If your skin appears dull and uneven, at-home skin peel treatments may be effective in providing a refreshing appearance. These treatments mimic the effects of chemical peels performed by a dermatologist or aesthetician. Knowing what peels are best for home use and which should be left for the doctor's office can allow you to safely achieve better skin.
Significance
Chemical peels involve applying a diluted chemical to the skin. The chemical penetrates the pores and breaks the chemical bonds that bind dead skin cells to living ones. The result is skin that appears more smooth and even to the touch. A variety of chemical peels and peel strengths can be utilized to offer results at home. Be sure to follow the direction carefully in order to prevent irritation or skin damage.
Benefits
When applied regularly, a chemical peel can help to reduce acne and soften and smooth the skin, according to Doc Shop. However, at-home skin peel treatments likely will not produce dramatic results, such as removing deeper wrinkles or areas of hyperpigmentation.
Depth
Skin peels tend to be classified by how deeply they penetrate the skin. For example, a phenol peel can penetrate all the way to the skin's deep dermis --- but this chemical peel can only be performed in a medical setting, according to Dr. Audrey Kunin, a dermatologist writing on DERMA Doctor, a skincare resource website. At-home skin peels tend to range from very superficial --- a mild exfoliation of the skin's top layer --- and superficial --- penetrating a portion or all of the outer epidermal layer. The amount of depth a peel penetrates depends upon the chemical itself and in what concentration it is delivered. For example, most at-home skin peels tend to have active chemicals ranging from 4 percent to 12 percent, according to DERMA Doctor. Chemical peels performed at a dermatologist's office tend to be used in 30 percent or more proportions.
Types
Most at-home chemical peels contain some level of glycolic acid, an acid that is adept at penetrating the pores, according to Dr. Kunin. Glycolic acid often is combined with salicylic acid in at-home treatments, which helps to remove dirt and oil buildup in the pores. Other ingredients, such as TCA, Resorcin or Jessner's Solution also may be used in smaller quantities as superficial peels. However, Dr. Kunin warns these peels should typically be utilized only in a medical setting where a physician or aesthetician can monitor your skin.
Expert Insight
Because at-home skin peels do not utilize strong concentrations of chemicals, it is important to not expect dramatic results, according to Dr. John P. Di Saia, a plastic surgeon, on Real Self, an online forum where doctors and patients discuss treatment options. "At home kits aren't as strong as the in-office agents your surgeon will provide. If you use 'at home' stuff, I tell patients to take it easy and rely upon repetition to provide results," Saia writes on the site.
