Medically reviewed by Dr. Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Last reviewed October 18, 2026.
As the days grow shorter, many of our patients in Reston and Chevy Chase notice what summer left behind: a few new sun spots, a shadow of melasma along the cheeks, skin that feels a little dull. Autumn is the loveliest time to address it, and at The Naderi Center the treatment we turn to most often is the VI Precision Plus Peel.
Here is your guide to the VI Precision Plus Peel: what it treats, how to prepare, what the week after looks like, and how to time it before the holidays. If you’re considering a VI Peel in Reston and Chevy Chase, this is the same guidance our team shares with patients every fall.
The short answer: the VI Precision Plus Peel is a medical-grade peel that brightens sun spots, softens stubborn pigment such as melasma and refines texture, with about a week of healing.
What is the VI Precision Plus Peel?
The VI Precision Plus Peel is the stronger member of the VI Peel family, about 25 percent more concentrated than the original formula. Its carefully balanced blend, which includes salicylic acid, tretinoin and vitamin C, encourages the outer layer of skin to renew itself while supporting fresh collagen beneath it. The result is a brighter, more even complexion with a soft, healthy glow.
“The VI Precision Plus Peel is the peel I trust most for pigment,” says Dr. Shervin Naderi, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. “It is strong enough to make a real difference, yet gentle enough that the healing fits comfortably into a single week.”
Why is fall the best season for a VI Peel?
Fresh skin is delicate in the weeks after a peel, and sunlight is the one thing most likely to undo a beautiful result. From October through February the sun sits lower and the days are shorter, which makes protecting new skin far easier. Skin that arrives tanned or sunburned does not heal as well, so we may gently suggest postponing a treatment until it has calmed.
Winter routines help, too. A walk to the Metro in Arlington or a Saturday morning at the market in Alexandria brings far less sun to the face in December than it does in July, and a scarf and a wide-brimmed hat do some of the protecting for you.
Who is a good candidate for the VI Precision Plus Peel?
The VI Precision Plus Peel suits a wide range of patients, including those with sun spots, age spots, melasma, uneven tone, dullness, rough texture and early fine lines. The VI Peel is designed for all skin types and colors, and it is one of the few peels gentle enough for the delicate skin beneath the eyes.
For medium and deeper skin tones, we take a little extra care. Your provider will assess your skin at the consultation and may recommend a pre-treatment regimen for two to four weeks beforehand to help the skin respond evenly. This thoughtful preparation is part of why the peel works so well across so many skin types.
How should I prepare for my peel?
A little preparation helps your skin respond beautifully. For at least a week beforehand, set aside products with retinoids, AHAs or BHAs, wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day, and let your provider know about any medications or supplements you take. On the day itself, we ask you to arrive freshly showered, without makeup, moisturizer or sunscreen, so the peel can work evenly.
What happens during the treatment?
The visit itself is calm and brief, about thirty minutes. After your skin is gently cleansed, the peel is applied in layers to build its effect evenly across the face. Once it dries, you are free to go about your day, and you’ll leave with clear instructions for when to wash the peel away at home a few hours later.
“The peel takes only minutes to apply,” Dr. Naderi says. “What makes the result is the planning beforehand and the care afterward, and that is where we guide each patient personally.”
What does the week after a VI Peel look like?
For the first couple of days your skin may look pink and feel tight, much like a mild sunburn. Around the middle of the week, gentle peeling begins and continues for several days as older surface cells give way to fresh skin beneath.
Let the skin shed at its own pace, and keep it well moisturized with the aftercare your provider recommends. By the end of the week the peeling is complete, and your new skin feels noticeably smoother and looks brighter.
When should I book a VI Peel before the holidays?
We suggest planning your peel about ten days before an important occasion, so the peeling is complete and your skin has a few days to settle. For Thanksgiving on November 26, that means a peel by November 16; for Christmas, by December 15; and for New Year’s Eve, by December 21.
Can the VI Precision Plus Peel help melasma, sun spots and acne marks?
Yes, and pigment is where this peel truly shines. Sun spots and age spots often soften noticeably, and melasma, which tends to be more stubborn, responds beautifully as well. For patients whose concerns include breakouts or the marks they leave behind, we offer VI Precision Purify, a version of the peel designed for acne and acne-related pigmentation.
“Pigment rewards patience,” Dr. Naderi says. “Melasma is something we care for over time, and we plan each step with the patient so the skin stays calm and even.”
How many VI Peels will I need?
Many patients see a lovely improvement after a single peel, and for some, one is all they need. When pigment is deeper or more widespread, a series brings the fullest result. For deeper wrinkles or acne scars, your provider may suggest laser resurfacing as a better match.
VI Peel before and after photos
Real patients of The Naderi Center. Individual results vary. Explore more results in our chemical peel gallery.
Who performs VI Peels at The Naderi Center?
Your VI Peel is performed by one of our physicians or by our licensed aesthetician, within the physician-led care that defines The Naderi Center. At your consultation, your provider, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass, will recommend the peel and home routine best suited to your skin.
“Beautiful skin is the foundation of every result we create,” says Dr. Naderi. Whether a patient comes to us for a facelift or simply for a brighter complexion, caring for the skin itself is always part of the plan.
Where can I get a VI Peel near McLean, Bethesda or Washington DC?
The Naderi Center welcomes patients from Washington DC and the surrounding suburbs at two offices. Our Reston office is at 1850 Town Center Parkway, Pavillion II, Suite 551, Reston, VA 20190, (703) 481-0002. Our Chevy Chase office is at 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 1655, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, (301) 222-2020.
Patients from Reston, Vienna, Great Falls and McLean often find our Reston office the more convenient choice, while those in Bethesda, Potomac and Northwest DC tend to prefer Chevy Chase, just across the District line. From Arlington and Alexandria, either office is an easy visit.
How do I keep my VI Peel results?
Daily sunscreen remains the most important part of your aftercare, in January as much as in July. A medical-grade home routine, such as ZO Skin Health or SkinBetter Science, helps preserve your brighter skin, and your provider will recommend the products best suited to you.
“The peel opens the door, and your daily routine keeps it open,” Dr. Naderi says. “The care you give your skin each morning is what allows a beautiful result to last.”
If you would like brighter, more even skin for the season ahead, we would be delighted to help you plan. Book your VI Peel consultation at our Reston or Chevy Chase office, and we will choose the right peel for your skin together.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the VI Precision Plus Peel cost?
The VI Precision peel is $475, and VI Precision Purify, for acne and acne marks, is also $475. Our complete menu of services lists every treatment.
Does a VI Peel hurt?
The VI Peel is painless for most patients.
Can I wear makeup after my peel?
Yes, for the first few days. Once peeling begins, it is best to set makeup aside until your skin has finished shedding.
Are there any risks?
The VI Peel is a very safe treatment. Some patients notice tenderness or mild swelling for a few days, and rarely, lighter or darker areas appear and fade within a few weeks.
Can I have a VI Peel while pregnant?
We recommend waiting. If you are pregnant, have an active cold sore or infection, or are taking Accutane, your provider will happily plan your peel for a later date.