Physical scrubs have been making it to the wishlists of beauty enthusiasts for decades, but there is a chemical variant ready to step into their shoes. Say hello to the shiny new world of at-home chemical peels that are here to offer fresh, glowing skin with the help of enzymes, AHAs, BHAs and other skincare saviours. Here’s what you need to know before you get started.
What are chemical peels?
For starters, it helps to know that chemical peels aren’t as intimidating as they sound. Most at-home peels employ chemicals, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), that cause the uppermost layers of the skin to peel away—hence, the moniker of chemical peels. By triggering this process, chemical peels help shed dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, brighter visage with reduced pigmentation.
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What are the types of chemical peels?
Before you pick a chemical peel for yourself, consider your choices. Depending on the results you are after, you’ll find a wide array of options to choose from.
Enzyme peels
If you’d just like to dip your toe in the water instead of diving head-first, enzyme peels are your pal. As a fruit derivative, it serves as a more natural option for skin types with a lower tolerance for acids.
Tira recommends: Dr Irena Eris Cleanology Enzyme Peel For Dry And Sensitive Skin
Mild peels
This is where you’ll find AHAs joining the party as a derivative of fruits and milk—think glycolic acid derived from sugarcane, lactic acid from milk and so on. By dislodging dead skin cells and sebum buildup, these mild peels help even out the skin tone and dial back discolouration.
Tira recommends: Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask
Medium peels
Once you are ready to ascend the rungs of the ladder, you will find a host of medium-strength peels that use BHAs, such as salicylic acid. Some medium-strength peels can also call upon a higher concentration of AHAs and BHAs for dealing with acne-prone skin.
Tira recommends: Minimalist AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% Face Peel
Who should use chemical peels?
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, chemical peels will be your new bestie on the road towards the clear skin of your dreams. The side effects are minimal to none with light chemical peels—any post-peel redness is known to subside within a couple of hours. Those with dry or sensitive skin, however, will want to consult a skincare expert before adding potentially irritating actives to their skincare routine. Likewise, caution is recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
How to try a chemical peel by yourself at home?
If you’re ready to get started on your journey, it helps to attempt a patch test on your wrist or any less sensitive area of the skin to assess any reactions for 48 hours. If your skin is able to tolerate the peel without any lasting redness or inflammation, you can then use a chemical peel in gradual installments.
Over-exfoliating the skin is a common concern for beginners, which is why it helps to apply the topical solution for a minute and gradually increase the time over the course of the coming weeks to introduce it slowly into your routine and give your skin sufficient time to acclimatise.
How to care for your skin after applying an at-home peel
While maintaining caution in applying a chemical peel is important, the aftercare requires the same level of diligence. Here are some key pointers to follow.
● Maintain a vigilant eye on any actives in your skincare routine that can trigger your skin, such as retinols, AHAs and BHAs. Likewise, you will want to maintain a safe distance from scrubs, loofahs and other physically abrasive substances.
● Switch to basic skincare routine to moisturise your skin and offer it protection against the harsh UV rays of the sun.
● Hyaluronic acid can assume a starring role in caring for your skin post-peel by adding hydration and offering its remedial properties for wound healing.
● The new skin that is emerging after the peel is likely to be sensitive and you will want to ensure that you are maintaining a vigilant SPF routine.
Tira recommends:
Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel
Bioderma Sebium Smoothing Concentrate Night Peel
Pilgrim 25% Aha, 2% Bha, 5% Pha Peeling Solution
