Have you always been scared of using chemical peels? It can sound scary, we understand - the idea of using a peel to solve skin concerns. However, they’re magic (when done the right way of course). Chemical peeling can rescue your skin in just a couple of sessions at home and target almost all skin concerns. There is a catch. You have to use it in just the right way and follow a particular post-peeling routine to ensure that peeling doesn’t harm your skin. Learn with us how you can conduct chemical peeling at home and avoid the risk associated with it!
What is chemical peeling?
It sounds scary but if you do it right then chemical peels turn out to be the simplest facial treatment for baby soft skin. Chemical peeling is a process where you apply an even layer of chemical for 3-7 minutes and wash it off. It is called peeling because it peels off your upper layer of dead skin. Now that this layer is off, it will reveal the new layer of skin. Chemical peeling is the perfect option one can opt for before a big event or on those days your skin needs a little something to revive. Why so? Because chemical peeling offers multiple benefits and can show you results in just one go.
Depending on the type of chemical you’re using for peeling, its benefits will more or less differ. The commonly known types of chemical exfoliants are Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and Poly-hydroxy acid (PHA). Understand more about the difference between them and what will suit you more, over here!
What are the types of peels and which one can you do at home?
There are three main types of chemical peeling- superficial, medium, and deep peeling. As the name suggests, the higher the concentration of chemical exfoliants, the more likely it is that the product can’t be used for in-home peels. Let’s understand these peels a little better to know if your skin concern can be handled by in-home peels.
1. Superficial peeling
This is the process of peeling just the uppermost layer. The uppermost layer or epidermis has a deposit of dead skin that sticks to your skin with the help of invisible glue. Superficial exfoliants work by dissolving this glue and thereby revealing your bare skin. The products that can be used in this are majorly PHAs or mild concentrations of AHA or BHA. This is the only type of peel that can be done at home since it involves minimal risk and lesser exposure to chemical peeling. Most of the skincare chemical exfoliating products belong to this category. If you’re a beginner then some of the acids that you must prefer are Lactic acid, Mandelic acid, Salicylic acid in lower concentrations.
Note: This is the only type of peeling that can be done at home. It is best to opt for superficial peeling if you’re facing mild scars, pigmentation, dull and rough skin.
2. Medium peeling
It gets serious over here. Medium peels aren’t something that you can do on your own. You need it to be performed either by a dermatologist or an aesthetician. Medium peels will contain higher concentrations of AHA and BHA. It could either be just AHA or BHA or even a combination. This peel penetrates your skin layer to some extent to deliver the results. If you’ve used superficial peeling in the past then you can look out for medium peels under the eye of a dermatologist.
Note: This cannot be performed at home. The results are much more noticeable since it treats stubborn scars, mild sun damage, wrinkles, etc.
3. Deep peeling
Deep peeling is just not everybody’s cup of tea. This is strictly performed by a dermatologist or an aesthetician. Given its rich chemical concoction, it can penetrate deep within your skin, and hence it can solve some pressing skin concerns. It does not suit all skin types and hence one must consult a dermatologist beforehand.
Note: This definitely can’t be done at home. If you’re looking for a solution to hyperpigmentation, prolonged sun damage, wrinkles, stubborn acne scars, etc then this could be one of the treatment methods that your dermatologist would recommend.
How to do a chemical peel at home?
Note this very well and follow it just as you might follow any religious book. We’re breaking down the steps to perform this ritual at home in a way that minimises the risk for your skin.
Step 1: Clean your face well
Make sure that you’re using a gentle cleanser that does not increase the pH of your skin but washes your skin well. This is to ensure that your skin is not stripped off its natural moisturising factor (NMF) level. This is important since chemical exfoliants can sting your skin if it is completely dry.
Sublime recommends Aminu Do It All Cream Cleanser. It’s such a gentle composition that works well for all skin types. Perfectly cleanses and even hydrates your skin. We challenge you to find us a better cleanser than this one for sensitive skin!
Step 2: Apply the chemical exfoliant
Apply a thin layer of chemical exfoliant and keep it on for the time mentioned on the product label. Generally, chemical exfoliants need to be washed off in 5 to 10 minutes. But follow the instructions thoroughly.
Sublime recommends the chemical peels that Aminu has to offer. Why Aminu? Because it is a brand born with the power of botanicals and interfacial technology. It has a unique skincare experience which is why they’ve got our big yes for something as sensitive as chemical peeling for our face.
