I have been getting this peel since 2000 and to date, as of the spring of 2009, have had at least fifteen of these in the last nine years. My original reason for getting this procedure done was because I had some very dark melasma or hyperpigmentation (that unsightly brown discoloration that can disfigure your face) that I wanted to rid myself of. I know that this review is for the "peel kit" which I did not purchase, instead I get this very same peel administered by my trusty esthetician at the plastic surgery center I go to. This peel is not a super invasion one, unlike the Obagi Blue Peel which touches the dermis (skin's second layer) or the TCA variety which do penetrate the epidermis or skin's first layer. The Vitalize Peel only removes the outermost layers of the epidermis, therefore it is far less invasive and requires less down time than the other two peels mentioned.

The SM Vitalize Peel was originally formulated to target hyperpigmented skin, that brown stuff on your face caused by a combo of sun exposure and estrogens. Most literature enclosed in the birth control patch (which caused my hyperpigmentation) or birth control pills, warn women of this possible side effect which affects only about 2% of users of hormones or oral or subcutaneous birth control methods. I guess I was the unlucky 2% and I jumped at the chance to get rid of this brown discoloration on my fair complexion to achieve a more even skin tone. I did not want to risk the potentially damaging effects of a TCA or Obagi peel, but I wanted something to remove the brown spots on my forehead and under my eyes, as well as a quick fix anti-aging treatment which this peel also addresses. In fact, if you have fine lines like I did at 30 when I first began getting these peels, the Vitalize Peel can be helpful for that as well. If you are considering this peel for very deep wrinkles or severe melasma, you might forgo this one in favor of the more invasive TCA peels I mentioned before.

The Procedure:

The Vitalize Peel is a resorcinol and Retin-A based peel, with some AHA and BHA properties as well. You start with a completely cleansed, makeup-free face and in my opinion, it is better to get this peel PROFESSIONALLY administered by an experienced esthetician or dermatologist, as with any acid based product, you don't know how it will affect your face. You can really do a lot of damage if you don't know what you're doing, with an at-home peel. I pay about $125 per peel and it is well worth the peace of mind, knowing that someone who has been administering these peels for many years, will ensure better results and eliminate adverse effects. The peel solution is applied and depending on the amount of damage you have, you can request two or more layers of the peel liquid for "deeper" problems. I usually go with two to three layers for my hyperpigmentation which is sufficient to produce the amazing results I get with this. Usually, the peel will start to sting the skin, after a few  minutes and the person performing the procedure should give you a small fan to hold on your face to minimize initial discomfort.

After the twenty minutes are up, your skin will start to "frost" or turn red which means that the procedure is kicking in. Remember that in order to achieve excellent results, you MUST peel so that all the dead icky skin can come off and reveal newer, fresher skin underneath. The final step in the process is the application of the retinol solution which will turn your skin very yellowish/brown, making you look like you spent two weeks in Acapulco! Don't let this alarm you, you will wash off the solution in about four hours and begin the pre-treatment process. It usually takes about two-three days to start peeling and you can expect the peeling to last about five days. So, that said, within one week after the procedure, you will begin to look "normal" again and the redness and peeling will be gone.

While you are peeling, it is important to use only unscented products like Cetaphil or Purpose to wash the skin. You can help minimize the redness caused by the peeling with hydrocortisone cream. IF you must go out, you must be vigilant in using a good UVA and UVB sunscreen with at least an spf of 30. Know that sun exposure during the peeling process is really forbidden, as it can actually worsen the original condition. You can begin wearing makeup two days after the skin begins the peeling process, but try not to wear it at all if possible. Patients should not try to hasten the peeling by pulling at the dead skin, this could only serve to damage the sensitive, new skin emerging, so that's a no no.

Also, while the peeling process is occuring and for a week after, DO NOT use any Retin-A or retinol, AHA/BHA products, as they will cause burning and harm the new skin. Skin Medica, the company that makes this peel, offers a whole line of skin care products to be used in conjunction with their Vitalize Peel. I have personally found the products to have a high degree of "natural ingredient" perfumes and therefore, I don't personally recommend putting these creams on your face. The last thing skin  needs in this vulnerable peel state is more perfumes. Like I said, I recommend using unscented products like Cetaphil and Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash to cleanse and then Cetaphil Cream or Lotion to keep the skin smooth and supple. Using any good unscented product during peeling will help the skin recover and minimize swelling and further damage to the new skin. During peeling treatment is VERY IMPORTANT and the results will be enhanced with the proper facial care and after care. It is also a good idea to drink lots of water during the peeling process, and to keep sweating and vigorous activities like exercise to a minimum; the salts from the sweating will only irritate the skin further.

I have not really experienced much discomfort with this product, as it is a very superficial peel. However, as with any shedding of the epidermis which reveals fresh, new skin, you may experience some stinging or burning at the three day after procedure mark. Staying inside is also a good idea, as further sun exposure as I mentioned before is NOT RECOMMENDED at all; it can worsen melasma and hyperpigmentation as well as cause the skin to be damaged.

The Vitalize Peel may require a series of peels (at least three), depending on the problem you are trying to target as well as severity of the wrinkles or discoloration. Usually, sun damage is more superficial than melasma which hibernates deep in the dermal layer of skin, as do deep wrinkles. This is why the Vitalize Peel is not recommended for super deep lines and wrinkles, but it does significantly, with multiple procedures, return the skin back to a more even tone and better smoothness and imparts a healthy glow. Now that my skin is near perfect, dare I say it, I only get this peel done one to two times a year for maintenance. Using a good Retin-A product BEFORE the procedure helps the skin shed itself and will enhance the results of the Vitalize Peel. My skin continues to be dark melasma free and the benefits of this product far outweigh its drawbacks. I'd say the biggest drawbacks are burning during the procedure, as well as some burning after the skin begins to peel in sheets, and a week's downtime. Other than that, I have not had any adverse side effects with this at all. It is like getting new skin every time I get this done and you should see some improvement after the first peel. However, like I said before, it may take two or more peels to begin to see appreciable results, depending on the level of damage you are trying to rid yourself of.

Vitalize Peel leaves the skin looking and feeling super fresh and smooth, with a renewed vitality, while ridding the epidermis of all the acne, debris, and gunk that can accumulate under the skin's surface. This product would benefit just about any age, young or old and especially those plagued by pesky and stubborn hyperpigmentation or fine lines that one might want to lessen. I really think that this product is well worth the price and it gives more natual and beautiful results than getting multiple face lifts or botox. I love my skin's radiance and smoothness and I plan to keep getting carded, lol, as I enter my mid-forties, yes really! Awesome and very effective product that will yield wonderful youth infusing results IF you wear sunscreen religiously before and after peeling, and take proper skin of the skin as aforementioned in this review. It's a good choice too, if you want minimal down time, I would recommend getting this done on a Wednesday, so that you can be at home and complete most of the peeling by Monday. Remember, the actual peeling won't begin UNTIL two to three days AFTER THE PROCEDURE, so you shouldn't be off work for too long with this. Wonderul product, one that I swear by and plan to continue with!

Recommended: Yes