Chemical Peel Care Products

Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that involve using acids to exfoliate the skin.

The acid removes a uniform amount of damaged skin cells across the treatment area. When done appropriately, this allows the skin to heal, with minimalTrusted Source scarring or color changes.

Chemical peels can affect two layers of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the visible outer layer, and the dermis sits just beneath. This deeper layer contains nerve endings, sweat glands, and hair follicles.

All chemical peels remove a controlled amount of skin cells from the epidermis. A stronger peel may also remove a small part of the dermis.

Dermatologists may use chemical peels to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or to address:

• acne
• enlarged pores
• scarring
• redness
• rosacea
• hyperpigmentation

During a chemical peel, a dermatologist applies an exfoliant acid — first to the thicker areas of skin, such as the chin, nose, and cheeks, and then to the thinner areas around the eyes and mouth.

After the chemical peel, the dermatologist may use cool saline compresses to remove any remaining exfoliant.

They may recommend various ways to help the skin heal, such as applying a weak vinegar solution or unscented emollient to the face for a few days after the treatment.

The process can cause swelling and peeling, which may take 1–2 weeksTrusted Source to go away, depending on the depth and intensity of the peel. It is important to keep the face dry and not shower or use face wash for the first 24 hours. Also, do not use makeup until the skin has healed.

Types of chemical peel

There are three types of chemical peel, based on how deeply they exfoliate the skin:

• superficial peels
• medium-depth peels
• deep peels

The right choice depends on the type and shade of a person’s skin and what issue they are hoping to address.

Superficial peels

Dermatologists recommend superficial peels if skin issues only affect the top layer of the skin, the epidermis.

Because superficial peels do not penetrate the deeper layers, they carry a lower risk of side effects and the skin tends to recover more quickly.

Superficial peels take 1–7 days to heal. It is important to wear sunscreen during this time.

Because superficial peels are the gentlest type, a person may need up to five sessions to see the results they want. People may be able to have superficial peels every 2–5 weeks.

Medium-depth peels

Dermatologists may recommendTrusted Source medium-depth peels for:

• fine wrinkles
• sun-damaged skin
• minor hyperpigmentation
• minor acne scars

Medium-depth peels take 7–14 days to heal. They cause swelling that worsens for 48 hours after the treatment and may cause blisters.

The dermatologist provides a solution that a person should use to help their skin heal. It is also important to avoid sun exposure during the recovery time.

The dermatologist may also prescribe an antiviral medication, which a person takes for 10–14 days. People can wear makeup after 5–7 days but must avoid total sun exposure until the skin heals fully.

Deep peels

Dermatologists do not usually use deep chemical peels. For issues affecting the deeper layers, laser therapy often provides better resultsTrusted Source.

However, a dermatologist may recommend a deep peel if a person has:

• moderate to severe sun damage
• moderate to severe wrinkles
• moderate to severe hyperpigmentation

Due to their strength, deep peels take 14–21 days to heal. A person needs to:

• Recuperate at home.
• Take antiviral medication for 10–14 days.
• Wash the skin with a special solution between four and six times a day.
• Apply an ointment for 14 days, then use a thick moisturizer.
• Avoid makeup for at least 14 days.
• Avoid sun exposure for 3–6 months.

Types of acid

Chemical peels can contain different types of acid, includingTrusted Source:

• Alpha-hydroxy acids: Some examples include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid. At-home exfoliating treatments often contain these acids.
• Beta-hydroxy acids: Salicylic acid is one example, and it is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin and enlarged pores.
• Trichloroacetic acid: Dermatologists typically use this in medium or deep chemical peels.
• Phenol: This powerful chemical agent is useful in deep peels.

Some chemicals in peels cause the skin to develop a white coating, which the dermatologist may refer to as “frosting.”

Frosting signals the end-stage of a peel. Its presence and extent helps the doctor tell whether the peel has been sufficiently effective.

There are three levelsTrusted Source of frosting:

• patches of white coating over red skin
• a general white coating with redness underneath
• a complete coverage of white coating with almost no redness

Side effects

The side effects of a chemical peel can be mild. However, some people develop lasting adverse effects, such as:

• redness that lasts for months
• temporary dark patches of skin
• permanently lightened patches of skin
• scarring

The best way to avoid these is to visit an experienced dermatologist and follow their aftercare instructions carefully.

