The best overnight skin peel is one that contains a combination of gentle yet effective exfoliating ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These ingredients work to slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote cell turnover, resulting in smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin. Look for a peel that also contains hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera to prevent any irritation or dryness.
It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and start with a lower concentration if you have sensitive skin to avoid any potential adverse reactions. With consistent use, an overnight skin peel can help improve the overall texture and appearance of your skin, leaving you with a radiant complexion.
Best Overnight Skin Peel
Fun fact about me: If I could get a professional chemical peel every day, I totally would. Okay, well maybe not every day, because my face would quite literally fall off, but you get the idea. I just really love chemical peels—they leave my skin super bright, smooth, and zit-free. The only downside? Professional chemical peels can be expensive and time-consuming. So because I’m perpetually on a budget, I get my exfoliation fix in another way: with at-home chemical peels. Truly, you need to try one, and I’m here to help you figure out which one and how.
How do at home chemical peels work?
At-home face peels contain the same potent exfoliating ingredients (like AHAs, BHAs, enzymes, and retinol) that you’d find at your dermatologist’s or facialist’s office, but in concentrations that are safe enough for you to use in your bathroom without burning your face off. Think of them as the ~light~ version of a classic chemical peel. And because they’re less intense, they’re pretty fool-proof to experiment with, as long as you’re using the right formula for your skin type.
What are the benefits of using a chemical peel at home vs. professional peels?
Not only are at-home chemical peels speedier and significantly cheaper than pro peels (which can cost as much as $400 a session), but they can also be equally effective when used as a regular part of your skincare routine. Combined with daily sunscreen and moisturizer, at-home chemical peels are great for smoothing fine lines, minimizing pore sizes, fading hyperpigmentation, and preventing breakouts. Really, unless your skin is super, super sensitive (like, if you have rosacea or keratosis pilaris, stick to the in-office, expert-approved peels), I highly recommend you try one for yourself. Ahead, the 13 best at-home chemical peels, pads, and liquids for almost every skin type and concern.
1 BEST AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL FOR FACE AND BODY
Skinfix Resurface+ AHA/BHA Enzyme Exfoliating Pads
Soaked in a blend of exfoliating AHAs, BHAs, enzymes, and niacinamide, these oversized peel pads are perf for getting rid of dull, flaky skin not just on your face, but also on your neck, chest, and entire body too.
2 BEST PORE-MINIMIZING AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
I’ve been using this chemical peel at home once a week for a few months now and am loving the results. Inside the tube: a blend of AHAs (including lactic, mandalic, and glycolic acids) and salicylic acid to shrink pores and give your skin a smoother, softer feel.
3 BEST ANTI-AGING AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Elemis Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel
Fine lines who? This at home chemical is specifically designed to plump fine lines and smooth wrinkles, thanks to a blend of lactobionic, asiatic, and mandelic acids, plus plant-based ingredients to support a healthy moisture barrier.
4 BEST OVERNIGHT AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Resurfacing Overnight Peel
This chemical peel works its magic while you sleep to give you smoother, fresher looking skin come morning. Apply a thin layer to clean skin before bed, let it set for a few minutes, and then go to sleep. The combo of glycolic acid, retinol, and vitamin E are clutch for shrinking pores and smoothing fine lines.
5 BEST AT HOME CHEMICAL PEEL FOR ACNE
Dr. Zenovia Skincare 10% Glycolic Acne Control Peel Pads
Zap blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and the annoying dark marks they leave behind with this face peel for acne-prone skin. Each pre-soaked pad uses a blend of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and a skin-balancing complex to dissolve the oil and dead skin cells that lead to clogged pores and help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
6 BEST AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL WITH GLYCOLIC ACID
Sobel Skin Rx 30% Glycolic Acid Peel
This liquid chemical peel is packed with 30 percent glycolic acid to give you the soft, spot-free, baby-angel skin of your dreams. It’s easy to use: Just saturate a cotton pad with the peel, wipe it on clean, dry skin, let it sit for two minutes, then rinse with cool water. Be warned though, this stuff is potent. Use it once a week if you have dry skin, twice a week if your skin is oily, and never (sry!) if your skin is sensitive or if you have rosacea.
