Skin Rejuvenation & Resurfacing

VI Peels and Pores: The Truth About Clearer, Smoother Skin

VI Peels go beyond surface cleansing to target clogged pores, refine texture, and restore skin clarity. Hereโ€™s the truth about how they work and what to expect.

If youโ€™ve ever battled clogged pores or struggled with large, visible ones, youโ€™re not alone. Pores are one of the first areas of skin to show signs of aging. Oil, dead skin cells, and environmental debris can stretch them out, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and uneven texture.

One of the most effective ways to reset your skin and clear out stubborn pores is with a VI Peel in Rockford, MI. This advanced chemical peel works beneath the surface to target clogged pores, discoloration, and early signs of aging.


What Causes Clogged and Enlarged Pores?

During youth, skin naturally renews itself with abundant collagen, elastin, and keratin. As we age, this process slows down. Sebaceous glands still produce oil, which combines with dead skin cells to form a glue-like substance that clogs pores.

Over time, pores become stretched and visible, often accompanied by fine lines, acne, and uneven tone. Repeated year after year, these changes lead to dull, congested skin.

For more detail on treatment options for enlarged pores, visit our page on large pores treatments โ†—.


What Is a VI Peel?

patient looking at her results of VI Peel treatment at Direct Aesthetics

A VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel designed to safely and effectively rejuvenate the skin. Unlike many peels that target only the surface, a VI Peel penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to address both visible imperfections and the underlying causes of aging and congestion.

At its core, the treatment works by using a carefully balanced blend of acids and active ingredients to exfoliate the skin, stimulate collagen production, and clear out clogged pores. As the outermost layer of damaged skin cells is removed, new, healthier cells rise to the surfaceโ€”leaving skin smoother, brighter, and more even in tone.

What Makes a VI Peel Different?

Traditional chemical peels often rely on a single acid, which can lead to irritation or dryness without always delivering consistent results. The VI Peel, however, is formulated with a synergistic combination of ingredients that work together to maximize benefits while minimizing discomfort.

  • Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): Smooths fine lines, treats discoloration, and improves overall skin tone.
  • Retinoic Acid: Speeds up cell turnover, reduces acne, and enhances collagen production.
  • Salicylic Acid: Penetrates deeply into pores to break down oil, dirt, and debris.
  • Phenol: Reduces pigmentation and provides anesthetic properties, making the peel more comfortable.
  • Vitamin C: Protects against free radical damage and brightens the skin.
  • Mineral Blend: Nourishes and supports skin healing.

The Goals of a VI Peel

The treatment isnโ€™t just about peelingโ€”itโ€™s about restoring balance to the skin. A VI Peel aims to:

  • Smooth out rough texture caused by clogged pores or acne scars
  • Brighten dull or uneven skin tone
  • Minimize pore size and oil buildup
  • Reduce fine lines and early wrinkles
  • Support firmer, healthier skin through collagen stimulation

Because it works on multiple layers of the skin, the VI Peel offers results that go beyond surface-level improvement. Many patients describe their skin as clearer, more radiant, and noticeably smoother within a week of treatment.

Why Patients Love VI Peels

VI Peels are often chosen because they deliver significant results with minimal downtime. While you may experience a few days of flaking and dryness, most people can continue their normal routines without interruption. This balance of effectiveness and convenience has made the VI Peel one of the most popular in-office treatments for pores, acne, and early signs of aging.


VI Peel vs. Traditional Chemical Peel

Not all chemical peels are the same. While traditional peels focus on surface exfoliation, a VI Peel works deeper to target clogged pores, discoloration, and early signs of aging. Hereโ€™s how they compare side by side:

FeatureVI PeelTraditional Chemical Peel
Depth of TreatmentPenetrates outer and deeper layers (epidermis + upper dermis)Usually targets only the surface layer (epidermis)
Key IngredientsBlend of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, TCA, vitamin C, phenol, mineralsOften a single acid (glycolic, lactic, or salicylic)
Effect on PoresDeeply cleanses and shrinks enlarged poresLimited pore-cleansing, mostly surface exfoliation
Skin Concerns TreatedFine lines, wrinkles, acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, enlarged poresMild texture issues, light pigmentation, surface dullness
DowntimeMinimal (redness and peeling for less than a week)Can cause irritation, dryness, or longer recovery depending on strength
Skin TypesSafe and effective for most skin types, including darker tonesSome peels may not be safe for all skin tones
Collagen StimulationYes, promotes collagen production for firmer skinLimited collagen stimulation
Comfort During ProcedureMild discomfort, often with optional numbing creamCan sting or burn depending on peel strength

Skin Concerns VI Peels Can Address

VI Peels are versatile and can improve:


How VI Peels Work on Pores

The Treatment Process

  1. Skin is cleansed and prepped.
  2. A VI Peel solution is applied in thin layers.
  3. The formula penetrates the epidermis and upper dermis, breaking down debris inside pores while stimulating collagen.
  4. Over the next few days, the skin naturally exfoliates, revealing smoother, clearer skin.