Risks by skin color

Many dermatologists use the Fitzpatrick scale when deciding on a type of peel to recommend. This scale classifies skin by six types:

1. white skin that always burns and never tans
2. white skin that usually burns and does not tan easily
3. darker white skin that may burn slightly and tans
4. moderate brown skin that rarely burns and tans easily
5. darker brown skin that very rarely burns and tans very easily
6. black skin that does not burn and tans very easily

People with skin types 1, 2, or 3 have a lower riskTrusted Source of a chemical peel changing the color of their skin or causing scarring. This means that any type of peel may be safe.

People with skin types 4, 5, or 6 have a higher risk of a peel causing severe skin discoloration or scarring. For this reason, it is crucial to visit a dermatologist who has experience with chemical peels and skin of color.

In general, superficial peels are safeTrusted Source for people with brown or black skin. However, the risk increases with peels of greater depth.

A dermatologist should have plenty of experience and use extreme caution when giving a medium-depth peel to someone with brown or black skin. They should not recommend or perform deep peels, due to the high risk of skin discoloration and scarring.

Chemical Peel Care Products

Drunk Elephant

$80 AT SEPHORA

$71 AT WALMART

$80 AT ULTA BEAUTY

With a blend of 25% AHAs (glycolic, tartaric, lactic, and citric acids) as well as 2% BHA (salicylic acid) to work both at the skin’s surface and down inside the pores, this putty-colored peel leaves skin looking and feeling smoother in 20 minutes, without overpowering sensitive complexions.

Bargain Buy

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary

$8 AT SEPHORA

$18 AT WALMART

$8 AT JCPENNEY

The high-octane ingredients found in peels mean that many versions also come with steep price tags. Not this bottle, which offers 30% AHAs and 2% BHA for maximum exfoliation on a shoestring budget.

30% Glycolic Acid Peel Concentrate

Sobel Skin Rx

$46 AT SEPHORA

If you’re ready to take on skincare like a pro, look no further than this 30% glycolic acid peel that will clear away dullness-inducing dead skin cells, help unblock pores, and boost your natural radiance in just two minutes.

Pro-Level Peel

Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

When you’re ready to get serious about smoothing and brightening, this potent two-step peel offers dark spot eliminating power as well as redness-fighting soothers. Step one features lactic and glycolic acid and the pineapple-derived enzyme bromelian and can be customized depending on the amount that you apply. After just two minutes of exfoliation, apply step two which deactivates the peeling action with soothing oatmeal and green tea.

$95 AT SEPHORA

$110 AT WALMART

$95 AT NORDSTROM

Dermalogica

$85 AT DERMSTORE

These individually portioned tubes of high-potency lactic acid and caviar lime help resurface skin and give your natural collagen production a little nudge to make skin look firmer.

Best for Acne Scars

Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel

Glytone

$64 AT SKINSTORE

$64 AT WALMART

$64 AT DERMSTORE

With a 10.8 glycolic acid value, this straightforward gel peel (it has just 7 ingredients) is perfect for those who aren’t kidding around with their exfoliation routine. With regular use, it can also help smooth the appearance of uneven texture.

Best Natural Peel

Resurfacing Mask

Tata Harper

$65 AT VIOLET GREY

Famed for its farm-sourced ingredients, this best-selling mask uses BHA from willow bark and exfoliating pomegranate enzymes to wake up tired-looking skin.

Best for Fine Lines

Caviar Lime Acid Peel

Lancer Skincare

$97 AT DERMSTORE

Australian caviar lime lends its peeling power to AHA glycolic acid, as well as brightening phytic acid and wrinkle fighting retinol for a do-it-all weekly peel.

Best for Travel

Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

$88 AT SEPHORA

$150 AT NORDSTROM

$150 AT SKINSTORE

Travel can be tough on skin, but these convenient packets of pre-soaked peel wipes with glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids make sure that you can maintain your glow on-the-go.

Most Splurge-Worthy

Glyco Extreme Peel

Natura Bissé

$295 AT DERMSTORE

$295 AT NORDSTROM

$295 AT SKINSTORE

Washington, D.C.-based dermatologist Dr. Noëlle Sherber recommends this luxe, ultra-effective peel for a home glow. “It has a nice blend of 5 AHAs (glycolic, lactic, malic, tartaric, and citric acids) plus a BHA,” she says. “It also contains an enzyme that is more active at higher temperatures, so a pro tip is to use this on warm skin in the bath or shower for a more intense treatment. It also includes glycerin which is an excellent small molecule hydrator to prevent skin getting dehydrated and flaky.

