Sun spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are one of the most common skin concerns people face as they age. While harmless, these flat, brown patches often make skin appear older, uneven, and dull. Caused primarily by years of sun exposure, they can show up on the face, chest, shoulders, hands, and anywhere else that frequently sees the sun.
Many clients at Elegance Aesthetics want to know the best way to fade these spots and restore a more youthful, radiant complexion. Among the many available treatments, the VI Peel stands out as a safe, effective, and versatile option for tackling sun damage while also improving other skin concerns like acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven texture.
If you’ve tried topical creams or home remedies with little success, this professional chemical peel may be exactly what you need. Let’s dive into what sun spots are, why they form, and how the VI Peel helps fade them for brighter, smoother skin.
Understanding Sun Spots
Sun spots are flat patches of skin discoloration that develop from prolonged UV exposure. Over time, the sun stimulates excess melanin production in certain areas, causing dark patches that don’t fade as easily as a normal tan.
Some common characteristics include:
- Flat, oval, or irregular shapes
- Brown, tan, or black coloring
- Usually painless but cosmetically bothersome
- More common in people over 40, though they can appear earlier with heavy sun exposure
Unlike freckles, which can fade during winter months, sun spots tend to remain visible year-round. They’re not dangerous on their own, but many people seek treatment because of their aging effect on appearance.
Why Topical Treatments Aren’t Enough
Drugstore creams and at-home brightening serums often promise to fade dark spots, but most work only at the skin’s surface. Because sun spots form in deeper layers of the epidermis, surface-level products rarely produce significant or lasting improvement.
Prescription creams like hydroquinone can help in some cases, but results take months and may still be limited. More importantly, harsh formulas can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
This is where a professional chemical peel like the VI Peel makes a difference—it penetrates beyond the surface, targeting the root of pigmentation while also encouraging skin renewal from within.
What Is the VI Peel?
The VI Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel designed to safely treat a variety of skin issues, including sun spots. Unlike harsher peels that cause significant discomfort, the VI Peel is formulated to be gentle yet powerful.
Its blend of active ingredients includes:
- Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): Improves pigmentation, texture, and tone
- Retinoic Acid: Boosts cell turnover and smooths fine lines
- Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates and helps reduce inflammation
- Phenol: Provides deep exfoliation while minimizing discomfort
- Vitamin C: A strong antioxidant that brightens and protects skin
Together, these ingredients work to remove damaged skin cells, reduce melanin buildup, and stimulate new collagen production, giving the skin a refreshed, radiant appearance.
How the VI Peel Fades Sun Spots
Sun spots form because of excess melanin trapped in the skin. The VI Peel addresses this problem in two ways:
- Exfoliation of Damaged Cells: The peel gently removes the top layers of skin where melanin is concentrated, gradually lightening dark patches.
- Cell Renewal and Collagen Stimulation: By boosting skin cell turnover and collagen production, the VI Peel promotes healthier skin growth and prevents new spots from forming as quickly.
Most clients notice visible fading of sun spots after their first peel, with more dramatic results achieved through a series of treatments.
Additional Benefits Beyond Sun Spot Removal
While the main goal may be to fade sun spots, the VI Peel offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Brighter complexion: By removing dead cells, the peel reveals fresh, glowing skin.
- Reduced acne and scarring: The salicylic acid component unclogs pores and minimizes acne scars.
- Smoother fine lines and wrinkles: Increased collagen plumps the skin and softens signs of aging.
- More even texture: Enlarged pores, rough patches, and dullness improve significantly.
This versatility makes the VI Peel an excellent choice for clients who want to address multiple skin concerns at once.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Elegance Aesthetics, the VI Peel process is straightforward and designed with your comfort in mind.
Step 1: Consultation
Before your first peel, a practitioner will review your skin type, history, and goals. This ensures the VI Peel is the right treatment for your needs.
Step 2: Skin Preparation
Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove oils and debris. A protective cream may be applied to sensitive areas such as around the eyes or lips.
Step 3: Peel Application
The VI Peel solution is applied in two layers. You may feel a mild tingling or warming sensation, but discomfort is minimal and short-lived.
Step 4: At-Home Phase
Unlike traditional peels that are removed in-office, the VI Peel is left on for several hours. You’ll be instructed to wash it off at home. Over the next few days, your skin will begin to peel, revealing new, healthier layers beneath.
Aftercare and Recovery
The peeling process typically begins on day three and lasts up to a week. During this time, it’s important to follow aftercare guidelines closely:
- Avoid picking or pulling at peeling skin
- Use only gentle, hydrating cleansers and moisturizers
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect new skin
- Avoid harsh products like scrubs or exfoliants until peeling has fully stopped
Once peeling is complete, most clients notice a brighter, more even complexion with visibly lighter sun spots.
How Long Do Results Last?
Results from a VI Peel are long-lasting, but sun protection is key to maintaining them. Since UV exposure is the root cause of sun spots, daily use of SPF 30 or higher is essential.
Many clients choose to schedule a series of peels spaced four to six weeks apart for the best outcome. After that, occasional maintenance treatments can help preserve results over the years.
Why Choose Elegance Aesthetics
At Elegance Aesthetics, every peel is administered by trained professionals who understand how to customize the treatment to your unique skin type.
Clients trust us for:
- Expert practitioners: Knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of chemical peels.
- High-quality products: We use only genuine VI Peel formulations for safe, effective results.
- Personalized care: Treatments are tailored to your goals, ensuring optimal improvement.
Our goal is to help you achieve smooth, radiant, even-toned skin while ensuring your comfort every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
If you’re frustrated by stubborn sun spots or uneven pigmentation, the VI Peel offers a powerful yet gentle way to restore your skin’s natural radiance. By targeting melanin buildup while stimulating collagen renewal, it provides visible results after just one treatment, with continued improvement over a series of sessions.
Fading sun spots doesn’t have to be complicated. With the VI Peel at Elegance Aesthetics, you can enjoy brighter, healthier, more youthful-looking skin safely and effectively.
Top VI Peel Questions
What areas can the VI Peel treat?
The VI Peel is versatile and can be used on the face, neck, chest, back, and even hands.
When will I start seeing results?
Peeling usually begins around day three and ends within a week. Once peeling is complete, you’ll notice brighter, clearer skin. Full benefits continue to develop over several weeks.
Is the VI Peel safe for all skin types?
Yes, the VI Peel is designed to be safe for all skin tones, including darker complexions, making it more inclusive than many other chemical peels.
How many treatments do I need to fade sun spots?
Many clients see results after a single peel, but three treatments spaced a few weeks apart often provide the most dramatic improvement.
Does the VI Peel hurt?
Most clients feel only mild tingling or warmth during application. The formula includes ingredients that minimize discomfort.
Can I wear makeup after treatment?
It’s best to avoid makeup until peeling has finished, usually within a week, to allow your skin to heal fully.
How do I keep sun spots from coming back after treatment?
Consistent sunscreen use, protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure are the best ways to prevent new sun spots.
Can the VI Peel be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Many clients choose to combine the VI Peel with treatments like microneedling, dermaplaning, or neurotoxin injections for enhanced results. Your practitioner can recommend a safe and effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Are there any side effects of the VI Peel?
Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as redness, peeling, or slight sensitivity for a few days. These are normal parts of the skin renewal process and typically resolve on their own.
Is there anyone who should avoid the VI Peel?
Yes. The VI Peel is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with active skin infections, or people who have used Accutane in the last six months. A consultation helps determine if the treatment is safe for you.