7 BEST AT HOME CHEMICAL PEEL FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin
This two-step chemical peel is one of my holy-grail skincare products, since it’s specially designed to be tolerable for relatively sensitive skin types. It contains a cocktail of brightening and smoothing AHAs and BHAs, plus soothing chamomile and green tea extract. Swipe step one across your skin until the pad feels dry, wait two minutes, and do the same with step two.
8 BEST DAILY AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Sephora Collection Glow Peel Pads
Exfoliate your way to glowy skin with these glycolic acid-infused peel pads. Use them once daily (twice if your skin can tolerate it) on clean, dry skin to get rid of dulling dead skin cells and smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
9 BEST NATURAL AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Naturally Serious Get Even Cold-Pressed Peel Pads
Hi, green beauty lovers. This all-natural face peel is for you. Each peel pad is soaked with pomegranate enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells, antimicrobial probiotics, hydrating sodium PCA. Use them in the morning and/or at night after washing your face or to quickly remove sweat and oil after a workout.
10 BEST BRIGHTENING AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
These brightening face peel pads work wonders on stubborn hyperpigmentation, like melasma, dark spots, and acne marks. Not only are they pretty non-irritating, but they also use licorice root extract to balance melanin production and exfoliating AHAs to get rid of damaged dead skin cells. For the best results, use them once a day before moisturizer and/or SPF.
11 BEST INEXPENSIVE AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Get a pro-quality face peel for a drugstore price (umm, it’s only $7.20!!!) with this top-rated pick from The Ordinary. The peeling solution uses 30 percent AHAs and 2 percent BHAs to make pores look teeny-tiny and fine lines look even more fine. Two nights a week, apply a thin layer of the face peel to dry skin, leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse.
12 BEST AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL WITH RETINOL
Skinbetter AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads
I looooove this face peel from Skinbetter. It’s uses a cocktail of retinol—the gold standard for increasing cell turnover and synthesizing collagen and elastin proteins in the skin—and exfoliating lactic and glycolic acids to dramatically fade dark spots and minimize lines and wrinkles.
13 BEST AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL SERUM
Skinceuticals Retexturing Activator
Okay, so this exfoliating serum isn’t a traditional face peel, but it has the same smoothing and brightening effect on the skin—promise. The resurfacing formula uses an urea compound to dissolve the glue that holds together dead skin cells, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich kombucha to make your skin look clear and dewy as hell.
Best Professional Chemical Peels
How would you like to get your skin back to ‘amazing’? You may want to look into a facial peels knows as chemical peels. Solutions are applied to the skin to remove damaged skin cells and bring out the beautiful skin you have waiting underneath.
- What is the best chemical peel for hyperpigmentation?
- What is the best chemical peel for sagging skin?
- Which peel is the strongest chemical peel?
- Is an at home chemical peel safe?
You’ve got quite a few answers and options, depending on what your needs are and how sensitive your skin is. For the best effects, it’s important that you research the different types of chemical peels before you make your appointment. Or better yet, consult with an experienced esthetician like Beauty Made Simply. Skin care should not be taken lightly, so made sure you know as much as you can, especially when looking at a chemical solution. To help jumpstart your research, check out this quick guide on the different types of chemical peels and how they help.
1. Glycolic Peel
Out of all the peels available, the glycolic peel penetrates your skin the deepest, so it’s the best one for exfoliation. This is due to glycolic acid’s small molecular structure, which allows it to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. It’s also good for bringing a healthy glow back to aging skin. Glycolic acid is used to dissolve and allow dead skin cells to slough off. The result is a smoother skin surface with clear pores. A.k.a., beautiful skin. Glycolic peels come in different intensities and can affect your skin differently depending on how strong it is.
