If you’ve been exploring skin rejuvenation options and feel overwhelmed by the choices — laser treatments, microneedling, facials, peels — you’re not alone. The aesthetic world is full of options that all promise glowing, younger-looking skin. The difference is in the science, the ingredients, and the depth of the treatment.

The VI Peel is one of those treatments that consistently earns its reputation. It’s one of our most requested services at Renew Aesthetics in Rogers, AR — and for good reason. It’s powerful enough to produce real, visible results and gentle enough for virtually all skin types, including sensitive skin. It works on the face, neck, chest, hands, back, and arms. And it’s the only chemical peel proven safe enough for the delicate under-eye area.

Here’s everything you need to know about VI Peel, how it works, what it treats, and what to expect at Renew.

What Is the VI Peel?

The VI 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 penetrates into the deeper layers of the dermis — working at the cellular level to stimulate regeneration, remove damaged skin, and reveal the healthier, more even-toned skin beneath.

What sets the VI Peel apart from other chemical peels isn’t just its depth — it’s its formula. The VI Peel combines five clinically proven active ingredients that work synergistically to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously, in a single treatment.

The Ingredients: What’s Inside the VI Peel and Why It Works

Understanding the VI Peel’s formula is understanding why it’s so effective across such a broad range of skin concerns.

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)

TCA is the foundational peeling agent in the VI Peel and one of the most extensively studied ingredients in aesthetic dermatology. TCA causes controlled protein coagulation in the skin, prompting cell turnover and the removal of damaged surface layers. Research published in PMC on TCA chemical peels confirmed that TCA peels are safe and effective across multiple skin types for treating melasma and hyperpigmentation — with statistically significant improvement in melasma severity scores and no cases of scarring in properly administered protocols.

Critically, research has also shown that TCA doesn’t work alone — it works best in combination. A study published in PMC on professional-grade TCA peels found that TCA synergistically promotes the inhibitory action of other peel ingredients, including inhibiting enzymes responsible for the degradation of collagen and elastin — and suppressing melanin production. The result is a peel that does far more than simply remove the top layer of skin.

Retinoic Acid

A derivative of Vitamin A, retinoic acid is one of the most clinically validated anti-aging ingredients in dermatology. It accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and helps fade dark spots by inhibiting melanin transfer. In a peel formula, retinoic acid supercharges the regenerative response — prompting new, healthier skin cells to surface more quickly.

Salicylic Acid

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with powerful exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, salicylic acid is oil-soluble — meaning it penetrates deep into pores, dissolving the debris and excess sebum that causes congestion and acne. It’s a cornerstone ingredient in acne treatment and one of the key reasons the VI Peel is effective for patients dealing with acne, enlarged pores, and oily or congested skin alongside aging or pigmentation concerns.

A systematic review of chemical peels for skin disorders confirmed salicylic acid peels as one of the most widely supported treatments for both hyperpigmentation and acne, particularly in darker skin tones where other peeling agents carry higher risk — a finding that reinforces the VI Peel’s versatility across skin types.

Phenol

Phenol is a deep-penetrating ingredient that enhances the overall effectiveness of the peel formula, working alongside TCA to ensure thorough penetration into the dermis. At the concentration used in the VI Peel, it contributes to the formula’s ability to address more significant signs of aging — including deeper lines and more pronounced sun damage — without the aggressive downtime associated with high-concentration phenol peels.

Vitamin C

L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is included as both an antioxidant and a brightening agent. It neutralizes free radical damage, brightens uneven skin tone, supports collagen synthesis, and helps calm post-peel inflammation. Its presence in the formula also helps protect the skin during the peeling process itself — making the VI Peel more comfortable and the recovery more manageable than many other medical-grade peels.

What the VI Peel Treats

The VI Peel’s multi-ingredient, multi-depth formula makes it effective across a remarkably wide range of concerns — one of the primary reasons it’s become so popular at Renew.

Fine lines and wrinkles — By stimulating collagen production and accelerating cell turnover, the VI Peel reduces the appearance of fine lines and surface wrinkles with consistent treatments.

