Here's How Chemical Peels Can Make Your Skin Perfect

Here’s How Chemical Peels Can Make Your Skin Perfect

Chemical peels may sound scary, but they have found their way into almost everyone’s skin care routine in some way. You’ve no doubt heard beauty experts say they prefer chemical exfoliants containing AHAs and BHAs for good results, but what exactly are they and how do they differ from manual facial exfoliation? Let’s take a closer look at more information about chemical peels.

What are chemical peels?

Chemical peels are acids that react with the skin after they are applied. They remove the buildup of dead skin cells, excess sebum, and dirt that can cause breakouts and a dull complexion.

These peels are different from physical peels because you don’t need to apply pressure or movement for the product to work. Many people believe that using chemical peels instead of manual exfoliation can produce more even results without causing as much damage to the skin.

How do chemical peels work?

When a chemical peel is performed, the acid penetrates the skin’s layers and dissolves the “glue” of dead skin cells. Once the chemical bonds are gone, the dead cells can be easily removed, revealing a layer of fresh, healthy skin underneath.

Typically, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAS) work on the outer layer of the skin to help restore radiance. In this way, they prevent dead skin cells from accumulating and causing breakouts, fine lines and wrinkles, and dry patches on the skin. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) work deeper under the skin to remove dead skin cells and clear bacteria, trapped dirt, and excess sebum from clogged pores that can then lead to blemishes like blackheads, spots, and cysts.

At first, it can be a little daunting, especially at the thought of using an acid on your face, but be careful with how much you use to ensure you get good results. There are so many different types of acids that it can be confusing, and you need to be careful to ensure you use the best acid that both you and your skin like.

Which chemical peel acid should I use?

There’s no denying that chemical peels are a dizzying array of options. There’s an acid that’s perfect for nearly every skin type. Here’s an overview of the most popular and well-received acids on the market. You’ll find that many products contain at least one of these acids.

Glycolic Acid – Great for normal to oily skin types, this acid exfoliates the skin and clears clogged pores, making them look smaller and less noticeable. You’ll find this acid in face washes, toners, and serums, and it evens out skin texture.

Malic Acid – This acid exfoliates dead skin cells, rejuvenating dull skin for a healthy, radiant glow! This AHA is a lesser-known in the category, but may still be found in face washes, serums, and masks.

Lactic Acid – This acid is gentler and great for dry skin. Flaky areas are buffed away and moisture is locked into thirsty skin for an all-over smooth, nourished look.

Salicylic Acid – This acid works deepest in the skin to open up pores and easily remove dirt and debris, making it a panacea for acne and oily skin. You can find this BHA in many products, from serums to masks and toners.

To make sure you’ve chosen the best acid for your skin, always do a 24-hour patch test, applying a pea-sized amount of the product to your forearm or behind your ear, paying close attention to any skin irritation or reaction. If you’re still unsure, consult a dermatologist.

How to Use a Chemical Peel?

It all depends on what product you’re using for your chemical peel. You must always remember that exfoliating too often can lead to problems. If you find your skin becomes dry, tight, and uncomfortable, you may be unknowingly using too much or overusing a product that contains acids.

Face Cleansers

The acid concentration in face cleansers is lower, so you can cleanse your skin twice a day. You’ll notice a noticeable improvement, especially if you keep yourself clean and well-groomed when using a chemical exfoliating cleanser compared to other cleansers.

Toners

Toners are generally higher in acid content. Therefore, how many times a week you use them is up to you and your skin type. Start with 3 times a week and see how your skin reacts and feels. If you feel you need more, increase the applications. If your skin is dry and tight, use less.

Serums

Serums are difficult to pin down, as concentrates vary widely from brand to brand. Some recommend using them every night, while others recommend using them less frequently. Check the ingredients and instructions that come with the product to ensure proper use.

Masks

It is best not to use a mask more than three times a week, as this can cause skin irritation and tightness on the face.

These are the most popular products with chemical peeling properties. As mentioned before, when adding a new product to your routine, you should make sure it is safe and suitable for your skin.

Can I use a mask after a chemical peel?

This depends on what ingredients are included in the mask’s formula. Avoid any products that contain facial acids and other potentially irritating compounds. If you want to use a mask afterwards because your skin feels tight or burning, it is best to leave your skin exposed for about 20 minutes to give your face enough time to rebalance the oil and water content in the skin barrier. After using an over-the-counter product, using a hydrating water-based moisturizer can soothe the skin. However, if you have had a chemical peel, it is important to follow your consultant’s advice.

Can I use a chemical peel under my eyes?

This is not true, the skin around the eyes is very thin compared to the rest of the face, so the first signs of aging often start around the eyes. Any harsh acid under the eyes can cause a number of problems and can be extremely painful to the eyes. There are several acids that you can safely use around the eyes without worrying about irritation. A small amount of glycolic acid aids in cell turnover and helps to eliminate dark circles, while hyaluronic acid (unlike other acids) provides tremendous moisture to the eye area.

How quickly can you see the effects of a chemical peel?

Results vary from person to person, some may experience it after the first week, others within minutes of application!

It is able to remove the dead skin layer, and you will find that your skin is rejuvenated and looks younger, plumper, and more hydrated. Consistency is key, and if you continue to use chemical peels in your skincare routine, skin issues such as blemishes and dull complexion may become a thing of the past for a long time. Other issues such as fine lines and wrinkles become less noticeable after about 4 weeks.

Just remember not to overdo it and let the chemicals do all the work.

What are the precautions for using a chemical peel?

What you should do

Find the best chemical peel for your skin

Use as directed to see results faster

Speak to a dermatologist if you have concerns

Apply SPF daily to protect freshly exfoliated skin from the sun

Use chemical peels to remove blemishes and spots

Use chemical peels to restore radiance to a dull complexion

See results of reduced fine lines and wrinkles with regular use

What you shouldn’t do

Don’t wear rough and abrasive clothing while using a chemical peel

Don’t use a chemical peel on broken skin

Don’t use a manual facial peel before or after a chemical peel

Don’t use it before completing a 24-hour patch test

Don’t use a scrub too frequently as this can cause dryness and irritation

Don’t use it on sensitive skin without consulting your family doctor or dermatologist

Don’t use strong exfoliants around your eyes

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what a chemical peel is and how to incorporate it into your daily skin care routine. If you have any questions and want to learn more about the above acids, read our dedicated guide to AHAs and BHAs.

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DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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