Chemical Peel: Over The Counter Chemical Peels

Over the counter chemical peels are affordable and easily available beauty treatments to help people get revitalized skin. These are milder versions of the professional chemical peels – the body treatment technique which promotes skin regeneration. The new skin that replaces the old layers is smoother and gives off that youthful appearance. These do-it-yourself peels may take longer than a professional one to have effects, but the price difference is significant, and with results in as little as a week, they are a viable alternative. They are also easy to use, and can be applied at home, versus having to visit a doctor’s office or spa.

Using Over the Counter Chemical Peels

Over the counter chemical peels are basically light chemical peels that can help people get a more youthful appearance by treating wrinkles and other skin conditions while giving skin a vibrant glow. They use similar but diluted acids as professionally-applied peels. These are still effective though. One of the most commonly used acids is alpha hydroxyl or AHAs, namely glycolic acids.

These naturally-occurring acids (they can be found in sugar cane juice, for example) are the mildest of chemical peeling formulas. A glycolic acid-based peel gently penetrates the upper layers of the skin and aids skin regeneration, or basically sloughing away the dead upper layers of the skin to make way for a younger new layer. Another common acid used is salicylic acid – these peels work well on sebum, and can benefit those suffering from acne greatly.

Of course, reading and understanding the usage instructions of over the counter chemical peels is still very important for you to do. These diluted chemicals are still potent enough to cause damage when used improperly or when overexposure occurs, such as chemical burns that can scar and discolour the skin. These at-home peels also shouldn’t contain more than 10% glycolic acid, as greater concentrations are too harsh.

Ideally, you should try a bit of the chemical peel on an patch of unexposed skin; this way, if there are any adverse reactions, the affected area will not be exposed in public. After proper application of the product, the skin may become sensitive to touch, and possibly red and puffy. These are effects of the chemicals in the peel working, and should not be scratched lest they turn worse. These side effects will fade in a couple of days, revealing a new layer of youthful looking skin where the peel was applied.

Where Can I Get These Peels?

Over the counter chemical peels are a more affordable yet still effective non-surgical means to getting younger-looking, revitalized skin. At around 25 to 40 dollars, they are a far cry from the hundreds or even thousands of dollars that professional peels can cost. Most local drug stores will offer these products, or you can purchase them online. As a cheaper yet still effective beauty treatment, these products should definitely be considered by anyone looking to improve their skin.