

Chemical peeling is nothing but a skin resurfacing procedure. A chemical solution is applied to your skin to remove the top layers. The result of the procedure will be flawless and youthful skin. It is an outpatient procedure and may involve a few sittings depending on the depth of the procedure required. Chemical peels are commonly done on the skin, hands, and neck.
Chemical peeling at home can also be done. You can consult a dermatologist for the best at home chemical peel and perform the procedure as per your comfort as well. Read on to understand in detail the chemical peel procedure.
Types of Chemical Peels
For any skin problem you have, like discolouration, hyperpigmentation, acne, wrinkles, fine lines, clogged pores, or uneven tone, skin chemical peels can be a solution. You can do the chemical peels at home as well, depending on the gravity of skin damage. You should ensure that the chemical peel you are using has a pH of around 2 for optimal results.
There are different types of chemical peels depending on the depth of treatment required.
1. Light Chemical Peel
Light chemical peels are meant for mild exfoliation. It involves minimum penetration and can be done for minor skin issues like mild discoloration and rough skin texture. The best at home chemical peel for light chemical peels is salicylic acid of low strength, mandelic, or lactic acid.
2. Medium Chemical Peel
Medium chemical peels are suggested for skin issues like age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and slight scarring. The penetration will be up to the middle layer and this peel targets damaged skin cells.
The strongest at home chemical peel for medium chemical peel is high-percentage glycolic acid, Jessner, or TCA peels
3. Deep Chemical Peel
The deep chemical peel should normally be saved for professionals. You should not venture into this procedure at home as it involves penetrating deeper into the middle layer and targets damaged skin cells, deep wrinkles, severe scarring, and skin discolouration.
The best professional chemical peels are high-percentage TCA and phenol chemical peels.
At-home chemical peels are generally recommended for superficial peeling alone. For deeper chemical peeling, it is best to consult a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeons who have expertise in chemical peels. A chemical peel that goes wrong can lead to severe complications.
How to Choose a Chemical Peel?
Lighter to strongest chemical peels are available in the market. The choice depends on the extent of skin damage and the type of treatment you require.
1. Enzyme Peels
Enzyme peels are derived from fruits and are considered the lightest peel. This is a natural option and ideal for individuals with sensitive skin and for those who are less tolerant of acids.
2. Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid is a less intense peel. It is much better than glycolic acid and helps mild wrinkles, skin discolouration, and hyperpigmentation. The advantage of lactic acid is it is hydrating and prevents skin drying. It smoothens the skin and gives it a good glow.
3. Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid helps treat fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and acne. It is considered one of the best at home chemical peels as it does not lead to irritation and redness like glycolic acid.
4. Salicylic acid
It is oil-soluble and gets into the nook and corner of the pores and effectively unclogs it. This is one of the best at home chemical peels for treating acne. Besides treating acne, it is also recommended for freckles, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, warts, and melasma.
5. Glycolic Acid
This is a stronger peel and can be categorised as a medium peel. It enhances collagen production and helps reduce wrinkles and acne, brightens and rejuvenates skin, and improves skin tone. It is the best chemical peel for indentations from skin breakouts.
6. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
TCA is a very intensive chemical peel and one of the best professional chemical peels. The downtime for this chemical peel is 7 to 10 days. This peel treats fine lines, stretch marks, wrinkles, and acne.
Conclusion
Chemical peels are a great treatment for skin conditions like acne, wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, etc. Chemical peeling is also possible at home, depending on the extent of skin damage and the penetration required. For deep peeling, which requires more than medium penetration, you should consult a dermatologist and should not try it at home. You may experience side effects like irritation and redness depending on the chemical peel performed.