Home Chemical Peel Guide: Essential Facts about DIY Skincare Treatments
For those seeking a brighter, more youthful complexion, at-home chemical peels can be an effective solution. However, it's essential to approach this skincare treatment with care to ensure safe and successful results.
Before the Peel
- Choose the right peel for your skin type: Select a gentle acid such as glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid at a low concentration (10–30%) suitable for home use.
- Pause use of strong active skincare ingredients: Like retinoids and scrubs, should be stopped 2–3 days prior to avoid over-sensitizing your skin.
- Perform a patch test: Apply a small amount of the peel on a small skin area (jawline or inside arm), wait 24 hours, and check for any adverse reactions before applying it to your face.
During the Peel
- Thoroughly cleanse and prep your skin: Remove all makeup, dirt, and oils before applying the peel.
- Apply a thin, even layer of the peel with a cotton pad or clean fingers, avoiding sensitive areas like eyes and lips.
- Strictly follow the product instructions: Application time and method should be adhered to; rinse or neutralize as directed to prevent irritation or burns.
After the Peel
- Do not touch, pick, or scratch the peeling skin: To avoid infection or scarring.
- Use gentle skincare products only: Moisturizer, mild cleanser, and sunscreen are recommended; avoid exfoliants and active ingredients like retinol until fully healed.
- Protect your skin from sun exposure and heat: Avoid sun, tanning beds, saunas, and strenuous exercise that can cause sweating and irritation.
Following these steps helps minimize risks such as skin irritation, burns, and infections while maximizing the benefits of your at-home chemical peel.
For sensitive skin, wearing gloves to protect the skin on the hands may also be beneficial during a chemical peel. A chemical peel targets concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and texture by helping skin cells turnover.
It's crucial to remember that at-home chemical peels are generally gentler due to lower concentrations of ingredients and may require multiple applications to see results. Before doing a chemical peel at home, it is advisable to do a test area first, especially for those with sensitive skin, dry skin, or eczema.
Protecting sensitive skin areas like the eyes with petroleum jelly and using a headband to keep hair out of the eyes and face can help during a chemical peel. The type of chemical peel (light, medium, or deep) and the ingredients used can be tailored to individual needs based on skin type and concerns. Some chemical peels are self-neutralizing and can be left on the skin, while others need to be washed off or neutralized with a separate solution.
Applying a chemical peel feels like a tingle and mild burn, similar to a sunburn. If you experience severe discomfort or adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
[1] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). At-home chemical peels. [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/at-home-chemical-peels
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Chemical peel: What you can expect. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20394818
[3] WebMD. (2021). Chemical Peel: What to Expect. [online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/makeup/chemical-peel-what-to-expect
- Being aware of one's skin history is important, as it can help determine the appropriateness of using a chemical peel for healthier skin outcomes.
- Pursuing a greater understanding of the science behind skin-care products, especially in the realm of health-and-wellness, can help individuals make informed choices for their skincare routine.