2. Lactic Peel
If your skin is sensitive, some of the peels on this list may irritate it. You may want to look into a light chemical peel, such as a lactic peel. As the name suggests, lactic peels come from milk. It’s not only gentle on easily irritated skin but also moisturizes dry skin.
3. Beta Peel
Acne can be embarrassing and annoying to deal with. If you have a bunch of problem breakouts, a beta peel will be able to help you. It contains salicylic acid which is great for exfoliation and oil control. Salicylic acid also takes care of the bacteria that cause acne breakouts to give you the relief that you’ve been searching for.
4. Vitalize Peel
If you’ve never had a chemical peel before, the vitalize peel is a good place to start because there is little peeling involved with it. It uses citric acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and retinol to lighten your skin’s pigmentation and improve its overall quality.
5. Pigment Balancing Peel
Like the vitalize peel, the pigment balancing peel also works with a series of acids to lighten the pigmentation of the skin. It can also get rid of brown spots, but this will take a little more time. You can’t expect them to go away with your first session. You’ll need to go a few times for this to take effect. On top of semi-regular peels, you’ll also need to use sunscreen when you go out or your results will be limited.
6. Retinol Peel
Retinol is a form of vitamin A, which is used in skincare products as it encourages the growth of skin cells once it is applied. Due to its small molecular size, retinol is able to penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin. As this is where your live skin cells are, the retinol that reaches this level encourages your skin cells to grow and renew. A retinol peel can also help unclog your pores and reduce acne outbreaks by allowing the cleansed skin to heal. A retinol peel is ideal if you want to rejuvenate, hydrate and refresh your complexion. If you have more specific skin concerns including acne or aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles, then a retinol peel could be the perfect solution for you to reduce symptoms.
7. Mandelic Peel
Mandelic acid is a go-to anti-aging ingredient in the world of skin care. It works to accelerate cell turnover by dissolving the tiny bonds that hold skin cells together, helping to remove dead skin on the surface of the skin that can lead to dull complexions as well as fine lines. It also strengthens collagen, one of the building blocks of the skin’s support network that gives it a youthful firmness.This increased rate of sloughing thins the outermost layer of the skin called the stratum corneum. A thinner stratum corneum reflects light better and makes skin look smoother and more youthful. Mandelic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids generally soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture.
8. Jessners Peel
Like all other chemical peels, the Jessner peel is done by brushing an acidic liquid onto the skin to remove the top layers and encourage new, younger looking skin to grow. The Jessner peel was first formulated over a hundred years ago, and it’s still in use today thanks to its ability to:
- reduce dark patches and age spots
- even out skin tone
- reduce the appearance of scars
- smooth fine lines and wrinkles
- treat melasma (skin discoloration), hyper-pigmentation, and acne scars
While many chemical peels can cause lasting discoloration on darker skin, a recent small study found that a modified Jessner’s solution safely and effectively reduces melasma and pigment imperfections in darker skin. It has also been shown to be an effective treatment of acne scars even when used as a superficial peel according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology.
9. Vitamin C Peel
Vitamin C is one of the best-known defenses against free radicals (such as pollution, sun rays, and cigarette smoke) that can cause your skin to lose elasticity and sag. As a result, your skin loses its ability to shed dead skin cells, causing a dull and uneven appearance. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant to neutralize these free radicals, by preventing them from oxidizing on your skin.This peel can also help anyone suffering from acne, as it deeply cleanses pores and provides an anti-bacterial action to prevent them from reappearing. The acid found in Vitamin C also works as a bleaching agent that can help restore imbalanced skin tone and help fade blemishes.
10. Alpha Jewel Peel
This is a summer safe peel with minimal downtime. Perfect for those “on the go” that do not want a lot of downtime. Alpha Jewel Peel Professional System is intended to remove the outermost layers of dead skin with the added bonus of precious gems. This unique element leaves trace amounts of essential minerals that create large levels of antioxidants to help neutralize stressed skin.
