An acne-free, lineless and overall flawless complexion is definitely in you, it’s just hiding and needs to be set free. Enter the magic that is the at-home peel. Now, don’t let images of a severely burned face scare you away—after all this is real life not a Broad City episode. A-home peels are actually easy to use, gentle, affordable and way less invasive than a professional one. However, they do take some pre-peel schooling. Here, we explain how to use these miracle workers to get beautiful results.
Glow, Glow, Glow
DO Make Sure You Need A Peel
If you are using daily products that already contain acids (AHA or BHA), you can skip the added step of an at-home peel to avoid irritation. But, if you still want to include one in your routine, do a skin patch test. We absolutely insist that sensitive skin types do not skip this step.
DON’T Mix & Match
If your dermatologist has prescribed a professional-strength vitamin A (retinoid), get their approval to use a peel, as even a low-grade one could cause a severe reaction and damage your skin.
DO Know Your Skin Type
If you have oily skin, look for peels that contain BHAs such as salicylic acid—it's the best ingredient for oily and acne prone skin. For dry skin, select an AHA-based peel with a concentration of no more than 25% to stay flake-free.
DON’T Over Do It
When it comes to peels, less is more. If you can’t practice self-control, we recommend opting for a presoaked pad, so your skin is delivered the proper amount of acid with each use.
Do Perfect Your Post Peel Routine
Now that you have sloughed off the dead cells, the newer ones are all prepped and primed for serums, oils and moisturizers. Follow with products that suit your skin concerns, but we recommend serums with vitamin C and your favorite overnight cream to wake up with luminous skin.
