Your Ultimate Guide To Chemical Peels At Home

Have you always wondered what’s a chemical peel? Chances are you’ve heard the name and probably been wary of them, but with a little bit of knowledge, you’ll soon find yourself rushing to up your skincare game with a weekly peel!

 

Chemical peels are essentially a product containing exfoliating skincare ingredients like mandelic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, or salicylic acid. These acids raise the pH level of the skin and help exfoliate the upper layer, a.k.a the epidermis, they also boost the production of new skin cells in the basal layer of the skin. Thus revealing a new layer of skin that is more uniform, smooth, bright and hydrated. This treatment can either be done at a dermatologist’s office, or at home with milder products to achieve a variety of skincare benefits from glowing skin, to a decrease in fine lines to name a few.

 

Infact, applying chemical peels at home is one of the most popular skincare trends. It’s an easy step to add to your skincare routine that will give you baby-soft, glowy skin by correcting a range of common concerns. What’s not to love? Chemical peels are especially great for Indian skin as we are prone to hyperpigmentation, caused by an increase in melanin (the body’s building block of pigment) in the epidermis or dermis layers of the skin. Look out for these signs that you have hyperpigmentation: random dark patches, dark circles even if you’ve been sleeping well, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the marks left behind after pesky pimples, rashes or eczema), or freckles.

 

Also, as you grow older the rate of skin cell regeneration slows down, which is why skin loses its youthful appearance and problems like fine lines, uneven texture increase. One of the most effective ways to tackle these skin problems in the comfort of your home is with a weekly chemical peel.

 

Here’s what you should do before you use a chemical peel:

  • Stop using any actives like Retinol, Vitamin C or any anti-acne treatments in your skincare regimen 2-3 days before using a chemical peel. Also, do not shave, wax or pluck your face 24 hours before use.
  • It’s best to start with a gentle peel (please insert a link to the extra gentle peel here) and ensure that you do a patch first. You can do this by applying a small amount of product under your ear or jawline in a 1-inch diameter for the stipulated use period, and wash it off after. Wait for 24 hours to see if you experience any side effects.
  • It’s normal to experience slight tingling while using a peel, you may also experience a little temporary redness which should settle in a few hours. Wash off immediately with cool water if you experience any uncomfortable burning.
  • If you’ve got acne-prone skin, look for a chemical peel that contains a BHA, like Salicylic Acid.
  • If you’ve been using acids for a while, and want to up the brightness of your skin, pick this peel.

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    Derm tip: Dedicate a day in the week to your chemical peel. Make it a part of your PM routine, followed by your moisturizer. You should see results after consistent use.

     

    Follow these after-care tips to get the best results from your chemical peel:

  • After a chemical peel your skin barrier is weakened, so it is important to apply a moisturizer that contains skin-soothing Ceramides, Centella Asiatica or humectants like Hyaluronic Acid.
  • Remember to reapply the correct amount of sunscreen even if you’re indoors. This will prevent burning and hyperpigmentation.
  • If your skin is peeling, you may be tempted to pick at it, but don’t scratch, pick or play with your skin. It may hamper the healing process.
  • It is also best to stay away from other acids and Retinoids till your skin heals.
  • Don’t go overboard with your chemical peels – they should be done once a month or weekly, depending on the potency of the peel and the condition of your skin. It is best to ask your dermatologist.

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    Warning: Always do a patch test before using any chemical peels. Sunscreen must be applied, even if you are indoors. Use a chemical peel in your PM routine for best results.

     

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