Living in Tempe means dealing with something most of the country doesn’t: 300+ days of intense sunshine. Great for outdoor activities. Not so great for your skin.

I see the effects constantly—melasma that appeared after a few summers of hiking Camelback, hyperpigmentation from years of driving with sun hitting the left side of your face, that dull texture that creeps in after decades of UV exposure. This is why VI Peel has become one of my most-requested treatments. It’s specifically designed to address the kind of damage Arizona dishes out.

What Makes VI Peel Different

Most chemical peels are one-note: they exfoliate. VI Peel works on multiple levels simultaneously—addressing pigmentation, stimulating collagen, clearing acne, and improving texture. The formula includes a synergistic blend of TCA, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and vitamin C.

What I appreciate most: it’s safe for all skin tones. Darker skin types often can’t use traditional chemical peels because of the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. VI Peel was formulated with this in mind.

The Arizona-Specific Skin Problems VI Peel Solves

Sun damage and age spots. Those brown spots on your cheeks, forehead, and hands? Years of UV exposure. VI Peel targets melanin production and accelerates the turnover of damaged cells.

Melasma. That stubborn mask-like discoloration that pregnancy, birth control, or just living in a sunny climate can trigger. VI Peel Precision Plus is specifically formulated for melasma-prone skin.

Rough, leathery texture. Arizona’s dry heat plus sun exposure creates that “weathered” look. The peel removes layers of accumulated damage and stimulates fresh collagen.

Acne and acne scarring. Between sweat, sunscreen, and dust, Tempe skin takes a beating. VI Peel clears active breakouts while improving the texture of old scars.

What the Treatment Actually Involves

The application takes about 20 minutes. You’ll feel a mild tingling—some describe it as a slight warming sensation. I send you home with a take-home kit that includes everything you need for the peeling process.

The real action happens over the next 5-7 days. Around day three, your skin starts to peel. It’s not dramatic—more like a sunburn peel than anything scary. Most people can work through it; you just look a little flaky.

By day seven, you’re through the worst of it. What’s underneath? Smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin.

Timing Your Peel in Arizona

Here’s my honest advice: don’t get a VI Peel right before a hiking trip or pool party. You need to stay out of direct sun during the peeling process, and your fresh skin will be more sensitive for a few weeks after.

The best time for a VI Peel in Tempe? Late fall through early spring. You’re still getting UV exposure (it’s Arizona, after all), but it’s manageable with good sunscreen habits. Many of my patients schedule their peels for November or February, timing the recovery for when they’re mostly indoors anyway.

That said, any time works if you’re willing to be diligent about sun protection afterward.

How Many Treatments Do You Need?

For maintenance and mild concerns: one peel can make a noticeable difference. Many patients do one per season.

For significant sun damage or stubborn melasma: a series of 3-4 peels spaced 4-6 weeks apart typically delivers the best results.

I always start with a consultation to assess your skin and set realistic expectations. Some concerns take one treatment; others need a sustained approach.

What VI Peel Won’t Do

I believe in honesty. VI Peel is excellent for surface-level damage and mild to moderate concerns. It won’t:

  • Tighten significantly loose skin (that’s where treatments like Sculptra come in)
  • Remove deep wrinkles (consider fillers or Botox for those)
  • Fix broken capillaries (you’d need laser for that)

It’s a fantastic tool, but it’s one tool. Sometimes the best approach combines treatments.

Cost and What to Expect

A single VI Peel treatment at my Tempe practice runs $350-450 depending on the specific formula you need. The Precision Plus (for melasma) and Purify (for acne) formulations cost a bit more due to their specialized ingredients.

For the results you get—and the fact that they last for months—I think it’s one of the better values in medical aesthetics. You’re essentially getting a new layer of skin.

Wondering if VI Peel is right for your skin concerns? I offer free consultations where we can look at what’s going on and discuss whether this treatment makes sense for you. No pressure, just information.

Book a consultation or text me at 480-933-2328.