An excellent chemical peel can deliver many skin benefits. In minutes, acids lift away from our dead skin cells and trigger a lovely chain reaction - A smoother, brighter, and a more refined complexion. This leads to better product absorption too.
Peels can treat many skin concerns and conditions. The acid's strength depends on these skin concerns and types.
What can a chemical peel treat?
- Dead skin build up
- Hyperpigmentation and other skin discolourations
- Facial rejuvenation
- Unclogging pores
- Acne
- Reducing the depth of wrinkles and scarring
- Brightening skin tone
- Enhancing the absorption of other skin care products
- Stimulating collagen production
- Stimulating healthy skin cell growth
How often should you do an at home chemical peel?
Once a week to fortnightly is all you need, depending on the chemical peel you chose, as you can end up over-exfoliating your skin by doing your home peel more frequently than that. Remember that over exfoliation can disrupt your skin's acid mantle (the protective layer of your skin) and leave your skin raw, leading to more skin concerns such as sensitivity.
Is an at home chemical peel for everyone?
It is important to note that some people are more sensitive than others to skin treatments such as peels. You may need to start slowly with an enzyme peel and then work your way up in strength. A peel is designed to shed dead skin cells and promote new and healthy cells. The results are worth it!!
Which peel is best?
- Enzyme peels - This is the lightest peel and is considered a “natural" option because it is a fruit derivative. Excellent for those sensitive skin types who can not tolerate acids. Enzymes work to remove dead skin and refine pores which does not make your skin sensitive to the sun.
- Mandelic Acid - Mandelic acid improves uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles. Benefits of a mandelic acid can help acne and the appearance of hyperpigmentation without the irritation and redness.
- Lactic Acid - Is an excellent starting peel as an enzyme peel. It is considered light weight and gentle. Benefits of lactic acid are smoothing the skin, providing a glow and helping minor wrinkles. It is beneficial in treating hyperpigmentation. Lactic acid is also a more hydrating acid.
- Salicylic Acid - It is one of the best acids to treat acne because it is oil-soluble, or ‘Oil loving’. This means it can break down excess sebum, dirt and dead skin cells that clog pores leading to a breakout. Salicylic acid can also treat sun-damaged skin.
- Glycolic acid - This is a more concentrated acid, for healthier, strengthened skin types. Glycolic is beneficial for increasing collagen production, refining texture and brightening. It is used to treat acne, the actual pitted scarring left behind from acne.
The results you may experience largely depend on the strength, intensity and type of peel. Remember, if you do not feel the tingle sensation or your skin has not peeled, that does not mean the peel hasn’t worked!!
Please note: after any at home peel, you have to follow up with sun protection SPF 30+ every day.
My essential home peels are:
