Are you asking the question, which home chemical peel is right for me? When it comes to home chemical peels for beginners, we’ve broken it down for you…

Read specifics about each peel to help you in choosing the most appropriate home peel for your unique skin-type.

Home Chemical Peels for Beginners: The Breakdown…

Lactic Acids (Alpha Hydroxy) – FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION

Derived from milk, milder than glycolic acid, and typically better for working on hyperpigmentation problems. Our formulation contains licorice extract, an effective skin lightening additive. Appropriate for normal, dry, or oily skin. An alpha hydroxy, this peel penetrates the epidermis-only.  A good all around peel for the beginner. 

Glycolic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy) – FOR EXFOLIATION

A good all-around acid for normal-oily skin types to exfoliate the skin. More harsh than lactic acids. An alpha hydroxy, This peel penetrates the epidermis-only. 

Mandelic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy)– CYSTIC ACNE, HYPERPIGMENTATION, EXFOLIATION

Rapidly exfoliates dead skin cells and surface debris from the skin. Mandelic acid has antimicrobial/antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for all types of acne, including cystic acne. Loosens blackheads for easy extraction.–Cleans and refines pores. Mandelic Acid is also excellent for African American skin because it will not darken the treated areas – some other acids can do this, so we always suggest Mandelic peels for African Americans and those of darker skin tones.

Pumpkin Exfoliating Masque w/5% Glycolic Acid – FOR EXFOLIATION AND BRIGHTENING

A wonderful combination of enzymatic properties, along with an alpha hydroxy acid to exfoliate the skin, refine texture and brighten skin tones.

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Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy) – FOR ACNE, OILY SKIN AND LOOSENING OF BLACKHEADS

Oil soluble, thus making these acids perfect for oily/acne skin that needs deep pore cleansing and loosening of blackheads. Use the 3%, 5% or 8% strengths as a “first-step” when using alpha hydroxy acid peels to remove all oils from the skin, or use alone 3/4 times per week for oil/blackhead control. Use the 15% or 10% once a week only. A beta-hydroxy, this acid penetrates the upper layers of the epidermis only.

Trichloreacetic Acid (TCA) – FOR REDUCING APPEARANCE OF FINE LINES, WRINKLES, HYPERPIGMENTATION AND ACNE

Deeper peeling class of acids used for acne, lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, scarring. Longer lasting results, more intensive. This peel penetrates the epidermis, into the upper layers of the dermis, thus producing a more effective peeling experience. Always begin with a low strength with this particular acid. NOTE: African American clients should NEVER begin with a TCA peel stronger than 15% – otherwise it could darken the skin. We suggest always beginning with the 12.5% strength.

Non Acid Enzyme Peel – FOR SENSITIVE SKIN NOT TOLERANT OF ACIDS

All natural enzymes from papaya (papain) and pineapple (bromelain), safely dissolve surface skin debris and leave skin feeling soft, cleansed and refreshed. Our enzyme peel is professional strength, exactly what you would get in a very high-end salon. Use this product if you have sensitive skin that is non-tolerant of acid usage. Professional Enzyme Peel (non acid)

Jessner’s Peel – CYSTIC ACNE + OILY AND ACNE PRONE SKIN

Based in alcohol, this is a drying peel best suited for oily, acneic skin types – especially those with cystic acne. Containing both alpha and beta hydroxies along with resorcinol, this peel penetrates more deeply than an alpha or beta peel, but less deeply than a TCA. Not recommended for sensitive skin. Not recommended for dry skin.

When it Comes to Home Chemical Peels for Beginners, Always Remember these Key Rules:

  • Never use manual exfoliators nor scrubbing brushes within 24 hours of using a peel.
  • Stop Retin A, benzoyl peroxides, acne products and any other drying agents 24 hours before and after using an alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy peel.
  • If you are allergic to aspirin products, never use a salicylic acid nor beta hydroxy peel.
  • Never apply a peel without doing a patch-test first and waiting 48 hours for results.
  • Never apply a chemical peel to inflamed skin.
  • Always read product directions in their entirety and don’t take shortcuts.
  • Use our BellEvolve Advanced Repair Cream for skin that has been chemically over processed. It contains advanced healing agents that will quickly get your skin back to normal.
  • When in doubt about a caution, please write or call us for more information.

Have a questions beyond this post about which home chemical peel is right for you? Contact us to speak with a specialist!

Are you breaking out after your chemical peel? Here’s why! Click here to learn more…