The Art of the Peel
A guide to the season’s top chemical peels — and which one fits your skin
By Leslie Peck / Photo by Getty Images
Fall is here, and it is officially chemical peel season! Time to shed some skin and give your sun-kissed dermis some love before the holidays. Chemical peels are one of the most versatile treatments for achieving results in a timely manner. They work by applying a controlled chemical exfoliant to the skin to remove damaged surface cells, stimulate the skin and speed up the renewal process.
Depending on the type, ingredients and depth, peels can improve hyperpigmentation, acne, post-acne marks, fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores, sun damage and overall radiance. Consult your aesthetician to determine which peel is best for your skin type, goals, tolerance for downtime and previous treatments.
Some of the top med spa peels with great results are VI Peel, Perfect Derma Peel and PRX Derm Perfexion professional peels. They overlap in some benefits, but they offer different experiences. The VI and Perfect Derma Peel can be done in a series or as a standalone treatment every four to six weeks. The PRX Derm is typically performed as a series of four treatments followed by maintenance treatments every four to six weeks.
VI Peel
VI Peel is a signature med spa peel for clients who want a noticeable improvement in pigmentation, acne, sun damage and overall skin quality. Treatment runs approximately $350 to $400. VI currently offers six different formulas: five for the face and one for the body. This allows the service provider to select the appropriate formula and customize the treatment according to the client’s concerns.
VI Peel can be used for melasma, hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory pigmentation, acne, acne marks, fine lines, uneven texture and photodamage. The treatment is generally followed by a period of visible peeling, although the amount varies from person to person. Immediately following application, the skin may look flushed or slightly tan, and clients often describe a glow.
Perfect Derma Peel
Perfect Derma Peel is a medium-depth, medical-grade chemical peel for aging skin, blemishes, hyperpigmentation and other common skin concerns. Treatment runs approximately $350. The application itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and visible peeling normally lasts two to four days.
One of its distinguishing features is its combination of exfoliating and brightening ingredients, including TCA, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, kojic acid, phenol and glutathione. These ingredients are best suited for clients concerned about dark spots, uneven tone, sun damage, acne, fine lines and dullness.
One treatment can produce a smoother, brighter and more refreshed appearance. Clients with more significant melasma or acne may benefit from a series of two to three treatments approximately four weeks apart.
PRX Derm Perfexion
PRX Derm Perfexion is quite different from the other peels. Instead of working like a traditional peel, it performs more like a needle-free biorejuvenation treatment. Treatment runs approximately $325.
PRX is a professional treatment designed to improve the appearance of firmness, elasticity, hydration, fine lines and early signs of aging while providing an immediate, glass-like glow without traditional downtime.
This makes PRX particularly appealing to clients who want their skin to look brighter, tighter, smoother and more refreshed without obvious peeling. It can be an excellent option for event preparation, bridal clients, mature skin, dull skin and clients who are unwilling or unable to commit to several days of downtime.
