Various chemical agents have been used to resurface the skin for decades. Peelings have been practised for centuries. They are based on the capacity of the skin to regenerate itself.

What peelings do is exactly that: they "peel" the skin. 

In this treatment, a chemical solution (an exfoliating agent: acid) is applied to the skin to achieve first destruction and then regeneration of the dermis and/or epidermis.
The solution removes the surface layers of the skin, which in terms is replaced, by newer, healthier, youthful-looking layers. This new, regenerated skin is usually smoother, more even in colour and less wrinkled than the old skin.
Chemical peeling is often used to treat fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Wrinkles caused by sun damage, ageing and hereditary factors can often be reduced or even eliminated with this procedure.
Mild scarring and certain types of acne can be treated with chemical peels. In addition, pigmentation of the skin in the form of sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, blotchiness due to taking birth control pills, and skin that is dull in texture and colour may be improve with chemical peeling.
Peels are solutions applied to the surface of the skin to strip away the outermost layers , revealing the fresh new skin beneath.
They are used to treat a variety of skin conditions from dryness or dullness to rosacea, acne and pigmentation.

Ingredients range from naturally occurring chemicals to herbal extracts, to synthetic chemicals and their effects from mildly brightening to quite aggressive resurfacing.

Natural peels: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) are the mildest option and can be used on most skin type without sensitivity. They use Lactic, fruit or glycolyc acids to treat and improve skin texture. Citric, Malic combined with Glycolic acid act as anti oxidants, while Lactic and Hyaluronic acids dramatically increase the water holding capacity of the skin. These combinations remove dead skin cells while enhancing the environment for and production of healthy cells.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) peels uses salicylic acid to speed the skin cell shedding process and improve blemished skin.

Kojic and salicylic acids are used to treat pigmentation problems such as melasma (hormonal pigmentation), sun damage and hyper pigmentation as a result of acne scarring.

Chemical peels are higher strength solutions. Retinoic acid peels are medical strength chemical peels that use pure retinoic acid combined with various strengths of alpha and beta hydroxy acids. A retinoic peel penetrates to the deeper skin layers to stimulate collagen and elastin production and the formation of healthy blood vessels.

TCA (Trichloroacetic) are also medical strength peels used to induce a more profound resurfacing effect.

Dryness, redness and peeling can be expected after the treatment. This is similar to sunburn and it is imperative that the peeling skin is not picked at or rubbed as it may scar.
Depending on the type of agent, concentration and its duration of application, they will have work on different depth levels of the skin.
In the past, so-called "deep peels" were favoured. They caused deeper chemical burns, which resulted in a renewal process to deeper layers of the skin. However, deep peels have a number of disadvantages, including the risk of scarring, permanent colour change of the skin and preventing any social life until complete healing.
Recently, more and more physicians utilised medium and/or light depth peeling techniques.
These methods make its possible to rejuvenate the skin with less risk.
Very superficial peels are often indicated for mild damages, and wrinkles. The effects are temporarily but could be repeated when needed or desired.
Thousands of chemical peels are performed each year. Dermatological surgeons have used various peeling agents for the last 100 years and are experts in performing multiple types of chemical peels. Today, with the public's increasing interest in rejuvenating skin and slowing the effects of the ageing process, chemical peeling has emerged as exiting supplement to a total skin care program. A thorough evaluation by your dermatological surgeon is imperative before embarking upon a chemical peel.

How are chemical peels performed ?

The procedure can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, arm and legs. Superficial, medium or deep chemical peels may be used to improve damaged skin. As a rule, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery time.
Prior to treatment, instructions may include stopping certain medications and preparing the skin with pre-conditioning creams.
The skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils, and the eyes and hair are protected.
During a chemical peel, the physician applies one or more chemical solutions to various area of the skin. These applications produce separation and eventual peeling of layers of skin, enabling new, regenerated skin to appear.
During the procedure, most patients experience a warm to somewhat hot sensation which last about 5 to 1O minutes.

After treatment what should be expected?

Depending upon the type of peel, a reaction similar to mild to severe sunburn occurs.

Superficial peeling usually involves redness, followed by scaling that ends within 3 to 5 days

Medium-depth and deep peeling can sometimes results in swelling and blisters that may break. Crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of 7 to 14 days.

What are the possible complications?

It is important to avoid overexposure to the sun immediately after a chemical peel since the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to injury.
In certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent colour change in the skin. Taking birth control pills, pregnancy, or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face may increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation.
Although low, there is a risk of scarring after chemical peels. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results.
There is a small incidence of the reactivation of cold sores or Herpes Simplex infection in-patients with a history of fever blisters.
Prior to a chemical peel, it is important for a patient to inform the physician of any past history of keloids, unusual scarring tendencies, extensive X-rays or radiation to the face, or recurring cold sores.

What are the limitations of chemical peels?