Your Guide to the Different Types of Chemical Peels
If you’ve tried everything under the sun to improve the quality of your skin, but nothing seems to work, it may be time to make an appointment for a chemical peel. They use a variety of ingredients to get rid of acne, make your skin feel soft, repair damaged skin and lighten your pigmentation. So, what are you waiting for?
Best Chemical Peel For Wrinkles
Chemical peels improve the appearance of wrinkled skin by using a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of old skin. The new skin that replaces it is usually smoother and less wrinkled in appearance.
What you should know about chemical peels for wrinkles
The practitioner who performs your peel will first cleanse your skin thoroughly. Next one or more chemical solutions will be applied to the skin. These solutions include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid and carbolic acid. The process creates a controlled wound, allowing new skin to grow in place of the wrinkled skin.
During the procedure, patients may experience a burning sensation lasting five to 10 minutes. Cold compresses may be applied to lessen the pain. Pain medication may be required for deeper peels.
Why choose chemical peels for wrinkles?
Chemical peel procedures typically are used on the face, neck and hands. Fair-skinned and light-haired patients are better candidates for the procedure. The procedure is non-surgical and can be performed in a doctor’s office.
Possible risks
As with any treatment, there are risks associated it, though they are minimized in the hands of a qualified ASDS dermatologist. These include:
- Temporary or permanent change in skin color, particularly for women on birth control pills who subsequently become pregnant or have a history of brownish facial discoloration
- Scarring
- Reactivation of cold sores
Before the procedure, you and your ASDS dermatologist should discuss expectations, potential risks and outcomes of the procedure. You also should:
- Discuss your wrinkled skin condition and your treatment goals in order to determine the depth of chemical peel.
- Reveal any history of scarring, persistent cold scores or facial X-rays.
- Avoid any medications or supplements that can affect blood clotting – such as aspirin, ibuprofen or vitamin E – for 10 days before surgery.
- Avoid using medications such as Retin-A, Renova or glycolic acid.
- Determine in advance whether you will need to have someone drive you home following the procedure.
Afterward, patients experience a reaction similar to sunburn in the treatment area. Patients may experience:
- Redness, followed by scaling within three to seven days.
- Swelling.
- Blisters that will crust, turn brown and peel off within seven to 14 days following medium and deep peels.
- Bandages over treated areas for several days.
- Chemical peel patients should avoid the sun for several months following a procedure.
- Light peels may be repeated in one- to four-week intervals. Medium-depth peels may be repeated every six to 12 months.
best glycolic acid peel
Best Chemical Exfoliant Peel: Carrot & Stick The Exfoliating Peel, $50
Kate Somerville Kateceuticals Resurfacing Overnight Peel, $98
Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel, $95
SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight, $80
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Peel Mask, $39
Exuviance Performance Peel AP25, $79
Natura Bisse Diamond Glyco Extreme Peel, $295
Bliss That’s Incredi-peel Glycolic Acid Face Peel Pads, $22
Glo Skin Beauty Hydra Bright Glow Peel, $85
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Exfoliating Super Peel, $88
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution, $8.70
Glycolix Elite Resurfacing Peel Pads, $32
Perfect Image Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel, $29.95
Radical Skincare Age-Defying Pads, $75
The Science Behind Glycolic Acid Peels
A glycolic acid peel removes dead skin cells and debris by sloughing off the external and middle layers of skin. It’s considered a unique and valuable ingredient due to its minuscule molecular size. Molecular size matters because the smaller a molecule, the more easily it can penetrate deep into the skin. That said, glycolic acid penetrates the skin better and faster than all acids in the same family.
While there can be glycolic solutions as high as 70% for in-office treatments, the percentage in homecare products is typically between 8 and 30% — but a glycolic acid peel at home falls between 8 and 15%.
Glycolic Acid Peel Benefits
Glycolic acid increases collagen production, refines texture, brightens and refreshes skin tone, reduces wrinkles, and is a particularly excellent chemical peel for acne scars — especially stubborn marks left behind from old breakouts. Like most peels, glycolic acid also treats discoloration and acne — though less effectively than salicylic acid.
