Less intense than in-office peels, home peels are intended to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells, giving the face a smoother, more radiant appearance. They work to exfoliate top layers of cells and help clear up clogged pores, breakouts, dull skin, and dry skin. They are also great for minimizing pores and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. I recommend incorporating a home peel no more than twice a week and, of course, sunscreen during the day. Make sure not to touch or pick at freshly exposed skin, which can lead to breakouts or scarring. While peels are a good option for most skintypes, those with sensitive skin and those using retinoids could experience a little more irritation from the treatments.
Wanna know a little trick to enhance your home chemical peeling experience? Before performing your chemical peel, dermaplane your skin prior. If you are not familiar to what dermaplaning is, it is essentially "shaving" your face. But unlike traditional shaving, it uses a smaller blade to slough off dead skin cells in addition to removing wispy facial hair, so skin is even more prepped to produce fabulous results.
What dermaplaning tools are the best? I like the Tinkel blades NOT to be mistaken for Twinkle blades. I have found them on Amazon and even at TJ Maxx. They are cheap, cheap.
When it comes to choosing an at-home peel, look for options with AHAs (glycolic, lactic, and citric acids are all commonly found in peels) as well as brightening ingredients like vitamin C and ferulic acid. Below I've listed a few of my favorites.
ZO's enzymatic peel $72
Papain, bromelain, and glycolic acid (AHA) provides enzymatic and chemical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells. Helps smooth uneven and rough textured skin.
Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial Mask $80
With a blend of 25% AHAs and 2% BHA (salicylic acid) to work both at the skin's surface and down inside the pores, this peel leaves skin looking and feeling smoother in 20 minutes,
Savor Beauty Illuminate Pumpkin Enzyme Peel $80
This fall-scented mask pairs 5% lactic acid with brightening pumpkin enzymes for a supercharged smoothing boost. What is nice about this peel is that it is fast, 3 MINUTES.
Sobel Skin Rx 30% Glycolic Acid Peel $46
30% glycolic acid peel that will clear away dullness-inducing dead skin cells, help unblock pores, and boost your natural radiance in just two minutes.
Herbivore Prism 20% AHA + 5% BHA Exfoliating Glow Facial $58
Give your skin a refresh with a glow-inducing peel like this version that includes four types of naturally-derived AHAs and salicylic acid from willow bark