution is applied to remove outer layers of skin in a controlled way, accelerating cell turnover.
A peel works by controlled removal of the outer layers of skin, prompting accelerated cell turnover so that what replaces them is more even in tone and smoother in texture. Depth and formulation are what distinguish a medical peel from a spa treatment, and matching them to the problem is the whole of the skill. The VI Peel range covers most of what we treat: the standard formulation for general tone and texture, Precision Plus for melasma, sun damage and stubborn pigmentation, and Purify for active acne and congestion. Expect three to five days of visible peeling afterwards, which is the treatment working rather than a complication. Pigmentation deserves particular caution: melasma can be provoked by treatment that is too aggressive, so a conservative approach and disciplined sun protection afterwards matter more here than intensity.
How do chemical peels work?
A medical-grade solution is applied to the skin to break the bonds holding dead surface cells in place, so those layers shed in a controlled way and are replaced by newer cells beneath. The depth reached determines what the peel can address and how much recovery it involves — a light peel works within the outer layer and improves dullness and texture, while deeper preparations reach far enough to affect pigmentation and scarring, at the cost of visible peeling afterwards. Strength, formulation and contact time are all adjusted to the skin being treated rather than fixed, which is what separates a medical peel from an over-the-counter product. The same active ingredient at a different concentration, on different skin, is a materially different treatment.
What is the recovery from a chemical peel?
It depends entirely on the depth. A light peel may leave nothing more than a day of mild redness and a slightly tight feeling. A medium or deeper peel involves visible flaking and shedding that typically begins a couple of days afterwards and continues for several days, and it is worth planning that around anything social rather than being caught out by it. Whatever the depth: do not pick or pull at peeling skin, because forcing it off before it is ready is the reliable way to cause pigmentation or scarring where there would have been none. Sun protection is essential throughout and afterwards, since newly exposed skin burns and pigments easily. Your clinician will give you aftercare specific to the peel used, and it is worth following literally.
Which skin types can be peeled safely?
Most can, but not with the same peel. Deeper skin tones carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — the skin responding to the injury by producing pigment — and that risk is managed by choosing formulation and depth appropriately, and often by preparing the skin for weeks beforehand rather than peeling it cold. This is a matter of clinical judgement and experience, not of ruling anyone out. Active acne with open lesions, current cold sores, eczema or an impaired skin barrier all defer treatment until settled. Recent isotretinoin use, recent sun exposure and certain medications affect what is safe, as does pregnancy. A consultation that examines your skin and takes a proper history is what determines which peel, at what strength, and whether now is the right time.
Peel depth and what it addresses
| Depth | Works on | Typical recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Dullness, rough texture, congestion | Little to none; mild redness |
| Medium | Uneven tone, pigmentation, fine texture | Visible flaking over several days |
| Deeper | More established pigmentation and scarring | Longer, with more pronounced shedding |
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sherwin Hariri, MD, Medical Director & Chief Longevity Physician. Last reviewed August 2026.
This page is for information only and is not medical advice. Suitability for any treatment is determined at consultation.
7 treatments in this category
SkinMedica Peel
Medical-grade Chemical Peel designed to exfoliate outer skin layers, boost cell turnover, and improve overall skin texture and skin tone.
VI Peel - Face
Medical-grade peel for tone, texture and mild pigmentation. Expect three to five days of peeling.
VI Peel - Face + Neck
VI Peel extended to the neck for an even result across both areas.
VI Peel Precision Plus - Pigmentation
Enhanced VI Peel formulation targeting melasma, sun damage and stubborn pigmentation.
VI Peel Purify - Acne
VI Peel formulation for active acne and congestion.
Medical-Grade Peel - Face
Customized medical peel selected to your skin type and goals.
Medical-Grade Peel - Back or Chest
Body peel for congestion, texture or pigmentation on the back or chest.
Common questions
How long will I peel for?
Three to five days of visible peeling is typical after a VI Peel. That is the treatment doing its work rather than a complication, but plan it around your calendar.
Which VI Peel is right for me?
The standard formulation addresses general tone and texture. Precision Plus targets melasma, sun damage and stubborn pigmentation. Purify is for active acne and congestion. Your clinician selects it after looking at your skin.
Can a peel make melasma worse?
Overly aggressive treatment can provoke it, which is why melasma is approached conservatively and why sun protection afterwards is not optional. This is a case where a gentler course beats a stronger single treatment.
Also consider
Microneedling
Controlled micro-injury that prompts the skin to rebuild — over a course, not a single session.
Learn more →Glowtox
Neurotoxin delivered into the skin rather than the muscle, combined with resurfacing.
Learn more →Exosomes
Signalling molecules applied to support regeneration, most often alongside microneedling.
Learn more →
Not sure where to begin?