What to Look for in a Glycolic Acid Peel for Home
For a DIY skin peel to indeed be effective, look for a formula with a glycolic acid strength of 8-15%. While some experts believe anything less than 10% isn’t likely to be effective, those new to peels or have ultra-sensitive skin should consider starting with a glycolic acid level of around 5% and a pH level between three and four.
Keep in mind that professional strength glycolic acid peels range from 20-70%, so if you’re accustomed to tolerating such a strength, you can use a higher GA level for home use to help maintain results in between treatments.
To help counteract any potential irritation such as redness or dryness, look for a glycolic acid peel that’s also formulated with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and green tea extract to help circumvent these side effects.
Do overnight peels work
There are few things I find more gratifying than visualizing dead skin cells being sloughed off my face. I know, it’s weird and I should probably seek enjoyment from more enriching life experiences, but I am who I am and as such, a peel review is right up my alley. I didn’t grow up with parents or siblings who taught me the importance of exfoliation. Rather, my use of ingredients like glycolic or lactic acid came later in life. Thankfully, we eventually found our way to each other and my complexion’s been much improved ever since.
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) love letter aside, when I learned that Derma E’s overnight peel offered 5% AHAs with other nourishing ingredients like vitamin C and green tea, and it was only $19, I couldn’t try it fast enough.
Ahead, my experience test driving this affordable exfoliant facial.
Jodi Shays has been a licensed esthetician in California for over 20 years. She is also the owner of Queen Bee Salon & Spa, which has locations in Culver City and Seattle as well as its own skincare line.
Uses: Exfoliate and brighten
Potential allergens: Can cause sunburn
Active ingredients: Blend of 5% alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C
About the Brand: Derma E is a natural facial care brand that focuses on “potent vitamins, wholesome nutrients, and exceptional ingredients.” It began in a health food store in Southern California and is now a mainstay among the clean beauty set.
About My Skin: Normal combination, but sensitive
I’m in my mid-thirties, and my skin doesn’t bounce back quite as effortlessly as it used to. Because of this, I’m careful about the products I use on my face to ensure I avoid congestion and pigmentation. My skin is sensitive and prone to small rosacea flare-ups from time to time; however, it’s still able to handle ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids; I just have to be careful how often I use them and how concentrated they are.
The Feel: Creamy and absorbent
The peel is meant to be applied generously on a clean face before bed. The texture is creamy and absorbent, which made it easy to put my face on my pillow without it being messy. In the morning, Derma E advises to rinse thoroughly. I noticed that my skin seemed to have absorbed the peel entirely by the a.m., but I rinsed just to cross my t’s and dot my i’s.
After just one night’s sleep, I awoke to a face that looked less red, was visibly softer, and had an overall freshness about it.
The Ingredients: Clean and potent
While AHAs are beloved by the beauty industry, licensed esthetician Jodi Shays advises doing your research first. “The Food and Drug Administration does not recommend that you use an AHA with a strength of over 10%—some people start out with something at 8% or lower,” she explains. “At Queen Bee, we err on the side of caution and start out with a 2-5% strength AHA for at-home use, because you have to build up a tolerance. AHAs are used for shedding off the skin and if you go too high, you can end up with some very harsh side effects and damage to your skin.”Luckily, this peel is formulated with 5% AHAs and helps shed dead skin cells for a renewed complexion.
They also help with brightening dark spots and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Other exciting ingredients include Stay-C 50, which is a stable form of vitamin C; research has shown Vitamin C is proven to reduce dark spots. There’s also green tea to nourish and protect from UV damage, as well as jojoba seed oil to calm and hydrate. In other words, there’s a lot happening in this peel, and your skin will thank you for it.
This peel is vegan and cruelty-free and doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, lanolin, gluten, or GMOs. In other words, you can rest easy knowing you’re putting only the best ingredients on your face.
Potential Sensitivity: Avoid the sun
AHAs increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and can cause a sunburn. Derma E recommends wearing sunscreen and limiting sun exposure while using this peel (easy enough).
