

Living in Minnesota means your skin goes through the wringer. Between the bone-dry winters that leave us looking dull and the humid summers that bring on congestion and sun damage, it’s hard to keep a consistent glow.
If the words "chemical peel" make you think of Samantha Jones in Sex and the City (red, raw, and hiding under a veil), we have good news: technology has changed. The VI Peel is the modern answer to skin resurfacing. It offers the profound results of a traditional peel without the excruciating application or the unpredictable recovery. It is our favorite way to hit "reset" on skin that feels tired, textured, or uneven.

The VI Peel is a medium-depth, medical-grade chemical peel that lifts pigment, kills acne bacteria, and smooths texture with minimal discomfort.
Unlike old-school peels that relied on a single harsh ingredient, the VI Peel uses a synergistic blend of minerals, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, Retinoic Acid, Phenol, and TCA. This "magic blend" allows us to treat multiple issues at once while keeping the skin calm.
At A Glance | VI Peel Specs |
|---|---|
| Pain Level | Mild (Brief "spiciness" then numbness) |
| Social Downtime | 3–5 days of visible peeling |
| Frequency | Every 4–6 weeks or seasonally |
| Appointment Time | 30 minutes |
| Cost | $395.00 |
For years, people with medium-to-deep skin tones (Fitzpatrick Types IV-VI) were told to avoid chemical peels due to the risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring. The VI Peel changed the game.
It is explicitly formulated to be safe and effective for all skin tones. Whether you have fair porcelain skin or melanin-rich skin, you can safely undergo this peel to tackle hyperpigmentation and scarring without fear of causing new damage.

At Petal + Stem, we don't just slap a peel on you and hope for the best. During your consultation, we will choose the specific formula that matches your goals:

The number one question we get is: "When will I peel?" It is a predictable cycle, so you can plan your work week and social life around it.
Pro Tip: Do not book this treatment within 10 days of a major event like a wedding or family photoshoot. Give your skin the full week to do its thing.
We use the VI Peel to address the issues that topical serums just can't reach:
Here is exactly what happens in the chair:
We won't lie—the first pass feels "spicy" or hot. However, the formula contains Phenol, which acts as a numbing agent. After about 30 seconds, your skin numbs out, and the rest of the application is virtually painless.
You will leave our Woodbury office with the peel still on your face. It has a slight orange/bronze tint to it. You must leave this on for at least 4 hours before washing it off at home. Most patients just go home and relax for the evening.
We don't send you home to figure it out alone. Your treatment includes a comprehensive Post-Peel Kit containing a special cleanser, nourishing moisturizer, SPF, and prescriptive towelettes to use over the next few days.
There is even a VI Peel App you can download. It tells you exactly when to wash your face and when to use your towelettes. It makes the aftercare completely "idiot-proof."
The Golden Rule:Do not pull, pick, or force the skin to peel. Let it shed naturally. Picking can lead to scarring. If you have hanging skin, you can gently trim it with clean nail scissors, but never pull.


We believe in keeping things simple. At Petal + Stem, all VI Peels are priced at a flat rate of $395.
Whether you need the acne-fighting power of the Purify blend or the pigment-correcting strength of Precision Plus, the investment is the same. We choose the formula based on what your skin needs, not what costs the most.
Think of it this way: one VI Peel can often achieve what six months of expensive over-the-counter retinol creams fail to do. It is a high-efficiency treatment for patients who want visible results, fast.
Chemical peels are safe, but they require a knowledgeable provider. We assess your skin barrier health before we apply the acid. If your skin is dehydrated or compromised, we recommend a facial first.
We are with you through the "ugly phase." If you wake up on Day 3 and feel unsure about how your skin looks, we are just a phone call away. We combine the clinical precision of a medical office with the warmth of a supportive friend, ensuring you feel safe from the first swipe to the final reveal.
Let’s reveal the fresh, glowing skin waiting underneath. Book your VI Peel online or call us at (612) 615-STEM to get started.
We recommend waiting until the heavy peeling phase is over (usually Day 5 or 6). Putting makeup over flaking skin looks textured and messy, and we want to keep the new skin clean.
You need to avoid heavy sweating for 72 hours (3 days). Sweat can get trapped under the peeling skin and cause blisters or irritation. Take a few rest days—you deserve it.
Technically yes, provided you are diligent with SPF. However, because Minnesota summers involve lakes, cabins, and incidental sun exposure, we often recommend saving major peels for fall and winter. If you do it in summer, you must wear a hat and stay out of direct sun.
It is surprisingly comfortable. You will feel heat for less than a minute during the first layer application, and then the skin numbs. It is much more comfortable than older generations of peels.