Hyperpigmentation and dark spots — TCA, retinoic acid, and Vitamin C work together to suppress melanin production, break up existing pigment deposits, and reveal more even-toned skin.

Melasma — One of the most challenging pigmentation conditions to treat, melasma responds well to the VI Peel’s combination of TCA and retinoic acid. Research consistently supports TCA-based peels as a safe, effective component of melasma treatment protocols across multiple skin types.

Sun damage and photoaging — Years of UV exposure create changes at the cellular level — pigmentation, textural irregularities, collagen breakdown — that the VI Peel directly addresses through both exfoliation and regeneration.

Acne and acne scarring — Salicylic acid clears congestion and reduces active breakouts, while TCA and retinoic acid help fade post-acne marks and smooth the textural changes left by acne scarring.

Rosacea — The VI Peel’s anti-inflammatory properties make it one of the more rosacea-friendly chemical peels available, reducing redness and improving overall skin quality without the irritation that more aggressive acids can trigger.

Enlarged pores — Regular VI Peel treatments visibly reduce pore size by keeping them clear, improving skin texture, and tightening the surrounding tissue.

Skin on the body — Unlike many chemical peels that are restricted to the face, the VI Peel is formulated for use on the face, neck, chest, arms, back, and legs — making it an excellent option for patients with sun damage, hyperpigmentation, or uneven tone on the décolletage or hands.

And uniquely — the under-eye area. The VI Peel is the only chemical peel safe enough to treat the delicate skin under the eyes, addressing fine lines, crepiness, and discoloration in an area that most treatments can’t touch.

What to Expect at Renew Aesthetics

Your Consultation

Before any VI Peel treatment, you’ll meet with one of our skilled aesthetic professionals for a complimentary consultation. We’ll evaluate your skin type, current concerns, and goals — and determine the right VI Peel protocol and series length for you. Not every patient’s skin is the same, and the number of treatments and spacing will be personalized to your specific needs.

The Treatment

On the day of your VI Peel, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove any surface oil, sunscreen, or makeup. The peel is then applied in two stages — an initial application to begin penetrating the surface layers, followed by a second application to drive the formula deeper into the dermis.

The process takes 20 to 45 minutes. The VI Peel is notably comfortable compared to other medical-grade peels — most patients experience little to no discomfort, with some reporting a mild, temporary tingling or warmth during application. There is no pain involved for the vast majority of patients.

You’ll leave with a post-peel kit containing instructions and products to support your skin through the peeling process.

The Recovery

This is where the VI Peel earns its reputation as a “real results, manageable recovery” treatment.

Days 1–2: Skin may feel tight. Mild redness is normal.
Days 2–3: Peeling begins — typically starting around the mouth and chin and spreading across the face. This is the peel working, and it’s normal.
Days 3–5: Peeling continues and is most visible during this window. Avoid picking or pulling — let the skin shed naturally.
Days 5–7: Peeling resolves for most patients, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath.
Weeks 4–6: Full results become visible as the skin’s regenerative response matures.

Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a day or two — with the awareness that peeling will be visible. Many patients schedule their peel on a Thursday or Friday so the most visible peeling falls over a weekend.

Your Treatment Series

For optimal anti-aging and pigmentation results, we typically recommend a series of 3 to 6 VI Peel treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. This cadence allows each treatment to build on the last — progressively improving skin texture, tone, and quality in a way that a single treatment cannot achieve alone.

For maintenance, many patients incorporate a VI Peel into their skincare routine every 3 to 4 months to sustain results and continue addressing the cumulative skin changes that come with UV exposure, aging, and daily environmental stress.

How the VI Peel Compares to Other Treatments

Patients often ask how the VI Peel compares to other skin rejuvenation options at Renew. Here’s an honest breakdown:

VI Peel vs. HydraFacial: The HydraFacial is a wonderful treatment for hydration, maintenance, and a glow refresh — with zero downtime. The VI Peel goes deeper, producing more significant improvements in pigmentation, texture, and collagen over time. Many of our patients alternate between the two — using VI Peel for a more intensive treatment every few months and HydraFacial in between for maintenance.