The Scent: Not my favorite
I hate to speak ill of this peel but … the smell is admittedly a bit funky. I’d characterize it along the lines of a tangy greek yogurt. Thankfully, once it has absorbed into your skin you don’t smell it anymore and then you’re off to sleep, so it’s not a big deal. Every nose is different, so what might smell slightly off kilter to me might be your cup of tea.
The Results: A rejuvenated complexion
I’ve used products with AHAs many times before, so I knew what to expect—smooth skin and a glowy complexion. This peel did not disappoint, and after just one night’s sleep with it on I awoke to a face that looked less red, was visibly softer, and had an overall freshness about it. It’s not a night-and-day sort of difference, but a perceivable improvement none the less.
The Value: Can’t beat it
This peel is effective, natural, and costs less than $20—need I say more?
Similar Products: You have options
Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel ($34): This peel from Boscia, formulated with multi-fruit AHAs as well as antioxidant enzymes, helps your skin shed old cells to reveal a softer, brighter complexion. It’s not meant to be worn overnight but is still effective and easy to use.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel ($88): I’ve used these peel wipes intermittently over the last several years and every time I do, I’m always reminded how miraculous they are. They are formulated with a blend of five AHA/BHAs as well as antioxidants and vitamins.
Final Verdict: Big fan
As someone with sensitive skin who loves waking up to a soothed complexion, this affordable peel is too good to pass up.
What Is the Strongest Peel You Can Do at Home
Some treatments are best left to the pros—and an intense chemical peel with glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid is most definitely one of them. Don’t test your fate (or face) with at-home experiments, people. But, that’s not to say that chemical exfoliators won’t give you the same glow-boosting, skin-evening benefits via a safer medium. The best at-home chemical peels are going to be *much* gentler, won’t require downtime, and will typically be delivered through peel pad, serum-like liquid, or wash-off formula.
Granted, it may take a bit longer to notice a smoother texture or faded dark spots, but believe us when we say that incorporating one into your routine is 100 percent worth it in the long run. At-home chemical peels vary in strength and ingredients, but most aim to deeply exfoliate the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve brightness, and lift away unwanted discoloration and brown spots.
To get the answers to all of your chemical peel questions and shop for the safest at-home options, keep scrolling. (If you’re interested in more professional-grade at-home treatments, check out our favorite LED masks, keratin treatments, and dermaplaning tools. )
What to Look for in a Chemical Peel
When choosing a DIY peel, it’s smart to consider your skin type, says Dr. Engelman. “Look at the acids in the peel, and make sure they target the issue you are trying to remedy.” For example, someone with acne-prone skin might want to seek out a salicylic acid peel, while someone with sensitive skin looking to target hyperpigmentation is better suited with glycolic acid.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel recommends that companies use glycolic and lactic alpha-hydroxy acids in concentrations of 10 percent or less, in solutions with a pH of 3.5 or greater, when formulating consumer products. As for salicylic acid? The maximum concentration in over-the-counter products is two percent.
You’re going to notice that the chemical peels on this list range from peel pads to overnight treatments. While the medium you choose is in large part personal preference, it’s worth noting that short-term, wash-off products are *typically* going to have less of an impact than leave-on formulas that can work overnight. However, that doesn’t mean that the latter is necessarily better. Wash-off products are generally ideal for more sensitive or dry skin types.
Is an At-Home Chemical Peel Safe?
Let us preface this by saying that using a professional-grade product at home is unsafe—those high intensity acids should *only* be used by doctors. “Due to a wave of how-to YouTube videos and consumer accessibility to professional products through vendors like Amazon, I am seeing more and more instances of serious damage done to skin—all in a patient’s own bathroom,” says Dr. Dennis Gross, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. “Higher concentrations of acid must be administered by a licensed professional; they can damage skin if they’re not neutralized properly.” That said, using a peel pad, mask, or serum that is specifically designed for at-home use is a-ok.
