Guide for Using At Home Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are easy and effective enough to use at home. Proper procedures must still be observed however in order to avoid any complications. Use only the best over the counter at home chemical peels for maximum results.

Below is the general procedure for doing superficial peels at home.

1. Prepare the chemical peeling agent in a glass container. The neutralizing agent should also be ready and nearby.
2. Sensitive areas like the eyes and the nose should be protected. This is usually done by coating these areas with Vaseline.
3. Using an applicator brush or a gauze, Apply the peeling agent evenly. Begin with the forehead, left cheek, nose, right cheek, and chin. Gentle strokes should be applied at the edges to prevent demarcation lines.
4. After about three minutes or whatever the indicated duration time is, neutralize the areas where the chemical agent was applied.
5. The skin is now gently dried once the burning or tingling sensation subsides. avoid rubbing the skin.

Superficial peels are recommended be done every two to four weeks.

Aftercare Reminders

• The purpose of postoperative care is to ensure flawless recovery and minimize risks. This is very important for those Who has a history of hyperpigmentation and abnormal scarring.
• Maintenance is also essential to preserve results.
• Only use cleansers that are made for sensitive skin. This is to avoid any irritations.
• If there is healing, a topical antibacterial solution should be applied to prevent infections.
• For irritated skin, Cold compress can be applied.
• Sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and has broad spectrum is essential to human skin. Direct sunlight should also be avoided during the healing period.
• Avoid application of heavy make up, topical creams containing fragrance or essential oils, and heavy moisturizers.
• Do not peel or scratch the skin to avoid scarring

Commonly Used Chemical Peeling Agents

Glycolic acid

This is used for superficial peels. They are very safe and effective even at high concentrations. It also has a very long shelf life compared to the other acids.

One of the downsides to using glycolic acid is that it has a tendency to penetrate the unevenly. This also has to be neutralized after use.

Trichloroacetic acid

This type of peeling agent has a wide range of concentration spanning from superficial to deep. Frosting comes quickly to the skin once applied so it is easy to evenly distribute. There's no need to neutralize the acid after treatment.

At a higher concentration, scarring and hyperpigmentation can occur.

TCA also has a limited shelf life. Fortunately, it is also relatively one of the most inexpensive on the market.

Salicylic acid

This is a BHA or Beta-hydroxy acid. This means that the agent is small enough to seep into the pores and unclog them, making it highly recommended for acne prone and oily skin.

It is also superficial peeling agent that causes frost, and therefore easy to apply evenly on the skin. It also does not penetrate deeply however, so there is no need to neutralize it after the procedure.

People who are allergic to aspirin and those who are undergoing pregnancy should avoid this type of peel.

Lactic acid

A mild type of peel with moisturizing effects. It is therefore recommended for those wanting to address dry and dull skin. This is an AHA or Alpha-hydroxy acid, which means it only penetrates the skin superficially.

This is one of the oldest form of chemical peels, recorded way back in ancient Egypt. Cleopatra used sour milk in her regimen, which we now know contains ample amount of lactic acid.

Introduction to Chemical Peeling

Chemical peeling is a cosmetic procedure used to correct superficial acne scars, pigmentary disorders, benign skin growths, fine lines and wrinkles. The process is through the application of a chemical formula to the skin, which leads to epidermal exfoliation followed by skin regeneration.
The result is an improvement in texture, elasticity, and overall appearance of the skin.

This is a common procedure that stands the test of time despite numerous advances in the industry.

 

Benefits of chemical peeling includes:

• Brightening of dry and dull skin
• Melasma lightening
• Photoaging reduction
• Blurred fine lines
• Large pores minimized
• Reduction of superficial acne scars
• Removal of comedonal acne like blackheads and whiteheads
• Acne vulgaris reduction
• Lightening of freckles
• Warts and Milia removal
• Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation reduction

 

Contraindications include:

• Fungal, viral, and bacterial skin infections - any active infections should be under control and completely healed before starting the treatment.
• Photosensitivity - patients were sensitive to light should apply broad-spectrum sunscreens with a minimum 30 SPF.
• Open wounds or lesions
• Inflamed or sunburnt skin
• For deep peels, history of keloids and abnormal scarring
• Use of isotretinoin in the last six months

Before undertaking the procedure, make sure you have properly assessed your skin for any contraindications. Priming your skin is also recommended to improve healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Those who run the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation should apply hydroquinone.
You can also start priming your skin at home by using gentle healing agents.

Toners with ingredients like Tretinoin, Kojic Acid,  glycolic acid, and salicylic acids are a good place to start.

Chemical peels should be done periodically to achieve maximum results and prevent reoccurrence.