VI Peel vs. Signature Facial: Our Signature Facials are customizable and excellent for regular skin health maintenance. The VI Peel is a more clinical intervention — producing results that a traditional facial cannot replicate.

VI Peel vs. Morpheus8: Morpheus8 is a fractional RF microneedling treatment that addresses skin laxity and deeper structural concerns. The VI Peel and Morpheus8 can be used as a sequence — with the peel addressing surface pigmentation and texture while Morpheus8 targets deeper tightening and collagen remodeling. Our team can help you determine the right combination approach.

VI Peel vs. SkinPen Microneedling: SkinPen Microneedling stimulates collagen through controlled microchannels. VI Peel works through chemical exfoliation and regeneration. Both are effective for anti-aging — and for patients dealing with significant pigmentation or surface texture, the VI Peel often delivers faster visible results.

The VI Peel and Your Membership at Renew

The VI Peel is included as a selectable monthly service in our Aesthetics Membership Program — making it an accessible part of a consistent, proactive skincare routine for members at the Gold, Platinum, and Diamond tiers.

If you’re already a member and haven’t tried the VI Peel, ask our team about incorporating it into your rotation. And if you’re not yet a member and you’re planning to do a series of peels, membership may be the most cost-effective way to approach your treatment plan.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The VI Peel is one of the most inclusive chemical peels available — suitable for:

All skin tones, including darker Fitzpatrick skin types where some peels carry higher risk
Sensitive skin — the formula is designed to produce results with significantly less irritation than comparably effective peels
Men and women of any age experiencing the skin concerns listed above
Patients new to chemical peels who want a proven, professionally administered starting point
Experienced peel patients looking for a medical-grade upgrade from lighter treatments

It is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or nursing, have active open skin infections, or have used isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past six months. Our team will review your full health and skincare history at your consultation to confirm candidacy.

Book Your VI Peel Consultation at Renew Aesthetics

Whether you’re targeting hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun damage, fine lines, acne, or simply want to press reset on your skin — the VI Peel is one of the most effective, proven, and versatile medical-grade treatments available. And at Renew Aesthetics, it’s delivered by a team of skilled aesthetic professionals who take the time to personalize every treatment to you.

Renew Aesthetics is located at 2100 S 54th St, Rogers, AR 72758 (off exit 83 from I-49 in Village on the Creeks).
Call or text (479) 668-0168, schedule a consultation online, or use our Virtual Consultation Tool to explore which treatments are right for your goals.

We serve patients from Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, Fayetteville, and throughout Northwest Arkansas.

Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified skincare professional to determine whether the VI Peel or any other treatment is appropriate for your individual skin type and concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions About the VI Peel

Is the VI Peel painful?
No — the VI Peel is notably comfortable compared to other medical-grade peels. Most patients experience a mild tingling or warmth during application. The formula’s inclusion of Vitamin C and the two-stage application process make it considerably more tolerable than many peels with comparable results.

Can I get a VI Peel if I have dark skin?
Yes. The VI Peel is formulated to be safe and effective across all Fitzpatrick skin types, including darker skin tones where other peeling agents can carry higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is one of the key clinical advantages of the VI Peel’s formula.

What’s the difference between the VI Peel and a regular chemical peel?
The VI Peel is a medical-grade, multi-ingredient formula that penetrates into the dermis — far deeper than light superficial peels. It combines five active ingredients (TCA, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and Vitamin C) that work synergistically to address a wider range of concerns more effectively than single-acid peels.

Will I need to take time off work?
Most patients return to work within one to two days. The visible peeling phase typically peaks around days 3–5 and resolves by day 7 for most patients. Many people plan their treatment at the end of the week so the most visible peeling occurs over a weekend.

Is the VI Peel safe for the under-eye area?
Yes — the VI Peel is the only chemical peel safe enough for the delicate under-eye skin. It can address fine lines, crepiness, and discoloration in this sensitive area where most treatments cannot safely be applied.

Sources Referenced in This Article

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The VI Peel: Why This Medical-Grade Chemical Peel Is One of Our Most Requested Treatments