Chemical peel facials used to be a secret known only to starlets and debutantes and were performed only by doctors and dermatologists. However, safer and more sophisticated technologies have made them widely available to everyone. Most chemical peel treatments are still done at salons and spas, but there are many home chemical peel kits on the market. You will not get salon results with a home kit, but it can be a simple and inexpensive way to give your skin a fresh, new look.
Choose Your Peel
There are many different types of at-home chemical peels. The most popular use glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid, which is also known as TCA. Avoid any at-home kits containing carbolic acid or phenol. Concentrations over 10% are too caustic for you to use on your own, and if the concentration is below 10%, it won’t do you any good.
Do a Test Patch
Dip a cotton swab into the chemical peel solution and apply it to a spot on your face near your ear. Let it sit for five to 10 minutes, and then either neutralize it or rinse it off of your skin according to the kit’s instructions. Wait 24 hours to make sure you have no adverse effects before proceeding.
Prepare Your Skin
Many at-home chemical peels suggest that you start preparing your skin about a week before the peel, by using an alpha hydroxy moisturizer every day. If you have chosen a glycolic acid peel, the opposite holds true; stop using any product containing alpha hydroxy at least one week before the peel.
Start the Process
Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry. Many at-home chemical peels come with a solution of witch hazel or another pH-neutral astringent, so you will need to apply this to your skin with a cotton ball or gauze pad. Let it dry naturally.
Apply the Chemical Peel
Follow the directions that came with your chemical peel kit very carefully, because each manufacturer has different guidelines. Most kits will advise you to apply a bit of the chemical to a gauze pad or cotton ball and wipe it onto your face. Use a fresh piece of gauze or cotton instead of re-wetting the used one.
Wait
Set a timer or watch the clock, and do not let the chemical peel sit on your skin for any longer than the instructions say. Leaving the peel on longer will not get you a better result, and it can burn your skin.
Neutralize or Remove the Chemicals
When the time is up, either use the neutralizing solution that came with your kit, or rinse your face will cool water. Make sure you get all of the chemical peel off of your skin, and do not get any into your eyes, nose or mouth.
Soothe Your Skin
Apply a neutral, mild moisturizer to your skin. Many kits will either provide one or give you suggestions for which ones to use. Avoid anything that is perfumed or that contains any kind of acids like alpha or beta hydroxy. Plain baby oil or petroleum jelly will also work.
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