VI Peel vs Microneedling: Which Skin Treatment Is Right for You?

Acne scars, uneven skin tone, or dullness, chances are you’ve heard about VI Peel and microneedling as solutions. Both treatments can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels, but they aren’t the same. 

Understanding the difference is key if you want real results without wasting time or money. At Express Med Spa, we guide clients through this choice all the time and help match the treatment to their skin’s unique needs.

Difference Between VI Peel vs Microneedling

Both VI Peel and microneedling are nonsurgical, collagen stimulating treatments but they work in opposite ways. This is a classic case of microneedling vs chemical peels, and knowing the difference helps in choosing between microneedling or a chemical peel.

• VI Peel: A blend of medical grade acids and vitamins that exfoliate the top layer of your skin.
• Microneedling: A device with tiny needles that creates microchannels to trigger collagen production deep within the skin.

What Is a VI Peel?

A VI Peel treatment is a medical grade chemical peel treatment that gently lifts away the top layer of damaged skin to reveal smoother, brighter, and clearer skin underneath. It combines:

• TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) – for deep exfoliation
• Retinoic Acid – to speed up skin cell turnover
• Vitamin C – for brightening
• Salicylic Acid – to clear clogged pores
• Phenol – to reduce discomfort and calm the skin

Even though it’s strong, it’s surprisingly gentle and safe for sensitive skin and all skin tones. Chemical peels can also help with treating acne, reduce the appearance of scars, and address signs of aging like the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

A chemical solution is applied to exfoliate and promote renewal. Different types of chemical peel treatments like superficial chemical peels or deep chemical peels offer varying levels of results depending on your needs.

Who Should Get a VI Peel?

A VI Peel is a great option if you’re dealing with:

• Acne or frequent breakouts
• Reduce the appearance of acne scars
• Dark spots or hyperpigmentation
• Sun damage and age spots
• Uneven skin tone
• Early signs of aging

It’s especially popular among people who want clearer, brighter skin without needles or downtime that keeps you stuck indoors. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a VI Peel.

The VI Peel is a client favorite for treating stubborn skin conditions like acne and pigmentation. It’s effective without being too harsh, and the results come fast especially when done in a series.

Benefits of VI Peel

• Clears active breakouts and reduces oil
• Fades acne marks and melasma
• Brightens overall complexion
• Smooths rough skin texture
• Kickstarts collagen production
• Works well with darker skin tones

Expect light tingling during the application, then visible peeling about 2–3 days later. By day 7, your new layer of skin will look noticeably smoother and more even.

How to Prepare for a VI Peel

To protect your skin and avoid side effects:

• Stop using retinol, AHAs, and exfoliants 3–5 days before your peel treatment
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds
• Tell your provider if you’re taking acne meds or have a history of cold sores
• Don’t exfoliate, shave, or wax a few days before your treatment
• Stick to a hydrating and gentle skin care routine after

Use a barrier repair moisturizer and SPF during the peeling phase. Your skin will be more sensitive and needs extra care.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses a penlike microneedling device that rapidly punctures the skin with tiny sterile needles. At Express Med Spa, we use the advanced Cytopen system, an FDA cleared nanotip microneedling device that offers precise, controlled treatment with less discomfort and faster healing.

These controlled microinjuries trick your skin into healing itself, producing more collagen and elastin in the process. This process microneedling induces is ideal for rebuilding deeper layers of the skin.

It doesn’t just treat the surface, it goes deeper, working from the inside out. In fact, microneedling reaches deeper than peels, helping target scars and deeper peels.

Who Should Get Microneedling?

Microneedling is ideal for clients with:

• Fine lines and early wrinkles
• Acne scars and large pores
• Stretch marks
• Rough or uneven texture
• Loss of firmness
• Surgical or injury-related scars

It’s best for someone ready to invest in long-term results and open to doing a few microneedling sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Microneedling can be used for many skin goals and microneedling allows deep product absorption.

