Not too long ago, I wrote about how to have a natural skincare routine on my blog. I also published a podcast episode(Listen here). During this blog post, I mentioned chemical and physical exfoliation. It can be one of the vital rituals in everyone's' life. Especially chemical exfoliation help sloughing off old dead skin to reveal newer looking skin underneath. Since summer is right around the corner and we all need to exfoliate our skin, I will go into details about chemical peels as an exfoliator.
What is Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is higher strength exfoliant which will act on peeling away the uppermost layers of skin, which tends to have blemish discoloration, acne, and clogged particles. There are many types of chemical peels in the market. Predominantly, you will find chemical peels with Alpha Hydroxy Acids(AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHA). The best chemical peel contains a pH of 2.0. Our skin's pH is between 4.5 to 6 rank; that's why when we apply chemical peel on our skin, we feel little stingy feeling.
Due to this, chemical peel removed the bond between dead skin and the inner layer of the skin. When you go out and buy chemical peel, it is good to check on the pH of the product in addition to the ingredient list.
Benefits of Chemical Peels
It makes your skin and you sensual!
Well, I am serious, you name the problem, and there is a solution in the form of chemical peel for you.
So, few benefits are:
Unclogged pore
Reduce hyperpigmentation
Holy grail solution of acne
skin brightening agent
Resolve the issue of sun damage
Reduce the problem of wrinkle and acne scars
Skin rejuvenator
In a nutshell, It solves several problems.
Type of Chemical Peels
According to medicine.net, there are three types of chemical peels. These types are based on the intensity of chemical exfoliation. These types are superficial (lunchtime peel), medium, and deep. So let's dig dipper into all these three types.
Superficial peel aka lunchtime peel:
These peels are popular in the DIY beauty world as they are the most gentle form of chemical peels. It uses AHA and BHA, including lactic acid and salicylic acid, to exfoliate the skin's outer layer. These types of peels are quick. That's why it's called lunchtime peel as well. It requires no recovery time after application. You might feel little redness on your skin, but this can be hidden with makeup.
When to use it:
Uneven skin tone
Skin brightening
Rough skin
Mild acne
Blemishes
Medium Peel:
The medium peel contains a higher concentration of glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). These kinds of peels go more in-depth into the skin layer and cure skin problems of roots. Since this type of peel goes more inside to your skin, it causes more irritation and stingy feeling. This feeling can last up to an hour after applying the peel. Some people may feel swollen and itchy face for days. For some people, their faces may also look pinkish for up to six weeks after the application.
When to use it:
Sun damage
Deeper layer wrinkle problems
Uneven darker skin patches
Age Spots
Deep Peel:
Deep Peel contains trichloroacetic acid (TCA) as a hero ingredient. These kinds of peels go to the root of the skin layer and spot the problem more efficiently. Since this type of peel goes the deepest layer of the skin, it causes uncomforted feelings to your skin. I strongly suggest this type of peel is better to perform under licensed estheticians as it may damage your skin permanently.
When to use it:
Sun damage
Deep Scars
Deep wrinkles
Aging lines
Now we know, benefits, types of chemical peels, and when to use it. Let me crackdown a few DIY Skincare recipes for you. All my DIY chemical peels are lunchtime peels or medium peels. Before you perform any DIY beauty recipes, I suggest you all patch taste. Also, it is desirable to buy pH strips from Amazon. These pH will help you determine the effectiveness of the peel.
The 5 Best At-Home Chemical Peels
Glycolic Acid Peel: Brown Sugar and Lemon Peel
Brown sugar contains a high concentration of glycolic acid, while lemon contains citric acid.
1 tbsp. Brown Sugar (get Rapadura Sugar if you can, as this type of sugar contains finer and smoother granules)
2 tsp. Citric Acid
In a small bowl, add brown sugar and lemon. Make a paste and apply on to your face. Do not apply on lips and under-eye. After 10 minutes, wash it off.
Alpha-hydroxy Acid (AHAs) Peel: Apple Cider Vinegar Peel
Apple cider vinegar is the source of Alpha-hydroxy Acids(AHAs). It is one kitchen staple, you can find in everyone's pantry.
1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp. Apple Sauce
Add both the ingredients into the bowl and make a paste. Apply on your skin daily.
Beta-hydroxy Acid (BHAs) Peel: Acne Solution
In natural DIY space, beta-hydroxy acids are found in willow bark powders and extracts. But at home, the best source of BHAs is aspirin pills.
10 Aspirin pills
1/2 tsp. Citric Acid
Few drops of lemon to make a paste
Place the aspirin pills and citric acid in a shallow dish. Sprinkle lemon juice on aspirin and citric acid. Use the backside of a spoon to crush the aspirin into the lemon juice, creating a thick paste.
Use your fingers to spread the peel over your face, avoiding the eyes and lips. Let it sit until dry, about ten minutes, and then wipe it off with a cotton ball soaked with rose water.
The frequency of this peel needs to be once a week.
Lactic Acid Peel: Greek Yogurt and Tomato Peel
Greek yogurt is a primary source of lactic acid. This peel is useful to reduce suntan and sun damage from your skin.
1 cup Green Yogurt
1/2 Tomato (grated)
Mix both the things in a shallow dish and make a thick paste. Apply this thick paste on your face. After 10 minutes, wash it off.
AHAs & BHAs: Papaya and Brown Sugar Peel
Papaya and sugar are excellent sources of AHAs. We are adding aspirin to have BHA in the peel. This peel is 2-in-1 Peel for every skin problem
1/2 cup Papaya pulp
1/2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
8 Aspirin Pills Powder
1 tbsp. Greek Yogurt
Lemon Juice as needed
Mix brown sugar and aspirin pills powder. Now add papaya pulp and greek yogurt. Make a thick paste. Now add lemon juice and make an applicable paste. Apply this paste on your face for ten minutes. Use this peel twice a week.
I hope you try these chemical peel recipes and found them useful. The best thing about at-home chemical peels is fully-controlled ingredients.
Let me know if you guys have any questions.
Till then, see you next week!
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