5 tips you need to remember if you want to try skin peeling treatments at home

Found yourself adding at-home skincare peels to your cart? There’s a good chance you have, or you’ve at least considered using one, now that heading over to your dermatologist isn’t as convenient as it used to be. Skin peels are usually loaded with deep exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and other brightening agents that are meant to give your skin a radiant glow almost immediately. These ingredients work hard on your skin, which means they’re a lot more abrasive than your regular cleansers and exfoliators. We put together a comprehensive guide to using skin peels at home—everything you should keep in mind, what to avoid and what to definitely do.

Ensure that you choose a peel that’s made to be used at home

“A peel by definition is a solution that exfoliates the top layer of the skin which is made of dead cells,” says Dr Chytra Anand, dermatologist and founder of Kosmoderma Clinics. “The most common peeling agents deemed safe for Indian skin are glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid.” Acids can range from a scale of zero to six on the pH scale, with zero being the strongest and six being the mildest. This pH level can determine whether they can be used at home or should be administered in a clinic. “The home-use peeling agents are buffered, so the free acid content is minimal and the depth of penetration in the skin is limited. Ideally a pH value that is at or around three should be picked. Those used in-clinic have a higher acidic value and should be used in a controlled environment.”

Always use a peel on clean skin and one that’s made for your skin type

Thoroughly cleanse your skin with a gel- or cream-based cleanser so it’s rid of all oil and ready for the peel. “Oil inhibits penetration of the peeling agents,” adds Dr Anand. Only use the peel for as long as is mentioned on the bottle, not even a minute more—if you’re binging on a TV show, set an alarm. “The stronger the acid, the shorter the procedure time.” Use a glycolic acid peel if you have tanned or pigmented skin, one with salicylic acid for oily, acne-prone skin and that with lactic acid if you have dry skin. “If you are undergoing any medical skin procedures, check with your skin doctor [before using an at-home peel],” suggests Dr Anand. You can ideally use a peel every two-four weeks, based on how often your skin requires one.

Choose the right peel, and then patch test

“Always buy a peel from a reputed company, check for the ingredient label, company information and approvals. If the peeling agent is not prepared in the right way, it can cause skin burns,” says Dr Anand. “Patch test the peel on your neck or forearm 24 hours before applying it on your face, [especially] if you have sensitive skin.”

Keep first aid around when using a peel for the first time

“Keep a bowl of ice handy if it’s your first time using an acid-based peel at home,” suggests Dr Anand. “If the peel starts to burn, wash your face with cool water and ice it right away.” Make sure you follow all instructions correctly; this isn’t a skincare step you can play around with. “Your skin should not have [persistent] redness after the peel, only for a maximum of 15-30 minutes.”

Keep post-peel skincare in mind

Dr Anand lists the most important skincare dos and don’ts after you’ve successfully used your at-home peel.

1. 1

   Don’t bleach, thread or wax any area of your face for one week before and one week after using a peel.

2. 2

   Don’t expose your skin to the sun for prolonged hours for two weeks after using a peel. Even when you’re stepping out of the house for a few minutes, using sunscreen is non-negotiable.

3. 3

   Don’t steam your face after using an acid-based peel at home.

4. 4

   Don’t sign up for any other facial procedures for a week after your at-home treatment.

5. 5

   Don’t apply DIY face masks made with fruits or vegetables after a peel.

6. 6

   Stay away from retinol-based products for at least 24 hours post-peel.

Also read:

Are you messing up your face in the pursuit of glowing skin?

What you need to know about treating hyperpigmentation on Indian skin

The best at-home chemical peels for glowing skin