Chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure which applies chemical solutions to the skin in order to correct its appearance and health. During the procedure the outer layer of skin is removed with the help of these chemical solutions. Home chemical peels kits contain the same ingredients as professional chemical skin peels, but in weaker concentrations. It allows using them safely without medical control.

The solutions used in the chemical peels usually include phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) and betahydroxy acids (BHA). The type of skin peel and solutions used to exfoliate the skin are usually chosen according to the individual characteristics of the skin and the needs and expectations of the person.

Chemical peels can be used in order to remove such skin imperfections as:

• Facial flaws
• Birthmarks
• Fine lines
• Scars
• Clogged pores
• Unequal skin pigmentation
• Acne
• Stimulate collagen production and cell renewal.

Chemical skin peels are usually used by doctors and dermatologists on people suffering from skin ailments in order to remove flawed outer layer of dead skin cells and uncover the fresh underlying skin.

Chemical peels vary from mild to intense and deeper treatments. Usually these treatments are performed by doctors or dermatologists.

Nowadays, home chemical peel kits have become available, these peels are gentler than professional chemical peels, but as well as other skin resurfacing procedures can treat acne, fine lines, discoloration areas, wrinkles, sun-damaged areas etc.

Home chemical peels:

At-home chemical peels kits contain low amounts of chemicals and have lower risk of side effects and cost significantly less compared to professional chemical peel treatment. Moreover, home chemical peel kits can be used in conjunction with other skin exfoliation methods such as laser resurfacing treatment and microdermabrasion.

The typical ingredients the at-home chemical peels kits consist of include BHAs (usually salicylic acid), AHAs, PPT, sulfur, phenol and resorcinol. Phenol chemical peels are the most aggressive peel which is used for the most severe skin imperfections because it penetrates the deeper skin layer, so the amount of phenol in the home chemical peel kits is minimal. Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are the mildest type of chemical peels. These peels can include such solutions as glycolic (derived from sugar cane), lactic (derived from sour milk), or fruit acids. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are the simple organic fruit acids. These acids can be derived from the fruits or synthesized. BHAs are closely related to the AHAs, but diifer a bit in hteir structure and action. BHAs are the best for acne treatment, oily skin treatment, sun damaged skin and pigmentary disturbances.

Generally, the at-home chemical peel kit offers a variety of the same benefits as a professional skin peels. However, because of the low concentrations of exfoliating ingredients, they are less effective than professional skin resurfacing treatment and you may need more procedures, but it’s more safe and cheap than professional chemical peel treatment. It’s better to choose a home chemical kit over professional chemical peel treatment if you need only minor corrections to the skin, and undergo a professional treatment for larger skin problems.