Chemicals peels cannot remove loose or sagging skin and do not serve the same function as a face-lift, brow lift or eyelid lift.
They do not eliminate the gravitational forces that produce loose skin and will not remove deep scars.
Chemical peels cannot change pore size, nor can they predictably remove broken blood vessels on the face. However, chemical peels may improve the appearance of these conditions.
Botulinum Toxin is used most effectively 1-2 weeks prior to the peeling procedure, providing a smoother skin prior to a generalised facial peel.

What does this do?

Peels are a non-invasive way to re-texturize and brighten the skin. Topical exfoliants are used to lighten sun damage, age spots, and light scarring. This intensified re-surfacing action provides measurable results for virtually any skin type. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation.

The VIPeel will:

    * Improve the tone, texture and clarity of your skin
    * Reduce or eliminate age spots, freckles, and hyper-pigmentation, including melasma
    * Soften lines and wrinkles
    * Clear acne skin conditions, reduce or eliminate acne scars
    * Stimulate the production of collagen, for firmer, more youthful skin

The VIPeel has the affect of the more powerful peels, without the pain and downtime typically associated with the more powerful peels on the market today. Most people note that they feel fresher and cleaner after the process.

How does it work?

A qualified health practitioner will apply a solution designed to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. The unique blend of ingredients in VIPeel produces powerful results with no pain, no skin preparation and very little downtime.

F.A.Q.

How is the VIPeel different from other peels?

Obsolete peels of the past, without exception, epitomize the no pain, no gain approach to skin care. Before VIPeel, the deeper the peel, the more painful, the more downtime, the better the results. VIPeel is the first Next Generation Aesthetic. It is painless, yet produces dramatic visible results in just days with little downtime.

Will the results be long lasting?

Like everything else in life, skin needs maintenance. The VIPeels results will last as long as skin care is maintained, sun exposure is moderate and preventive ageing with the VIPeel is performed three or four times per year.

What types of skin respond well to VIPeel ?

The many innovations that created the VIPeel combine to enable the entire continuum of skin types to enjoy the benefits of the peel. For the first time, African and darker skin types such as some Asian and Latin skins can experience anti-ageing and restorative skin care previously unavailable.

What will the VIPeel do for my skin ?

It uses the synergy of all available and known modes of action of various acids to produce a multitude of positive effects. It tackles skin problems at the cellular level rather than just burning skin off. Thanks to the concerted actions of its many acids and vitamins, it will help erase fine lines and wrinkles, shrink enlarged pores and build collagen and elastin which tighten skin. It is extremely effective in practically eliminating hyper pigmentation including melasma, the most difficult pigmentation issue to address

What will I look like right after the VIPeel and during the next few days? How badly will I peel ?

The skin will look slightly tan to red immediately after the peel. On days one and two the skin will feel slightly tighter with no visible signs of having a peel except for looking slightly tan. Any pigmented areas might appear slightly darker, which is a good sign. On about day three, you will begin to peel. The first signs of peeling usually begin around the mouth area, continuing for a day or two. With the use of the VIDerm moisturizer, you may go about your usual daily routine. By day six or day seven you will be done peeling and the results are dramatic!

How many peels are needed ?

The peel may be repeated as often as every two weeks, if necessary, for damaged skin. Our recommendation for average skin would be once every three months to prevent damage and the underlying aging of the skin. Your doctor or skin care professional will evaluate your skin, as well as your goals and expectations and make an appropriate recommendation for ongoing skin care.

How many treatments are required to show an improved look ?

A single VIPeel will achieve significant repair and add a healthy glow to the skin. It is a true, restorative and painless repair of damaged skin including sun damage and acne. Best of all, it is a true aging preventive for younger skin with no visible damage.

Does it burn?

Not really. You will feel a slight stinging sensation for a few seconds which subsides completely almost immediately. The peel is applied topically, numbing of the skin takes place after the first pass.
The skin peeling associated with the VIPeel is a light, fluffy peel that will start on day three and generally be finished by the end of day four. The peeling is easily hidden by moisturizer. In some cases, the peel is virtually invisible.

Can I wear makeup after the VIPeel ?

While the long term goal is to eliminate the need to use any makeup, it may be worn at any time after the peel solution has dried. Makeup should not be applied on the days that the skin is peeling, just moisturizer. Makeup can then be resumed at any time after the skin peels.

Can I go in the sun after the VIPeel ?

Sun exposure should be limited and adequate protection with our SPF 30 with CLA should be used. However, the VIPeel was created to be practical. The only days where exposure to the sun should be seriously avoided are days three and four, when the skin is peeling, to avoid uneven exposure. After that, you can enjoy moderate sun exposure, continuing regular skin care maintenance.

Are teenage acne sufferers too young for the VIPeel ?

VIPeel was originally formulated for acne sufferers. The peel is excellent for both adult and adolescent acne. Results are quick and very impressive. Combined with a daily skin regimen, almost all acne cases can be readily and safely managed.
Dryness, redness and peeling can be expected after the treatment. This is similar to sunburn and it is imperative that the peeling skin is not picked at or rubbed as it may scar.