Achemical peelcan be one of the most effective ways to shave a few years off the appearance of your face. You can go to a dermatologist or aesthetician for a peel, of course, but if that’s not in your budget or you prefer to tend to your skin at home, an at-home peel may be the answer. This quick guide to DIY skin peels will help you get started.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Blend Images / Getty Images
The Magic of Glycolic Acid
Among the best over-the-counter skin peels for home treatment are those containingglycolic acid, a chemical also used in medical office peels but at a higher strength. Glycolic acid is derived from plants such as pineapple and sugar beets; when incorporated into skin care products it can help skin look younger and fresher in several ways.
Here’s how it works: Skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis—the outer, protective one; the dermis, which lies just beneath the epidermis; andsubcutaneous tissue—the deepest layer of the skin made up of fat, connective tissue, and larger blood vessels and nerves.
Glycolic acid is an exfoliant as well. It seeps into the more superficiallayers of the skinwhere dead cells accumulate, causing skin to look dull. The acid destroys the attachments that hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to slough off and make room for new skin cells to grow. The result is brighter, softer, smoother skin, and a more even skin tone.
Choosing and Using Glycolic Acid at Home
While higher concentrations are available, a cosmetic industry expert panel concluded that alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid are safe for consumer use if the concentration is 10% or less. Talk to your healthcare provider before using a stronger product.
It’s likely you’ll experience some peeling and redness when you begin using glycolic acid on your skin, especially if your skin is sensitive. If you have excessive peeling and redness, or any sort of discomfort, stop using the product and check with your dermatologist. And one big caution: As withretinoids, glycolic acid can leave skin more sensitive to damaging UV rays. Stay out of the sun, slather on sunscreen, wear a hat, and enjoy your younger, fresher complexion.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tang SC, Yang JH.Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.Molecules. 2018;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863Food and Drug Administration.Alpha hydroxy acids.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tang SC, Yang JH.Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.Molecules. 2018;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863Food and Drug Administration.Alpha hydroxy acids.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Tang SC, Yang JH.Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.Molecules. 2018;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863Food and Drug Administration.Alpha hydroxy acids.
Tang SC, Yang JH.Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.Molecules. 2018;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863
Food and Drug Administration.Alpha hydroxy acids.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
