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VI Peel

VI Peel medium-depth chemical peels at Sanger Avenue Medical Aesthetics in Waco, Texas.

At Sanger Avenue Medical Aesthetics, the VI Peel is one of our most results-driven treatment options for patients not wanting the intensity of lasers or energy-based devices. 


The VI Peel is a professional-grade chemical peel formulated with a synergistic blend of active ingredients including TCA, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, phenol, and vitamin C working together to exfoliate damaged skin layers, stimulate collagen production, and reveal smoother, brighter, and more even skin as the treated layers shed and new skin emerges.


It's suitable for all skin types and tones, including darker skin tones that can be more susceptible to pigmentation complications with other peel formulations, and delivers results that typically require multiple sessions of lighter peels to achieve.


The VI Peel is not a no-downtime treatment, as there is a peeling process to plan for. But for patients who can commit to 5-7 days of visible peeling, the results are consistently impressive and worth every day of it.

What the VI Peel Treats

  1. Fine lines and moderate wrinkles
  2. Hyperpigmentation and melasma
  3. Sun damage and age spots
  4. Acne scars and post-acne discoloration
  5. Active acne and acne-prone skin
  6. Uneven skin tone and texture
  7. Enlarged pores
  8. Overall skin dullness and lack of radiance

What To Expect

Understanding the VI Peel process helps patients plan appropriately and get the most from their treatment:


During the peel: The VI Peel solution is applied to the skin in our Waco office. You may feel a mild tingling or warming sensation as the solution is applied (this is normal and brief). The peel solution is left on the skin and you go home with it still in place. A post-peel kit with detailed home care instructions accompanies every VI Peel treatment.


Days 1-3: The skin may feel tight and look slightly bronzed or darker. This is the peel solution doing its work. Some patients experience mild sensitivity.


Days 3-7: Visible peeling and shedding begins as the treated skin layers separate and reveal the new skin beneath. This is the most visible part of the process, and patients are encouraged to plan their social schedule accordingly. The peeling varies in intensity depending on your skin type and the specific VI Peel formulation used.


Week 2 and beyond: The new skin is revealed and is smoother, clearer, and more evenly toned. Results continue to improve over the following weeks as collagen remodeling progresses and any residual pigmentation continues to clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VI Peel and what makes it different from other chemical peels?

The VI Peel is a professional-peel that works exceptionally well at multiple skin depths simultaneously. The TCA and phenol penetrate to the mid-dermis for significant collagen stimulation, the salicylic acid addresses acne and congestion, the retinoic acid accelerates cell turnover, and the vitamin C provides antioxidant and brightening support. The result is more comprehensive improvement than single-ingredient peels can deliver, with results that typically require multiple lighter peel sessions to approach.

Is the VI Peel safe for darker skin tones?

Yes, the VI Peel's formulation is designed to be effective and safe across all Fitzpatrick skin types, including darker skin tones that can be more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with some chemical peel formulations. Your provider will assess your skin tone and any history of pigmentation complications before recommending the appropriate VI Peel formulation and concentration for your specific skin.

How much peeling should I expect?

The degree of visible peeling varies by individual skin type, the specific VI Peel formulation used, and how the skin was prepared before treatment. Most patients experience moderate to significant visible peeling between days 3-7. The skin may peel in sheets in some areas or more subtly in others. It's important not to pick or pull at peeling skin and to let it shed naturally in order to avoid disrupting the new skin developing beneath and to minimize therisk of scarring or uneven results.

How many VI Peel treatments will I need?

Many patients achieve significant improvement with a single VI Peel, and this is one of its key advantages over lighter peels. For patients with more significant hyperpigmentation, melasma, or acne scarring, a series of 2-3 peels is spaced 4-6 weeks apart produces more complete improvement. Many patients also incorporate one or two VI Peels per year as part of their ongoing skin maintenance plan. Your provider will recommend the appropriate approach at your consultation.

Can I wear makeup during the peeling process?

We recommend avoiding makeup during active peeling (days 3-7 approx.) to allow skin to shed naturally and to avoid introducing potential irritants or bacteria to newly revealed skin. After the peeling is complete and new skin is fully revealed, makeup can be resumed. If you absolutely need to wear makeup during the peeling process, mineral-based makeup such as the Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup line is the least disruptive option.

How should I prepare for a VI Peel?

Preparation before a VI Peel helps optimize results and minimize complications. Your provider will advise on specific preparation for your skin type, but general guidelines include discontinuing retinoids and exfoliating acids for several days before treatment, avoiding direct sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 weeks beforehand, and arriving to your appointment with clean skin and no active skin infections. Patients with a history of cold sores should discuss antiviral prophylaxis with their provider before treatment.

How do I care for my skin during and after the peel?

Your VI Peel treatment includes a post-peel kit with detailed home care instructions and the products needed for your recovery.

General guidelines include:

  1. keeping skin moisturized and protected
  2. avoiding active skincare ingredients until peeling is complete
  3. applying SPF 30 or higher every day without exception
  4. not picking or pulling at peeling skin

Complete aftercare instructions will be reviewed at your appointment.

What other treatments work well alongside the VI Peel?

VI Peel works well as part of a progressive skin renewal plan. For patients with significant acne scarring or deeper pigmentation, VI Peel can be sequenced alongside

  1. SkinPen microneedling (alternating between the two over several months produces more comprehensive textural improvement than either delivers alone)
  2. Laser pigment reduction with the Discovery PICO addresses any remaining stubborn pigmented lesions after the peel has improved overall tone
  3. EXO|E exosome treatments can be incorporated to support healing post-peel and enhance the renewal effect
  4. NouvaDERM addresses tone and texture refinement as a lower-downtime complement between peel sessions, and there is also a synergistic effect of the NouvaDERM penetrating more deeply into freshly revealed skin due to its higher water content.
  5. Medical-grade skincare from SkinCeuticals is particularly important for peel patients and their brightening and protective lines extend your results and prevent pigmentation from reoccurring. Daily SPF is absolutely non-negotiable.
  6. VISIA Digital Skin Analysis before beginning a peel series helps document your baseline and track improvement. 

Your provider will recommend the full protocol at your consultation.


Ready to renew your skin? Book your consultation with Sanger Avenue Medical Aesthetics in Waco, and let's talk about what a peel can do for your complexion.