Microneedling is an excellent option for rebuilding collagen. Over time, skin becomes noticeably firmer and smoother, especially for those with scarring or aging concerns.

Benefits of Microneedling

• Softens fine lines and crow’s feet
• Shrinks pores
• Fades deep acne scars
• Firms and tightens sagging skin
• Improves skin’s texture and tone
• Boosts absorption of skin care products

While you’ll feel a bit of sunburnlike redness for a day or two, most people return to normal life the next day. Microneedling doesn’t require major downtime.

How to Prepare for Microneedling

To avoid irritation or poor results:

• Skip makeup, exfoliants, and active serums the day of
• Don’t use retinol or acids for 3–5 days before
• Stay hydrated and out of the sun
• Let your provider know about any skin conditions, medications, or recent procedures
• After treatment, use gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, and sunscreen

Skip intense workouts for 24 hours after microneedling. Sweat can irritate freshly treated skin. Keep it calm, cool, and moisturized.

Can I Combine Microneedling and VI Peel?

Yes and many clients at Express Med Spa do! These two treatments target different layers of the skin, so alternating them can tackle more concerns at once.

Microneedling penetrates deeper to improve scars and texture.

VI Peel clears pigment and refines the skin surface with a chemical solution.

We often build combination plans using chemical peels and microneedling to help improve multiple concerns over time.

Why Combine Them?

Here’s why combining them can work better than choosing one:

• Tackle both surface issues (like pigment and breakouts) and deeper ones (like texture and scarring)
• Space them out for continuous results over months
• Layer treatments for a “reset” + longterm improvement

Combining VI Peel with microneedling is common for acne prone or aging skin.

Example combo plan at Express Med Spa:

• Week 1: Microneedling
• Week 4: VI Peel
• Repeat every 4–6 weeks for 3–6 sessions

How Often Should I Get These Treatments?

It depends on your goals, but here’s a general rule:

• Microneedling treatments: Every 4–6 weeks, in a series of 3–6 treatments
• VI Peel: Every 4–6 weeks, often in a 3peel series

Most clients alternate chemical peels and microneedling monthly for 3–6 months, then come in for maintenance.

Can I Get Both on the Same Day?

Typically, no. Your skin needs time to heal between these treatments. Doing both on the same day could be too harsh.

In some cases, an expert might layer a mild superficial chemical peel after microneedling but this is only done with a gentle formulation and under professional supervision.

Bottom line: Let your skin breathe.

Is Microneedling Good for Your Face?

Yes and it’s one of the most effective treatments for texture, firmness, and scars without surgery or lasers. When done professionally, microneedling uses controlled injury to trigger collagen and rejuvenate the skin.

It’s safe, versatile, and works well for most skin types. It’s ideal when you’re deciding between a microneedling or chemical peel and want longer-lasting results.

Consistency is key. Microneedling builds results over time. If you’re patient and follow your plan, the transformation can be dramatic especially for the appearance of acne scars and wrinkles.

Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick way to decide:

Choose VI Peel if you:

• Have acne, skin discoloration, or dullness
• Want quick results
• Prefer a topical, no-device treatment
• Need a skin treatment safe for all skin tones

Choose Microneedling if you:

• Have acne scars, texture, or fine lines and wrinkles
• Want longterm collagen building
• Can commit to multiple sessions
• Want to improve skin firmness and tightness

Still unsure? Let the licensed professionals at Express Med Spa guide you. We’ll customize a plan that works with your skin, lifestyle, and goals whether that means one treatment, both, or a full skin transformation strategy.

Radiant Skin Is Just One Consultation Away

When comparing microneedling vs chemical peels, there’s no wrong choice, only the treatment that is right for you.

Both are powerful treatments to rejuvenate the skin. Whether you need superficial chemical peels, medium chemical peels, or a full series of microneedling procedures, Express Med Spa La Grange can help you choose what’s best.

Ready to find your glow? Book your consultation at Express Med Spa today and let’s create your personal skin success story together.