SkinBetter Science

$110 AT SKINBETTER

Dermatologists love SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads due to their unique formulation. “They are a great combination of retinoid with alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids,” says Dr. Honet. “They are effective yet gentle enough to use at home 2-3 times a week and are well-suited for nearly every skincare regimen.”

Best for Acne

Max Complexion Correction Pads

Peter Thomas Roth

$48 AT ULTA BEAUTY

$30 AT WALMART

$39 AT NORDSTROM

Though formulated to tackle acne—chiefly with 2% salicylic acid—these powerful pads are also super effective at whisking away the dryness that can cause fine lines, minimizing pores, and regulating oil production.

Best for Brighter Skin

1 oz. Gold Profection22 Mask

Ambari Beauty

$92 AT BERGDORF GOODMAN

This super-potent rinse-off treatment mask incorporates a blend of 22% AHAs, plus adaptogenic reishi mushroom and comforting CBD, to polish skin and boost glow in only 10-15 minutes.

Strongest At-Home Chemical Peel

A Unique Norishing Skin Exfoliator

Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel

$120.00

This hard-working skin treatment exfoliates like no regular facial scrub can, boosted with a blend of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids and Beta-Hydroxy Acids. Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel reveals a brighter and more youthful complexion with improved texture and tone. Also containing Tranexamic Acid, this product is particularly effective at home chemical peel for hyperpigmentation. A nourishing cocktail of lipids ensures that skin remains nourished and hydrated.

Encourages Skin Renewal and Deeply Hydrates

Priori LCA fx160 – 2xfoliant Peel+Scrub 200ml

$85.00

Working as both a chemical peel at home and a manual face scrub, Priori LCA fx160 2xfoliant Peel + Scrub can be used on both the face and body. This multipurpose exfoliator smooths rough and dry skin, hydrates, and boosts antioxidant protection against free radical damage. Microspheres manually exfoliate the skin’s surface while Alpha-Hydroxy Acids go deeper to provide a full skin renewal. This multi-action treatment helps reduce pigmentation and lines as it erases dullness.

A Plumping Overnight Peel

Medik8 Sleep Glycolic 30ml

$78.00

Give your skin an extra boost of TLC to catch up on those long-lost ‘z’s’ with Medik8 Sleep Glycolic. This targeted formula works to brighten and decongest the skin, minimising the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation. You can experience visible results after only a few applications and it is one of the best chemical peels for first-time users. Enjoy the power of a good night’s sleep in a bottle and experience firmer, plumper skin with this nourishing formula. Suitable for any skin type, except for those with sensitive skin, this is a great launching product for anyone looking to get started on their journey into chemical peels.

Exfoliates Skin and Decongest Clogged Pores

Aspect Exfol L 15

$92.00

Aspect Exfol L is gentle enough even for sensitive skin types but still delivers fast-acting and dramatic improvements to problematic skin. Whether you want to enhance radiance, decongest clogged pores, or clear up pigmentation and acne, this powerful night exfoliator works a charm. Using only naturally derived Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, Aspect Exfol L doesn’t cause the same irritation, redness, and discomfort that chemical peels are often associated with, making it perfect for those with reactive skin.

A Strong Chemical Peel at Home

If you’re looking for an at-home chemical peel for wrinkles, acne, or hyperpigmentation, you may want something a little stronger to tackle your skincare concerns.

We don’t recommend jumping in straight away with these treatments, though.

It’s best first to let your skin adjust to chemical peels with milder formulas.

Those who have experienced a deep chemical peel will be familiar with the redness and swelling they can cause. A burning or throbbing may also accompany this. Sounds awful, we know. But when you choose a strong chemical peel to use at home instead of a professional option, these reactions should be nowhere near as severe.

A deep peel usually contains high concentrations of trichloroacetic acid, which is what makes it the strongest of chemical peels. While this ingredient is not typically found in at-home peels, ingredients like AHAs, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid are used in higher concentrations in formulas to create a stronger chemical peel result at home.

Here are some of our recommendations for the safest, strongest at home chemical peels.

Accelerate the Skin’s Natural Cell Turnover

Gently exfoliate dead skin cells and impurities for a brighter, clearer complexion with L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Glycolic Peel Pads. These pads improve the appearance of your skin tone. The glycolic acid promotes gentle peeling that not only evens skin tone, but also promotes natural cell turnover for a healthier, stronger skin barrier. Simply apply the gauze peeling side of the pad on cleansed, dry skin and wipe across your face and decolletage for the best results. Follow with your favourite night time serums and moisturisers to complete your nightly skincare regimen.