If you struggle with dull, textured, or uneven skin tone – a peel might be for you.
Chemical peels are offered at med spas across the country, but many of the benefits of a peel can be achieved via products at home! Spa peels aren’t exactly on the cheap side – and I’m all about less expensive DIY alternatives.
It actually is possible to get some of the benefits of a peel at home and for a fraction of the price.
I want to preface all of this – I am not an aesthetician. I am a girl who loves a good at home chemical exfoliation. So let’s break this down.
Why you should use chemical exfoliators instead of physical exfoliators.
Again – not an aesthetician here – but the school of thought is that chemical exfoliators help to slough off dry skin and even tone without damaging the skin. Some physical exfoliators, despite how gentle they claim to be, can actually cause micro tears in your skin. Not cute.
Chemical exfoliators to use for an easy at home mini peel.
Pixi Glow Tonic
Key ingredient: glycolic acid
The Pixi Glow Tonic is an exfoliating toner that helps to cleanse and clear the skin. With 5% glycolic acid, Glow Tonic is alcohol-free and cruelty free.
I’m obsessed with the Glow Tonic because it is reasonably priced ($15 for 100ml) and easily accessible. Pixi can be found at a whole host of stores from Dermstore to Ulta to Target! I typically cleanse my face using a cleansing balm, use a milk cleanser (great for dry skin), and follow up with the Glow Tonic as a toner.
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
Key ingredient: natural fruit enzymes including papaya and pineapple extract
The Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel is hands down my most used peel product. This product helps to exfoliate – but gently. I’ve never used such a gentle, yet effective peel product.
I use the Papaya Enzyme Peel much like a mask – twice a week, after cleansing, but before moisturizing and using serums. The price tag on this one is a bit steeper ($45), but I’ll continue to repurchase over and over. It’s absolutely my favorite Elemis product of all time – and ya’ll know I’m obsessed with Elemis.
Dr. Dennis Gross everything
Dr. Dennis Gross is known to be THE peel brand. Like, literally the entire brand is built around chemical exfoliators that lead to younger, healthier looking skin.
And their products work.
The Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads have been a staple of mine for ages. The pads are both effective and convenient, but my main complaints here are that they’re single use (lots of waste!) and they’re crazy expensive – $150 for 60 of them!). I have a soft spot for the brand and the pads, but admittedly do find myself reaching for my Elemis Enzyme Peel more often.
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