If you’re of oily or combination skin type, then try Aminu Instant Facial AHA Power Peel that has Malachite stone to detoxify, Vitamin E that works synergistically to boost the effect of AHA present in the formulation. This needs to be kept on only for 6 to 8 minutes depending on skin type & concern (thicker the skin and deeper the concern, more the application time). Voila, facial glow!
If you have dry skin then you can use Aminu The Multitalented Overnight Peel. This contains AHA, Hyaluronic acid, Peptides, and Polysaccharides to repair, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin overnight. Perfect for using one to two times a week. It has a slow release technology and thus works very well for dry & thin skins.
Step 3: Wash it off
Wash it off by dabbing your skin with lukewarm or cold water. This is when you have to be really gentle because your new layer of skin will be comparatively more vulnerable to damage.
Step 4: Apply a nourishing serum or essence
After peeling, your skin needs hydration, peptides & amino acids that can dramatically improve your skin’s immunity and also enhance collagen production. Sublime recommends using the Azure Copper Peptide Serum that has Copper Tri-peptide, other copper peptide complexes, amino acids and hyaluronic acid. This is a lightweight serum which will go perfectly well after peeling.
Step 5: Apply a layer of moisturiser
Use a moisturiser that is rich in humectants and emollients. This is to maintain the moisture level in newly revealed skin cells and strengthen the skin barrier, in case your skin is mildly impacted due to cleansing. This step will help you lessen the risk of redness and sensitising your skin.
Sublime recommends Aminu Earnest Hydrating Cream which is the best because it contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B3, Cica to heal and hydrate your skin intensely.
What are the dos and don'ts of chemical peel at home?
Post-care of chemical peeling is just as equally important as the process of peeling is. Here’s a list of set rules that you must follow when you conduct peeling at home-
Dos’
1. Apply sunscreen
After chemical peeling, one has to use a hydrating moisturiser and high SPF every day to strengthen the skin barrier. Opt for a physical sunscreen after chemical peeling just to make sure that your skin is not irritated by any ingredients later.
Learn more about how to read sunscreen labels here.
2. Be gentle with your skin
Chemical peeling can throw your skin’s pH for a toss. So you need to be very gentle with this new layer of skin. Instead of rubbing, you must dab for wiping or washing your face and avoid using harsh cleansers to be gentle with your skin.
3. Add soothing and nourishing ingredients
Chemical peeling leaves your skin vulnerable to external stressors. Your key mantra and priority after chemical peeling should be soothing & moisturising. You can use niacinamide & hyaluronic acid based occlusive moisturisers along with a hydrating toner.
Sublime recommends Aminu Earnest Hydrating Cream. This works well even for post-peeling care since it has excellent healing and hydrating properties.
Don’ts
1. Don’t step out in the harsh sun
Limit your exposure to the sun since SPF cannot guarantee you complete protection. If you must step out then make sure you’re wearing a scarf on your face, a hat, and an umbrella to cover your skin. SPF alone does not cut the bill.
2. Cut off other acids
Ingredients like Vitamin C, Retinol cannot work well when your skin is vulnerable right after chemical peeling. Let your skin first relax and then after a week if your skin feels nourished enough to take up a targeted therapy via Vitamin C, Retinol, Tranexamic acid, etc, do that. Using targeted therapy right after peeling can potentially rash your skin and inflame your pores. We recommend discussing this with your doctor or aesthetician to build a good post-peeling skincare routine.
What are the adverse effects of chemical peel at home if not done correctly?
Let’s say you keep the chemical exfoliants for a little while longer or you rubbed your skin after peeling. You must know what is going to happen in such cases. Just like we mentioned earlier, home peeling is a serious job and one must thoroughly follow the instruction to avoid adverse events such as-
- Irritation and redness
- Damaged skin barrier
- Weakened skin muscles that help you keep your skin lifted.
- Dryness and scarring
- Dullness
Keynotes
Chemical peeling can be conducted at home but only the superficial peels. Home peels are designed to have minimal risk of adverse events and instant results for all your skin concerns. However, one should be careful with its application since it can do you more harm than good if you don’t follow the rulebook. Chemical peeling is for everyone and we hope that we’ve made you a bit confident to try it out!
-Divya Salvi
