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VI-Peel Chemical Peel
Pre- and Post-Care
Pre‑Care (All Patients)
☐ Sun & Tanning: Avoid sunbathing/tanning beds for 2 weeks before treatment and will not arrive sunburned.
☐ Self‑tanner: Avoid spray/self‑tanner on treatment areas for 2 weeks pre‑treatment.
☐ Active topicals: Stop retinoids/retinol, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, strong vitamin C, scrubs/brushes for 7 days (1 week) prior (longer if sensitive).
☐ Procedures: Avoid waxing, threading, depilatories and any at‑home or professional chemical skin treatments and/or devices (e.g., strong peels, microderm, energy devices on the area) for 2 weeks prior.
☐ Isotretinoin: It has been ≥6 months since I finished oral isotretinoin (Accutane®).
☐ HSV history: If I get cold sores (HSV) near the treatment zone, I will notify SOKO; if prescribed, I will start antiviral ~3 days before.
☐ Arrival: Arrive with clean, product‑free skin on the treatment area(s) — no makeup, lotion/oil, fragrance, deodorant, or sunscreen.
☐ Health: No have active infection, rash, or open wounds on the area; Not pregnant or breastfeeding.
B) Face/Neck — Additional Pre‑Care
☐ Makeup‑free: I will remove all makeup, sunscreen, and facial oils before arrival.
☐ Shaving: If I shave the face/neck, I will avoid shaving the day of (or as instructed) to limit irritation.
☐ Actives window (face/neck): If my provider plans a stronger/superficial‑to‑medium peel, I will extend active‑topical hold to 5–7 days pre‑treatment.
☐ Sun gear: I will bring a hat or plan shade for after my visit.
C) Body (Chest, Back, Arms/Hands, Legs, Other) — Additional Pre‑Care
☐ Clothing: I will wear loose, breathable clothing to minimize friction on the treatment area.
☐ Products: I will not apply lotions, oils, deodorant, fragrances, or self‑tanner on the area for 24 hours before.
☐ Hair removal: I will avoid waxing, plucking, depilatories, or bleaching the area for 2 weeks pre‑treatment (shaving may be allowed if instructed).
☐ Actives window (body): I will stop retinoids/acids/scrubs on the area for 5–7 days prior (body skin is more friction‑sensitive).
☐ Workouts/heat: I will avoid heavy workouts, hot yoga/sauna immediately before my appointment to keep skin cool and calm.
D) Fitzpatrick IV–VI / PIH‑Prone (if applicable)
☐ I understand my provider may recommend pigment‑control pre‑treatment (e.g., hydroquinone or azelaic) for 2–4 weeks prior and/or a test spot to reduce PIH risk. I will follow these instructions if given.
You will be given a booklet of instructions that trumps these instuctions in the even there are any contraditions. Please follow those instructions as directed by your practitioner.
GENERAL POST-CARE
During the first two days, your skin may look slightly tan, bronzed, pink, or red and may feel tight before peeling begins.
Treat your skin similarly to a sunburn during the healing process:
Avoid direct sun exposure.
Avoid excessive heat.
Avoid sweating and strenuous exercise as directed below.
Do not scrub, rub, pick, or pull at peeling skin.
Keep the skin moisturized and protected.
Use sunscreen consistently.
During the peeling phase, your new skin will be particularly sensitive to UV exposure. Continue to protect your skin even after visible peeling has stopped, and reapply sunscreen whenever you are outdoors.
The amount of visible peeling varies significantly from person to person. Some patients peel considerably while others experience minimal visible peeling. The amount of peeling does not determine how effective your treatment was.
Mild, brief stinging or itching can occur with some post-peel products. However, intense burning, burning that continues after application, significant pain, pronounced swelling, blistering, open/raw skin, or sharply localized bright-red irritation should not be treated through.
If this occurs:
Stop applying the product to the affected area.
Do not apply additional active products to the irritated area.
Contact your practitioner for further instructions.
FIRST 48 HOURS: POST-PEEL TOWELETTES
The towelettes provided in your VI Peel post-care kit contain active ingredients that provide additional stimulation to the skin and help support the peeling process.
These are not cleansing or refreshing wipes.
How to Use
Apply the first towelette approximately 4 hours after your peel is applied.
Apply subsequent towelettes according to the schedule provided in your VI Peel aftercare booklet.
Towelettes should be spaced at least 4 hours apart.
All scheduled towelettes should be completed within the first 48 hours, unless your practitioner instructs you otherwise.
If Peeling Begins Early
If your skin begins peeling before you have completed your scheduled towelettes, do not apply the towelette directly over areas that are already actively peeling, raw, or significantly irritated.
Continue with the remaining towelettes only on intact skin as directed.
What You May Feel
Mild stinging or itching may occur when using the towelettes, particularly during the first evening.
If itching occurs, Post Treatment Repair Cream may be applied as directed.
