Try a Chemical Peel at Home—It's Not as Scary as It Sounds

Experts break down at-home chemical peels vs. professional peels.

Though the term can sound a little daunting, chemical peels are a legitimate game changer.

Most people can benefit from incorporating one into theirskincare routine.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

By removing dead skin cells, a chemical peel can treat discoloration, scars, and wrinkles.

The process reveals a fresh, bright, and youthful complexion almost immediately, which makes it very appealing.

How deep the chemical peel penetrates the skin varies and depends on your skin’s sensitivity and needs.

This can result in faster and more drastic results, but with more downtime, Thornton notes.

Superficial peels are also done in dermatologist offices for those looking for an in-office treatment with low downtime.

The various strengths of peels work for diverse skin types and tones and address different skin issues.

Here are some standard chemical peel strengths and the skin types and concerns they work best for.

Mild to medium at-home chemical peels are generally suitable for most skin types.

Thornton also recommends proceeding with caution if you have verydry skinor a skin condition, such as rosacea.

The first rule of an at-home chemical peel is to follow the label instructions exactly.

Be aware of how long you leave the chemical peel on your skin.

This can cause skin irritation, redness, and even scarring.

Always start with a clean face before applying a chemical peel.

Set a timer to help avoid leaving it on too long.

Using a clean cosmetic brush can help ensure an even software.

You may need tore-wash with a cleanserif its a sticky or stubborn peel.

Esplin says, This allows enough time for your skin to heal and recover from the treatment.

If you have sensitive skin, you may need to wait longer between peels or use a lower-strength product.

This is why it’s important to read all instructions and ingredients and start with a mild peel.

Here are some of the common risks you may encounter.

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