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When you’re researching ways to make your skin look younger and healthier at home, you’re bound to come across suggestions for at-home skincare peels. For some of us, the word “peel” is daunting and a little scary, but that’s because we’re unfamiliar with what peels do and the ingredients used in them. A peel is really just another term for exfoliating with the help of chemical ingredients. These chemicals, most of which are found in other anti-aging skincare, are incorporated in higher concentrations in at-home peels to slough off the top layer of dead skin cells and other surface debris to reveal the radiant, healthier-looking skin underneath. Once you know what’s in most peels and what they do, they’re really not scary at all.
The most exciting part of at-home peels is not only the benefits you’ll see on your skin, but the fact that you can do them in the comfort of your own home. At-home skincare peels can produce a number of desirable results, and you don’t have to pay for a doctor’s visit to enjoy them. They can improve the appearance of pores and help minimize excess oil, improve skin’s hydration and even support the efforts to combat acne. You can even help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as promote a brighter more even complexion. Even if you’re skeptical that at-home skincare peels can really do all this, be reassured that this kind of deeper exfoliation is both effective and easy enough to do on your own. The exfoliating acids contained in peels help remove the dead, surface skin-cells and help encourage healthy cell turnover to reveal younger-looking skin. Depending on the peel and the acids used, the depth of exfoliation can vary and you may experience some tingling or pinkness afterward.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
What should you look for in an at-home skincare peel? Aim for a peel that incorporates alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) for more effective results. These acids—like glycolic acid and lactic acid are common in skincare products, and peels using these ingredients are light enough for home use. Utilizing a combination of acids at once is more effective than using just one type of acid in high quantities, and using the combination at lower strengths is less likely to cause irritation. For peels with higher concentrations of acids, look for a controlled delivery system so you’re sure to use the right amount and not overwhelm your skin.
Peel and Reveal: Skincare Results
You can expect to see a number of positive results on your skin after using an at-home skincare peel. You may notice a reduction in the appearance of your pores, which helps your skin look smoother and more even. Pores can actually become enlarged as sebum and dirt build up in them. A peel with AHAs helps break that up and sweep it away, leaving your pores cleaner and smaller. Your skin’s tone and texture will look brighter and more even as dead, discolored skin cells are removed, allowing younger-looking skin to take the stage instead. You’ll also notice improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as the top layer of dull skin is sloughed away and healthier, plumper-looking skin takes its place.
Maintain Your Refreshed Look
After using an at-home peel like Caviar Lime Acid Peel, your skin is primed and ready to receive the benefits of anti-aging products. As such, do your peel in the evening so that you can stay out of the sun, and avoid applying makeup immediately after your peel. You’ll be able to apply your most nurturing, beneficial products and then go to sleep, allowing your skin to profit from the natural healing and regeneration cycle that takes place while you’re sleeping.
After a peel, use a nourishing moisturizer right away to reinforce your skin’s moisture barrier. Look for hyaluronic acid and nurturing oils, like those in The Method: Nourish, for the ultimate treatment post-peel. After using an at-home skincare peel, your skin will be extra sensitive to the sun, so if you’ll be outdoors at all, use a dermatologist sunscreen like Sheer Fluid Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to protect your newly revealed skin from UV damage. Skin is more delicate after a peel, but it’s also prepared to absorb anti-aging ingredients, so using a sunscreen with skin benefits is ideal for protecting your skin. It’s also advisable to use gentle face cleansers to avoid irritating your skin or stripping it of essential moisture. If your skin is slightly pink or tingly after a peel, look for a cleanser like The Method: Cleanse Sensitive Skin with calming oat and licorice root extract to help soothe your skin while cleansing.
For your first foray into at-home peels, start slow to minimize irritation and take great care of your skin following the peel. Even if a peel says you can use it every day, begin with every other day (or every third day if you have sensitive skin) and work your way up to the desired frequency. Then, use plenty of dermatologist sunscreen and nourishing moisturizer after your peel to protect your renewed skin and help it recover.
Don’t be afraid of trying an at-home skincare peel! With proper use and luxurious, nurturing skincare afterward, your peel will reveal skin that appears more even and smooth for a radiant, youthful complexion.
