Unlock Flawless Skin: The Secret Power of Chemical Peels Revealed!
Have you heard the buzz? The absolute *best* time to book that in-office treatment at your dermatologist is… drumroll, please… right now! With the cooler temps settling in, the sun taking a backseat, and those vacation days just sitting there waiting to be used, it’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a little skin rejuvenation while you relax at home during recovery.
Among the array of fabulous treatments available—from laser therapies to injectables—chemical peels are a hot favorite that packs a punch without taking too much time. Sure, they may require a bit of downtime, but the results are nothing short of transformative! These peels work wonders on sun damage, dark spots, and melasma that may have popped up during those sun-soaked summer months. As one dermatologist puts it, “Exfoliating enzymes in chemical peels gently slough off the dead skin layer, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion.”
Here’s how it usually goes down: A blend of powerful exfoliating acids is applied to your skin. This magical concoction loosens those stubborn dead skin cells, allowing them to easily shed away. Once they do—*ta-da!*—you unveil a fresh layer of baby-soft skin underneath!
Not only do chemical peels deliver that coveted glow, but they also help fade dark spots, even out your skin tone, and boost collagen production. Just a heads-up though—chemical peels come in various strengths, and not all of them are as intimidating as a phenol peel! Many can be safely done at home using over-the-counter products infused with alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) acids. The best part? Downtime is usually just a few minutes of slight redness, with little to no irritation.
Ready to dive in? Here are some of my all-time favorite at-home facial peels that will level up your skincare game:
- Kate Somerville Liquid ExfoliKate ($68): A true skin-care staple! This nighttime serum works its magic while you snooze, tackling texture and minimizing those pesky enlarged pores. With a delightful mix of pineapple, papaya, and pumpkin enzymes, plus glycolic, malic, and lactic acids, it’s no wonder my mom and I are obsessed with the glowing results!
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel ($44): A recent star in the limited-edition Best of Beauty Beauty Box, this fragrance-free and sensitive skin-approved peel combines 2% salicylic acid with a powerful 25% AHA blend. Perfect for achieving that radiant skin in just 10 minutes—my teenage acne scars don’t stand a chance!
- The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ($10): This daringly vibrant red treatment is not only effective at brightening your complexion but also doubles as a frightful Halloween accessory! Packed with glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, just remember to keep it on for no more than 10 minutes—your skin will thank you!
Reader Question
This year, my husband and I are hosting our very first Halloween party, and I’m going all out with either a Chappell Roan or Elphaba (you know, The Wicked Witch of the West) look. I need my makeup to last all night, and even more importantly, to come off easily when the festivities are over. What setting sprays or powders, and gentle makeup removers do you recommend?
— asks Allure Reader Dora
