Melasma Treatment & VI Peel in Apple Valley, MN

Aesthetic Beauty Lab offers melasma treatment in Apple Valley, MN at 15875 Emperor Ave Suite 120. We treat melasma with the VI Peel Precision Plus formula alongside a maintenance and sun-protection plan. We are accessible to clients from Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville, Rosemount, Bloomington, and the greater Twin Cities. Call 952-256-2223 to book a melasma consultation.

VI Aesthetics now offers two pigment formulas: Precision Plus, which uses hydroquinone and kojic acid, and the newer Precision + Peptides, which is hydroquinone-free and built on hexylresorcinol with Smart Peptide Technology. Both are used for melasma. Which one suits you depends on your skin, your history with hydroquinone, and whether you have treated melasma before. Either way, melasma responds best to a series spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart combined with daily broad-spectrum sun protection, and we may recommend starting conservatively.

No. Melasma is chronic, driven by sun exposure and hormones, and cannot be permanently cured. The realistic goal is to fade existing pigment and keep it from returning through maintenance and daily SPF. Results vary considerably between individuals, and melasma commonly recurs after sun exposure, pregnancy, or hormonal changes.

It can, which is why melasma is treated cautiously. Any inflammation of the skin can trigger more pigment production, so a peel that is too aggressive, or sun exposure during healing, can cause melasma to rebound or darken. That risk is higher in deeper skin tones. We start conservatively, space treatments appropriately, and require strict sun protection during and after your series. If your melasma is severe or has rebounded before, we may recommend seeing a dermatologist for physician-directed treatment instead of, or alongside, peels.

The VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel from VI Aesthetics, formerly the Vitality Institute, applied in layers as a blend of TCA, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and vitamin C. You will feel tingling during application, and the skin frosts as the peel takes effect. The solution is left on and washed off at home per your provider's instruction. Day 1 is typically mild redness, days 2 to 3 deepen, active peeling runs roughly days 3 to 7, and fresh skin emerges after that.

Yes, and it is worth planning around. You can go about your normal routine, but the skin visibly flakes and peels for about 5 to 7 days, and how noticeable that is varies by person. Most clients schedule a peel with at least a week before any event or photos. It is not a lunchtime treatment.

Original suits first-time peel clients and mild signs of aging. Precision targets moderate fine lines and texture. Precision Plus is the long-standing pigmentation formula and uses hydroquinone. Precision + Peptides is the newer hydroquinone-free pigmentation formula, built on hexylresorcinol and Smart Peptide Technology. Purify treats active acne. Purify with Precision + Peptides handles active acne together with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne scarring. Your provider recommends the formula at consultation.

The VI Peel is formulated for use across Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI, and it is a common choice for pigmentation in deeper skin. It is not risk-free: any chemical peel carries a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, meaning temporary darkening, and that risk is higher in Fitzpatrick IV through VI. We manage it by starting conservatively, keeping intervals appropriate, and insisting on daily sun protection. We will tell you honestly if we think a gentler approach fits your skin better.

Most people are, but we cannot treat you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have used isotretinoin within the past 6 months, have an active cold sore or skin infection in the treatment area, have a known allergy to aspirin, salicylates, or any peel ingredient, or have recent sun exposure or sunburn. Tell us about any history of cold sores, since a peel can trigger an outbreak and antiviral medication may be recommended beforehand. Every client is assessed at consultation.

A single VI Peel is $350, including the VI Derm aftercare kit. A series of three is $900, which is $150 less than booking three separately. Melasma and stubborn pigmentation generally need the series rather than a single peel.

Most clients describe mild tingling or warmth for a few minutes during application. Active peeling on days 3 to 7 can feel tight and itchy rather than painful. You go home with the VI Derm aftercare kit to keep the skin comfortable. Tell your provider if the sensation becomes sharp or burning during application.

Do not pick, pull, or scrub peeling skin. That is the most common cause of scarring and post-inflammatory pigment. Keep skin moisturized with the aftercare kit, apply broad-spectrum SPF every day, and avoid direct sun, saunas, hot yoga, heavy sweating, and any other exfoliant until peeling has finished. Resume retinoids only when your provider clears you.