VI Peel — Important Safety Information (ISI)

Read this information carefully before receiving a VI Peel treatment. Discuss any questions or concerns with your provider at your free consultation.

What Is VI Peel?

VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel system manufactured by VI Aesthetics that uses a proprietary blend of five active ingredients: Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), Retin-A (tretinoin), Salicylic Acid, Phenol, and Vitamin C. The peel is applied by our licensed aestheticians under Dr. Ashar’s direct clinical oversight at our Sugar Hill, GA clinic. It is intended to treat hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne, fine lines, uneven texture, and other skin concerns through controlled exfoliation and dermal remodeling.

VI Peel is available in multiple formulas (Original, Precision, Precision Plus, Purify, Purify Precision Plus, and Body), each designed for specific skin concerns and Fitzpatrick types. Formula selection is made by your provider at your consultation based on your skin assessment, treatment history, and goals.

Important Safety Notice

WARNING: PRESCRIPTION-STRENGTH INGREDIENTS. VI Peel contains prescription-strength tretinoin (Retin-A) and phenol. It is a medical-grade treatment that should only be applied by trained clinical providers in a medical setting. VI Peel should not be self-administered or applied by non-medical personnel. Treatment requires a clinical consultation, appropriate formula selection, and adherence to a 7-day post-treatment protocol. Failure to follow pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions can result in adverse outcomes including burns, scarring, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Contraindications

VI Peel is contraindicated in patients with:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (tretinoin is contraindicated)
• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to any VI Peel ingredient (TCA, tretinoin, salicylic acid, phenol, ascorbic acid)
• Salicylate allergy (relevant to all formulas containing salicylic acid)
• Active herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreak or cold sores in the treatment area
• Active bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection in the treatment area
• Open wounds, abrasions, or compromised skin barrier in the treatment area
• Use of oral isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months
• Recent facial surgery, ablative laser treatment, or deep chemical peel within 6 months
• Severe active eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea flare in the treatment area

Warnings and Precautions

• Sun Exposure: Significant sun exposure should be avoided for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment. Failure to protect treated skin from UV exposure significantly increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in patients with Fitzpatrick types III through VI. SPF 30 or higher mineral sunscreen must be used daily during the healing period and for at least 30 days following treatment.
• Skincare Discontinuation: Prescription retinoids, topical antibiotics, AHA/BHA products, vitamin C serums, benzoyl peroxide, and other active ingredients must be discontinued for at least 7 days before treatment to reduce skin irritation and ensure proper peel penetration.
• Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation: VI Peel can trigger reactivation of latent HSV in patients with a cold sore history. Our medical team may recommend prophylactic antiviral medication beginning 2 days before treatment for patients with a known history of cold sores.
• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Risk: Patients with darker Fitzpatrick skin types (IV-VI) carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if pre-treatment and post-treatment protocols are not followed precisely. The Precision Plus formula is specifically designed to reduce this risk in darker skin tones, but proper aftercare remains essential.
• Keloid and Hypertrophic Scarring History: Patients with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring carry increased risk and should discuss candidacy with our medical team before treatment.
• Picking, Peeling, or Pulling Skin: Patients must not pick, peel, pull, or actively exfoliate flaking skin during the 7-day post-treatment period. Doing so significantly increases the risk of scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Skin must shed naturally.
• Heat and Sweat Exposure: Avoid saunas, hot yoga, steam rooms, hot tubs, and strenuous exercise for at least 48 to 72 hours after treatment, as heat can intensify irritation and prolong the healing process.
• Eye and Mucous Membrane Exposure: VI Peel solution is for external skin application only. Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and lips. Accidental exposure requires immediate flushing with water and clinical evaluation.

Most Common Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of VI Peel include:

• Visible peeling and flaking of the skin (days 3 to 7 post-treatment, expected and intentional)
• Skin tightness and dryness during the healing process
• Mild redness and erythema immediately following treatment
• Temporary skin darkening before peeling begins (frosting)
• Mild swelling, particularly around the eyes and cheeks
• Itching during the peeling phase
• Sensitivity to skincare products during recovery
• Temporary breakouts as deeper congestion clears

Less common but possible side effects include prolonged redness, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (particularly without proper sun protection), HSV reactivation, allergic contact reactions, and in rare cases scarring or pigment changes. Contact our team promptly if you experience severe pain, spreading redness with warmth, blistering, signs of infection, or persistent symptoms beyond the expected 7-day timeline.

Skincare and Medication Interactions

The following products and medications can interact with VI Peel and should be disclosed at your consultation. Many will require temporary discontinuation before and after treatment:

• Topical and oral retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, isotretinoin) must be discontinued at least 7 days before treatment
• Topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and prescription acne medications
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic) and beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic)
• Vitamin C serums and other active antioxidant treatments
• Hydroquinone and other prescription pigment-lightening agents
• Photosensitizing medications including certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, sulfonamides), diuretics, and NSAIDs
• Recent injectable treatments (Botox, dermal fillers, sclerotherapy) within 2 weeks
• Hair removal procedures (waxing, threading, depilatories, laser hair removal) in the treatment area within 5 days

Our medical team reviews your full medication and skincare history at consultation. Do not discontinue prescription medications without consulting the prescribing provider.

Use in Specific Populations

• Pregnancy: VI Peel is contraindicated during pregnancy. The Retin-A (tretinoin) component is a teratogen and may cause fetal harm. Patients should not undergo VI Peel treatment while pregnant or attempting to conceive.
• Lactation: VI Peel is contraindicated during breastfeeding due to the tretinoin and phenol components. Patients should wait until they have completed breastfeeding to undergo treatment.
• Pediatric Use: VI Peel is not indicated for patients under 18 years of age except in specific circumstances and only under direct medical supervision for established skin conditions.
• Darker Skin Tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI): VI Peel is safe and effective for all Fitzpatrick types when the appropriate formula is selected. The Precision Plus formula is specifically engineered for hyperpigmentation treatment in darker skin tones. Our medical team selects the right formula at your consultation based on your skin type.
• Sensitive Skin and Rosacea-Prone Patients: The VI Peel Original formula is the gentlest in the system and may be appropriate for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. Patients with active rosacea flare in the treatment area should wait until the flare resolves before treatment.
• Immunocompromised Patients: Patients on immunosuppressive therapy or with conditions that impair wound healing should discuss candidacy with our medical team. Treatment may be delayed or modified based on clinical evaluation.

Pre-Treatment Preparation

To minimize complications and optimize results, patients are required to follow pre-treatment instructions provided at consultation. General guidelines include discontinuing active skincare ingredients for at least 7 days before treatment, avoiding sun exposure and tanning for 2 weeks before treatment, completing any hair removal at least 5 days before treatment, and disclosing all medications and supplements at intake. A written pre-treatment protocol specific to your selected formula will be provided at your consultation.

Post-Treatment Care

Adherence to post-treatment instructions is essential to safe and successful results. Every VI Peel at Tactus Health includes a post-peel kit with cleanser, protectant, and SPF, along with written aftercare instructions specific to your formula. Key requirements include applying the post-peel kit as directed throughout the 7-day process, avoiding sun exposure and using daily SPF 30 or higher for at least 30 days, refraining from picking or actively peeling skin, and avoiding heat exposure for 48 to 72 hours. Patients with questions during the 7-day process can contact our team directly.

Full Product Information

This ISI is a summary of important safety information for VI Peel as administered at Tactus Health. Complete product information including detailed ingredient lists, clinical study data, and manufacturer-specific safety guidelines is available from VI Aesthetics at viaesthetics.com. Patients should discuss any questions or concerns with their provider at their free consultation prior to treatment.