Why Chemical Peels Are the Secret to Perfect Skin

27.11.2024, 22:55 allure.com

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Did you know that the best time to get an in-office treatment at your dermatologist’s office is… right now? Thanks to the cooler weather, vanishing sunlight, and potential vacation days you’ve still got racked up, spending a little extra time at home healing from a procedure just makes seasonal sense.

Aside from laser treatments and certain injectables, one of the most popular in-office treatments that doesn’t take much time to employ but does require a bit of downtime, is a chemical peel. Peels are great because they tackle the sun damage (dark spots, melasma) that may have cropped up during the summer months via a topical chemical concoction that gets deep into the skin, fast. "Exfoliating enzymes in chemical peels work by gently removing the dead layer of the skin—a.k.a. the stratum corneum—to brighten and smooth," dermatologist David Kim, MD, previously told Allure.

Here’s typically how it works: A mix of chemicals (e.g. exfoliating acids) is applied to your skin in order to loosen and release the bonds holding dead skin cells to your face. Once those cells fall off—voilà!—newer, baby-like skin is revealed.

Along with overall brightening and smoothing, peels can also fade dark spots, even skin tone, and build collagen. Keep in mind that not all chemical peels are made the same (or look and feel as scary as a phenol peel)—they range in strength and in price, and can also be done safely at home using over-the-counter options formulated with alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) acids. Downtime for these is typically no more than a few minutes of inflammation and little to no lingering irritation.

That being said, here are a few of my favorite at-home facial peels:

— asks Allure Reader Dora

Dear Dora,

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Hours later, when you’re ready to remove it all, use the double-cleansing method: Start with a massaging in a heavy dollop of cleansing balm, like the sensitive skin-friendly The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm or the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, into your skin. Then follow up step one with a gentle gel- or cream-based face wash, like the Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser or Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Mousse. Rinse and repeat until the green is gone.

Have a burning skin-care question? Send one in.

BEST AT-HOME PEEL: Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

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