If you are looking for smoother and brighter-looking skin, you may want to try a chemical peel. At-home chemical peel kits use low levels of alphahydroxy acid AHA and salicylic acid BHA formulas to remove blackheads, reduce oily skin and acne, cleanse the pores, freshen skin, and improve texture, says Audrey Kunin, M.D.
Chemical peel treatments can be done in the privacy of your own home, instead of at an expensive spa. Carefully follow the instructions supplied by the kit and within 15 to 20 minutes you are on your way to better-looking skin.
24-hour patch test
Step 1
Dip a cotton swab into the peel solution and apply a light amount to a small area of your cheek near your ear.
Step 2
Rinse the area with tap water after five minutes.
Step 3
Watch for burning and blistering for the next 24 hours.
Step 4
Proceed to Section 2 if your skin does not react significantly.
Peel application
Step 1
Put on latex gloves for the application process.
Step 2
Tie back your hair to prevent it from touching your face if you lean over the sink.
Step 3
Apply a mild skin cleanser with a gauze pad to remove all makeup from your face.
Step 4
Wait for your skin to dry. Then, use a gauze pad to wipe your face with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and oils from your skin.
Step 5
Repeat Step 4 with new gauze pads until no dirt or residue can be seen on the pads.
Step 6
Spread a petroleum-based gel with a cotton swab to the areas around your nostrils, eyes, and corners of your mouth. The gel will protect these areas from the peel solution.
Step 7
Apply the recommended amount of peel solution on a gauze pad. Refer to the instructions for the exact amount of solution.
Step 8
Gently wipe the solution along the top and the side of your nose. Then wipe from the side of your nose over your cheekbone and to the ear.
Step 9
Gently wipe across your face from your nose to your ear, slowly working your way down the length of your nose.
Step 10
Wipe the area above your lips and under your nose, then across to your ear.
Step 11
Wipe from the middle of your chin to the bottom of your ear.
Step 12
Repeat Steps 7 through 11 for the other side of your face.
Step 13
Finally, wipe across your forehead. You may also apply to your neck.
Step 14
Wait 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rinse your face thoroughly with cool water to neutralize the solution.
Step 15
Apply a petroleum based gel with a cotton swab or gauze pad on the treated areas.
Step 16
Wash your face with a mild skin cleanser twice a day or more, depending upon the amount of peeling or flaking. Then apply the petroleum-based gel.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a fan to blow cool air on your face to ease the stinging sensation while applying the chemical peel solution. Be patient. Generally, peeling and flaking begins within two to four days and ends in six to seven days.
- Avoid sun tanning and sun exposure for at least four to six weeks after treatment. Use sunscreen daily. Do not use chemical peels if you have history of sensitivity to chemical peels. Consult with your doctor prior to chemical peel treatment if you have active herpes, active skin infections or are dark-skinned.
Things You'll Need
- Home chemical peel solution
- Home chemical peel instructions
- Mild skin cleanser
- Sunscreen
- Cotton swabs
- Gauze pads
- Rubbing alcohol
- Petroleum-based gel
- Tap water
- Hair bands
- Latex gloves
- Fan
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