What It Is
Texture, tone, enlarged pores, dullness, sun damage, and pigmentation are among the most common reasons patients seek professional skin care. Over-the-counter products can help with surface-level maintenance, but when concerns persist or are rooted in deeper layers, in-office treatments deliver results that topicals cannot do alone.
Charlotte Medical Aesthetics offers a targeted suite of medical-grade skin health treatments, including chemical peels, microneedling, laser and light-based treatments, and customized facials. These treatments are selected and supervised under the medical direction of Dr. Lindsay Crenshaw and are often combined in a multi-step protocol tailored to your skin.
The right treatment depends on what is driving the concern. Surface texture, melanin-based pigmentation, sun damage, and early signs of aging each respond to different approaches. Your provider will evaluate your skin and build a plan that addresses the root issue, not just the symptoms.
Brands and Products
Vi Peel
A medical-grade, medium-depth chemical peel with four targeted formulations: Original (anti-aging and texture), Advanced (deeper lines and collagen stimulation), Precision Plus (hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun damage), and Purify (oily and congested skin). Vi Peel is safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI), including darker tones that many peels exclude. It is also the only chemical peel approved for use on the delicate under-eye and eyelid area. Application takes 20-45 minutes, with peeling that starts around day 3 (about 2-3 days of visible peeling) and full results visible at 4-6 weeks.
Microneedling (SkinPen)
SkinPen, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, uses pinpoint needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the dermis that stimulate collagen, improving texture, pores, and fine lines. It works without heat or chemicals, making it one of the safest options for all skin types and tones.
Light- and Heat-Based Treatments (Nordlys, Motus AZ+, and CO2)
Our Candela Nordlys platform treats brown spots, pigmentation, and redness with IPL, and addresses melasma with its fractional (Frax) laser energy. The Nordlys also offers non-ablative fractional resurfacing with even less downtime than CO2. The Motus AZ+ laser treats brown and red pigment and broken capillaries, and is comfortable across a range of skin tones. The CO2 laser (DEKA Tetra Pro, known by its CoolPeel setting) resurfaces texture, fine lines, and sun damage. Light-based and heat-based treatments can be effective in helping with discoloration and texture.
Customized Facials
Medical-grade facials tailored to your skin type and goals, used on their own for maintenance or to complement peels, microneedling, and laser treatments.
Who It's For
These treatments are suited for patients who want to improve uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, dull complexion, sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines. They are effective across all skin types, with Vi Peel being one of the few medical-grade peels validated for darker skin tones.
Skin health treatments are a strong fit whether you are addressing a specific concern or simply want healthier, more radiant skin over time. Your provider will match you to the right combination of peels, microneedling, lasers, and facials based on your skin and goals.
As part of your plan, we will guide your at-home skincare regimen and offer medical-grade products to support and extend your in-office results.
Patients with active cold sores, open wounds, or certain skin conditions in the treatment area should discuss timing with their provider. If you are currently using prescription retinoids, your provider may recommend a brief pause before treatment. Because some oral antibiotics increase the skin's sensitivity to light, we may ask you to stop certain antibiotics before light-based treatments.
What to Expect
Before Your Treatment
Your provider will assess your skin type, current skincare routine, and specific concerns. Based on this evaluation, they will recommend a Vi Peel, microneedling, a laser or IPL treatment, a facial, or a combination protocol. If a Vi Peel is planned, you may be asked to discontinue retinoids or exfoliating products for several days prior. For laser and IPL, avoid recent sun exposure and active tans. Because some oral antibiotics increase the skin's sensitivity to light, we will have you stop certain antibiotics before light-based treatments.
During Your Treatment
Comfort varies by treatment, but most involve minimal discomfort, with numbing used where needed to make an otherwise uncomfortable procedure more tolerable. For microneedling, we numb the skin for 20-30 minutes before treatment. Lasers can sometimes be uncomfortable, and your provider manages comfort throughout. A Vi Peel involves a mild tingling or warming sensation.
After Your Treatment
After a Vi Peel, peeling begins around day 3 and lasts 2-3 days, with total downtime of about 5-7 days. After microneedling, laser, and IPL treatments, your skin may be red for a couple of days, and pigment can appear more obvious until it resolves after about a week. Many of these treatments also deliver visible improvement right away. After a Vi Peel, for example, you have fresh, renewed skin once the peeling finishes at about a week, while the deeper collagen stimulation keeps building over the following weeks. Avoid direct sun exposure and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your provider. Full results build over 4-6 weeks, and a series of treatments is often recommended for texture and pigment.
Treatment Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Vi Peel and Microneedling?
A Vi Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel that improves tone, texture, and pigment at the surface and just below, with about 5-7 days of total downtime. Microneedling damages the dermis using pinpoint needles to stimulate collagen, which improves texture, pores, and fine lines. They serve different purposes and are often combined in a multi-treatment protocol for comprehensive results.
Is Vi Peel Safe for Dark Skin Tones?
Yes. Vi Peel is one of the few medical-grade chemical peels validated as safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types, including types V and VI. Its formulation is designed to deliver medium-depth results without the hyperpigmentation risk that many peels carry for darker complexions. The Precision Plus variant is specifically formulated for pigmentation concerns including melasma.
Can These Treatments Help With Melasma?
Melasma is managed carefully and in layers. We typically pre-treat the skin with targeted medical-grade skincare before using any energy-based device, which improves results and safety. The Vi Peel Precision Plus formulation and the Nordlys Frax 1940 laser can both help reduce excess pigment. We avoid IPL for melasma, because the heat and light it delivers can sometimes make melasma worse. Because melasma is a chronic, complex condition, daily sun protection and ongoing skincare are essential for long-term control. A Vi Peel involves about 5 to 7 days of total downtime.
How Long Does the Peeling Last After a Vi Peel?
Active peeling typically begins around day 3 and lasts about 2-3 days, with total downtime of roughly 5-7 days. The degree of visible peeling varies by individual. Some patients experience light flaking while others have more noticeable shedding. Full results are visible at 4-6 weeks as new skin matures and collagen remodeling continues beneath the surface.
Is There Any Downtime With Microneedling?
Microneedling usually involves 2-3 days of redness, similar to a mild sunburn. A Vi Peel involves about 5-7 days of total downtime, with 2-3 days of active peeling. Your provider will let you know what to expect based on your specific treatment plan.
How Often Should I Get These Treatments?
For Vi Peel, a series of 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart produces optimal results, with periodic maintenance after that. Microneedling is most effective as a series of 3-6 sessions about 4 weeks apart. A series of light-based treatments, or a combination of several treatments, is also typically recommended depending on your concern. Your provider will build a schedule based on your goals and how your skin responds.
Can I Combine Skin Health Treatments With Other Services?
Yes. Vi Peel pairs well with microneedling (SkinPen) and laser treatments for patients seeking comprehensive skin rejuvenation. Your provider will recommend the right combination and spacing for your treatment plan.