The Beginner’s Guide to At-Home Facial Peels

Chemical peels can do wonders for your skin—but first, here are a few things to know.

First and Foremost: Understanding At-Home Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a high-strength skin exfoliant with a strong pH acidity level that generally sits around 2.0. This trendy skincare category gained its place as a skincare staple by helping address skin problems like acne, pigmentation, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles. Though chemical peels have a lot of beneficial results, there can also be side affects—remember, this is some powerful stuff! So, to help you find a suitable product for your skin type and your specific results, here are some things to note when shopping for a chemical peel, according to real life experiences.


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How To Use a Chemical Peel at Home

It’s no surprise that an at-home chemical peel can have some side effects, especially because they are products inspired by chemical peels done by licensed dermatologists. Here’s what you should know:

· Avoid using tretinoin-based products a week before peeling, such as Retin-A or Differin. These products might impact the outcome of your peel due to their highly stimulating qualities.

· A patch test is essential! Apply a dab of the chemical peel product on your skin and leave it on for more than a minute before washing it off. Check the patch after 24 hours to make sure your skin isn’t allergic to the product.

· Clean your face before applying a chemical peel.

· Apply your peel using a cotton ball and start with your forehead or chin.

· Avoid leaving peel product on your face for more than a minute, so as to prevent possible burns.

Chemical Peels IRL

Now that you’ve read about how to do a chemical peel at home, read on to see how others rate their own experiences, and the products that helped them achieve their skin coals.

  1. Dr.Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Peel


    Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Peel can help erase acne and blemishes in just two steps without waiting for recovery. Ideal for more experienced chemical peelers and their tougher skin.
    user @lovelifebeauty.blog

    The 3 times I used it, I was able to see a difference. Step one has a strong alcohol scent to it and it stung a little bit (not in a bad way). While with Step 2 I didn’t smell anything at all and it actually felt like it was calming my first treatment. At the end of it, my skin was red, but that’s to be expected. The 3 times I used this Daily Peel my skin felt like it was a little bit more balanced. As for my skin texture, it definitely felt smoother, my pores looked smaller and I can slightly tell that my after acne scars/hyperpigmentation had lightened.

    user @KelseyBoffy


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    It truly just feels like a makeup wipe, but with a slight tingle.I have very large pores, and textured skin. The next morning after I first used this, I swear my pores looked smaller and my skin felt smoother. I had a beautiful glow that I have achieved every time I have used these pads ever since!

  2. Drunk Elephant TLC. Sukari Babyfacial™ 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask

    Sale Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial. AHA/BHA Face Mask for Great Skin Clarity, Texture and Tone for a Youthful Radiance (1.69 Fl Oz) Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial. AHA/BHA Face Mask for Great Skin... @ Amazon

    Babyfacial was created with all skin in mind. Glycolic acids get a bad rap for being sensitizing, but we believe that it’s the pH level and accompanying ingredients (think fragrant oils or high amounts of alcohol) that can be the real problem. This face mask has a blend of acids that work together synergistically to ensure higher efficacy without the redness and sensitization.

    This cult-favorite peel was created to prevent signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Its potent formula helps bring out outstanding peel results in what seems like an instant—just beware of your frequency of use, allow your skin to take ample rest time before the next treatment.

    user @christieblogs

    I have been using this product for a little over 2 months now, I use it once week it contains heavy dose 25% AHA, 2% BHA Its one of strongest resurface mask but so gentle on the skin and my skin looks amazing! It helps clean out my pores and smoothes texture gets rid of dead skin cells! It’s also helped with my scars, dark spots and acne. This is Holy grail!! With just one use my skin feels baby soft, new and fresh my Complexion is glowing! I follow up with oil and moisturizer by drunkelephant.

  3. Remove rough skin – The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

    Sale The Ordinary Peeling Solution And Hyaluronic Face Serum! AHA 30% + BHA 2%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5! Help Fight Visible Blemishes And Improve The Look Of Skin Texture & Radiance! The Ordinary Peeling Solution And Hyaluronic Face Serum! AHA 30% + BHA 2%,... @ Amazon Amazon Prime

    AHA’s are used to exfoliate the top surface of the skin, helping deliver brighter and more even-toned skin, while a little addition of BHA’s can unclog pores. As a blend of two high-concentration acids, we suggest you be cautious about this one—definitely do a skin test beforehand!user @del

    I have had this baby for 6 months now and love it. I have noticed visible improvements with my pores, and especially any left over hyperpigmentation. Because this product is such a strong chemical exfoliant you really have to work up to it and be extremely careful when using. I found that my skin is sooo sensitive after using it that I normally slap on a hydrating serum and my summer fridays jet lag mask and call it a day.

    user @thatskincarejunkie

    The texture is very liquidy, and it’s colored a burgundy red. Ideally it’s best to use in the evening and you leave it on for 10 minutes. It’s very easy to clean up and after I remove the product, my face is usually a little red because it gets the job done!

  4. Murad Intensive-C® Radiance Peel

    Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel, 1.7 Ounce Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel, 1.7 Ounce @ Amazon

    Intensive-C radiance peel brightens skin, visibly improves texture and hydrates to restore radiance.

    Pricy but oh so worth it, Intensive-C Radiance Peel is an innovative product made by leading dermatologists. It works to help improve the complexion of your skin, and this creamy-textured peel works intensively to help combat uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.

    user @skinwithkirsti

    I’ve been using this once a week for 3 months now and from the first use my skin felt so much softer and brighter. I like to do it before bed because it really preps my skin for the following serums and creams. It took a month to notice any dramatic changes in pigmentation from sun damage, and I also found that my pores looked more refined, obviously pores don’t change size they only appear smaller because they’re clean. I also noticed that fine lines around my eyes had reduced. It’s quite a thin consistency cream which makes it easy to spread evenly and thinly over the face.

  5. Amorepacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder

    AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder Exfoliating Facial Face Cleanser, 1.76 Oz AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder Exfoliating Facial Face... @ Amazon

    AMOREPACIFIC Enzyme Powder Facial Cleanser (50 g) gently exfoliates face and dissolves any lingering impurities with plant-derived enzymes. This water-activated dry powder turns into a featherweight skin cleansing foam.

    Safe to use during both your am and pm routine, this powdered texture peel contains enzymes instead of acids, meaning it’s gentler but still packs a punch! Using a green tea-derived probiotic enzyme along with papaya enzymes, this product helps remove dead skin and deep-cleans pores effectively, leaving your skin more moisturized and bright.

    user @Saraa

    I don’t have tons of experience using physical exfoliators so if I use one I tend to pick up a powder version. As I rub it in the powder turns to a beautiful cream and the enzymes come into play removing dead cells and debris. After using this especially after a full face of makeup I feel like my skin is so clean and my pores are unclogged. In terms of purchasing the full size in on my wishlist and it comes in at a great price at $60 because a little goes a long way. I would definitely recommend to anyone that is struggling with congested pores and I love the texture as a powder because it’s so gentle.

One more thing: Recovery Tips To Follow

Immediately after a peel, extensive redness and stinging are common. Usually, peeling will start two or three days after, so keep your hands off your face, then apply a simple moisturizer with no irritating ingredients. On top of that, we highly recommend you use sunscreen products with at least SPF 30 to avoid sun damage.

 

 

This article was taken from Cherie to make it available to all.

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