If you experience intense burning, significant pain, marked redness, swelling, blistering, or persistent discomfort, discontinue application to that area and contact your practitioner.
MORNING SKINCARE
Each morning during the 7-day peeling process:
Gently cleanse your skin.
Apply VI Derm Post Treatment Repair Cream.
Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Reapply sunscreen throughout the day as needed.
If you are experiencing excessive dryness, chapping, or irritation, a thin layer of Aquaphor may be used for additional barrier protection.
PEELING PHASE
Visible peeling most commonly occurs on Days 3, 4, and 5.
By approximately Day 6, most visible exfoliation has typically subsided, although everyone’s healing timeline is different.
Peeling commonly begins around the mouth and then progresses outward. The forehead and neck may peel later.
Cleansing
Use only your fingertips when cleansing.
Do not use washcloths, cleansing brushes, facial devices, scrubs, or exfoliating tools.
Gently pat the skin dry.
We recommend cleansing your face before showering so you can minimize exposure to hot water.
Avoid allowing very hot shower water to directly hit your face.
Do Not Pick or Peel
Allow the skin to exfoliate naturally.
Do not:
Pull peeling skin.
Pick at loose skin.
Rub or scrub the skin.
Peel skin off in sheets.
Use exfoliating products or devices.
Prematurely removing peeling skin may cause significant irritation and increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or prolonged redness.
Keep the Skin Moisturized
Keeping the skin hydrated and protected is important during peeling.
Safe products during the peeling process include:
VI Derm Gentle Purifying Cleanser
VI Derm Post Treatment Repair Cream
SPF 50+ sunscreen
Aquaphor, if additional barrier protection is needed
If using products from home, keep the routine extremely simple. A gentle cleanser, plain Aquaphor, and sunscreen may be used as appropriate.
Do not resume your normal skincare products until directed below.
Post Treatment Repair Cream
A mild, brief stinging sensation may occasionally occur when Post Treatment Repair Cream is applied to sensitive or peeling skin.
Intense burning or burning that does not quickly resolve is not expected.
If this occurs, stop applying the cream to that area and contact your practitioner.
EXERCISE, HEAT & SWEATING
Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that cause significant sweating for approximately 72–96 hours after your peel.
Also avoid:
Saunas
Steam rooms
Hot tubs
Hot yoga
Excessive heat exposure
Activities that cause heavy perspiration
Excessive heat and inflammation during the healing process may increase the risk of irritation, blistering, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Patients being treated for melasma or those who are particularly prone to pigmentation may be instructed to avoid significant heat and sweating for the full 7-day peeling period.
SUN EXPOSURE
Sun protection is extremely important throughout the peeling process.
Avoid unnecessary direct sun exposure.
Wear SPF 50+ daily.
Reapply sunscreen when outdoors.
Consider a hat or other physical sun protection when possible.
Continue diligent sun protection after peeling has stopped because newly exfoliated skin remains more sensitive to UV exposure.
WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR PRACTITIONER
Please contact us if you experience:
Intense or persistent burning
Significant or increasing pain
Pronounced or rapidly worsening redness
Redness or irritation that is sharply isolated to one area
Significant swelling
Blistering
Open, raw, or weeping skin
Crusting or drainage
Increasing warmth or tenderness
Irritation that continues to worsen rather than improve
A post-care product that causes significant or persistent burning
Please contact us rather than continuing to apply a product that is causing significant discomfort.
RESUMING YOUR REGULAR SKINCARE
Non-Active Products
Gentle, non-active skincare products may generally be resumed once peeling has completely subsided and the skin feels comfortable, typically around Days 6–7.
Active Products
Retinoids, exfoliating acids, acne treatments, brightening products, and other active skincare ingredients should not be resumed until:
Peeling has completely stopped, AND
Redness and sensitivity have returned to normal.
This is typically around Days 7–10, but some patients may need longer.
When in doubt, contact your practitioner before restarting active products.
OTHER FACIAL TREATMENTS
Wait a minimum of approximately 2 weeks before treatments that exfoliate or significantly manipulate the skin, including:
Facials
Extractions
Waxing
Threading
Exfoliating treatments
Please consult your practitioner before scheduling lasers, microneedling, injectable treatments, or other procedures so we can recommend the appropriate timing for your skin.
SCHEDULING YOUR NEXT VI PEEL
For patients completing a series of VI Peels, treatments are commonly scheduled approximately 4–6 weeks apart, depending on your skin, treatment goals, and practitioner recommendation.
PEELS PERFORMED AFTER 3:00 PM
If your peel was performed later in the afternoon, the timing of your first post-peel towelette and subsequent aftercare may differ from a morning appointment.
Your first towelette should generally be used approximately 4 hours after your peel was applied, followed by the remaining towelettes according to the schedule provided by your practitioner or VI Peel aftercare booklet.
Do not apply towelettes less than 4 hours apart.
If you are unsure about the timing of your evening or next-morning products, please contact your practitioner before applying them.
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