You Don’t Need to be Scared of at Home Peels Anymore. Here’s 3 we Love & How to Use Them

At-home peels? For some of us, just hearing those words brings a little wave of anxiety.

Maybe you’re picturing red, irritated skin or even worse, a chemical peel gone wrong. But let us stop you right there.

At-home peels have evolved, and if you choose the right one, they can give you brighter, smoother, and glowier skin in no time – all without the salon price tag.

If you’ve been on the fence, it’s time to hop off because these peels are here to treat your skin right.

Let’s break it down and introduce you to three gentle yet effective options that will take your skincare routine to the next level- and how to best use them.

1. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Dark Spot Glycolic Peel, $50.99

If you’re new to peels, this one’s a fantastic place to start. L'Oréal Paris has really nailed the balance between efficacy and gentleness with their Revitalift Bright Reveal Dark Spot Glycolic Peel.

Powered by 10% glycolic acid, this peel targets uneven skin tone and texture, sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more even complexion.

Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) known for gently exfoliating the skin, improving radiance, and tackling dark spots over time.

Perfect for anyone dealing with pigmentation or dullness, this peel is easy to use – just apply it in the evening after cleansing, and let it work its magic overnight. No rinsing required!

Pro tip: Follow up with sunscreen every day after using this peel, as glycolic acid can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.

2. Clear Skincare Clarifying Minipeel with 8% Salicylic Acid, $40

Looking for a pro-level glow without the price tag of a salon visit?

The Clear Skincare Mini Peel is a gentle yet effective solution for tackling a range of skin concerns- but especially made with acne-prone skin in mind.

Just apply a thin layer, let it sit for 3-5 minutes, and rinse off.

It’s quick, easy, and delivers results without irritation.

Plus, its combination of AHA and BHA means it can also help unclog pores, so it’s a great pick if you're prone to breakouts or congestion.

Bonus: It’s a solid option for oily or combination skin thanks to the added salicylic acid (a BHA), which dives deep into your pores to clear them out.

3. Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum & Peel, $134

Ready for something a little more luxe?

Dermalogica’s PowerBright Dark Spot Peel is a standout option for those dealing with stubborn pigmentation or dark spots.

This powerful, yet gentle, peel targets uneven skin tone and discolouration while also giving your skin a smoother, more refined texture.

Infused with lactic acid, this peel helps to exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting cell turnover for a brighter complexion.

It’s also formulated with brightening ingredients like niacinamide and hexylresorcinol, which work to fade dark spots over time.

It’s gentle enough for regular use and delivers noticeable results after consistent application.

Still Scared?

At-home peels have seriously evolved, and with the right formulation, they’re now a safe and effective way to improve your skin’s texture and tone without needing a trip to the dermatologist.

If you’re on the fence about adding one to your routine, there are plenty of reasons why an at-home peel could be for you (in moderation).

The Benefits of Using an at Home Peel

• Peels offer all the benefits of sloughing off dead skin without the harshness of physical scrubs.

• Many at-home peels contain powerhouse ingredients like glycolic acid or lactic acid.
  These are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that not only exfoliate but also help even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation over time.

• Another major perk of at-home peels is improved product absorption.
  Once you’ve removed that layer of dead skin, your serums and moisturisers can penetrate more deeply into the skin, making them way more effective.

How to Get The Best Results

Now, before you dive headfirst into the world of peels, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

Patch Test

Always do a patch test before slathering a new product on your face.

This is especially important with peels, as your skin might react differently to acids than it would to other products.

Simply test the peel on a small area of your skin first to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

Don’t Over Use Them!

It’s also crucial not to overdo it. As tempting as it might be to chase that glowing skin every day, it’s important to give your skin time to adjust.

Start with using your peel once a month and see how your skin responds before upping the frequency.

Your skin needs time to renew itself, and too much exfoliation can actually lead to irritation and dryness, so slow and steady wins the race here.

Protect Your Fresh Skin

And lastly, SPF is non-negotiable when you’re using peels.

Peels can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so even on cloudy days, make sure you’re diligent with sun protection.

A good broad-spectrum sunscreen will keep your skin protected and prevent any post-peel pigmentation issues from creeping up.