How Deep Does It Go?

The peel primarily removes the outer layer of skin (the stratum corneum) but also reaches into deeper layers to unclog pores and refine texture. Because of its balanced formulation, downtime is minimalโ€”most patients see only mild redness and flaking for less than a week.


Aftercare Tips for Best Results

Your results from a VI Peel depend just as much on what happens after the treatment as during it. Proper aftercare helps your skin heal smoothly and ensures the best outcome. Hereโ€™s what to expect and how to care for your skin in the days following your peel:

Keep your skin moisturized.
For the first week, apply a gentle, multi-purpose ointment to your face and neck twice daily. This step helps reduce dryness, itchiness, and flaking while protecting the skin barrier as it heals. Keeping the skin hydrated also makes peeling more comfortable.

Avoid sweating and heat exposure.
Activities like working out, sitting in a sauna, or using a tanning bed can increase inflammation and interfere with the peelโ€™s effectiveness. Itโ€™s best to give your skin a full week of rest from anything that raises body temperature or causes heavy perspiration.

Hands off while peeling.
As the treated skin begins to flake, resist the urge to pick or scratch at it. Pulling off peeling skin too soon can lead to irritation or even scarring. If you notice excess flakes, you can use a Q-tip with mild soap and water to gently lift them away. Avoid scrubbing or using abrasive washcloths until peeling has fully resolved.

Protect your skin from the sun.
Your skin will be more sensitive after a peel, which makes sun protection crucial. Even with sunscreen, avoid direct sun exposure for at least a week. If you need to be outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade whenever possible.

Skip strong skincare products.
For at least 7โ€“10 days, avoid products with ingredients like Retin-A, retinol, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. These can be too harsh on freshly treated skin and may cause irritation or redness. Stick with gentle cleansers and recommended moisturizers until healing is complete.

Hold off on makeup.
It may be tempting to cover redness or peeling with concealer or foundation, but makeup should be avoided until all skin flakes have naturally fallen awayโ€”usually within a week to 10 days. Allowing the skin to breathe during recovery helps maximize your results.

By following these aftercare steps, youโ€™ll support the peeling process and reveal the smooth, radiant skin underneath.

To learn even more about the aftercare and recovery process, visit our page on the chemical peel recovery processโ†—.


Possible Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and mild, including:

  • Redness or sensitivity
  • Flaking or dryness
  • Temporary lightening or darkening of treated areas
  • Mild stinging or burning

Rarely, blistering or scarring can occur, which is why treatments should always be performed by a licensed professional.


Who Is a Good Candidate?

VI Peels are safe for most skin types and tones. They are especially effective for people who want to:

  • Reduce pore size and congestion
  • Improve acne-prone or oily skin
  • Minimize fine lines and wrinkles
  • Brighten uneven or sun-damaged skin

The Benefits of VI Peels at a Glance

  • Clears clogged pores and reduces pore size
  • Smooths uneven skin texture
  • Softens fine lines and wrinkles
  • Brightens and evens skin tone
  • Improves acne and acne scarring
  • Stimulates collagen for firmer, healthier skin

For patients looking to pair pore-clearing benefits with wrinkle relaxing, the VI Peel + Tox Booster offers a powerful combination treatment.


Ready for Clearer, Smoother Skin?

If clogged pores, breakouts, or uneven texture have been holding you back, a VI Peel may be the solution. This treatment clears pores from the inside out and restores skin healthโ€”leaving your complexion refreshed, radiant, and renewed.

Schedule your VI Peel in Rockford, MI today and experience the difference professional skin rejuvenation can make.

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Author

  • Photo of Tammy Kirby, DNP

    Tammy Kirby, DNP, is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner and injection specialist at Direct Aesthetics with 19 years of experience in the medical field. With a strong foundation in emergency medicine, family practice, and aesthetic treatments, Tammy delivers safe, natural-looking results through personalized, medically guided care. She is dedicated to clinical excellence and helping patients feel confident in their skin.

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