Looking to give your skin a fresh start? A quality at-home chemical peel could be just what you need to reveal smoother, clearer, and more radiant skin. The right chemical peel does more than just exfoliate; it gently removes dead skin cells while helping with a range of skin concerns such as acne, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. Whether you’re looking for smoother skin or a more youthful glow, choosing the right peel can make a significant difference.
At Face Dr, our team of skincare professionals is always here to guide you. With our expertise, we ensure you select the ideal peel for your unique skin concerns, helping you achieve the best possible results from your at-home treatment. Ready to unlock glowing, rejuvenated skin? Let us help you navigate the best at-home chemical peels for every skin concern.
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In This Article
- Professional vs At-Home Chemical Peels
- Why Is Exfoliation So Important?
- How Chemical Exfoliants Work for Your Skin
- AHA: The Superstar of Chemical Exfoliation
- BHA: The Pore Cleanser
- PHA: The Saviour of Sensitive Skin
- LHA: The Gentle Variant of BHA
- Enzyme Exfoliants: A Gentle Alternative
- How to Use Chemical Exfoliants
- Top At-home Chemical Peel Products Recommended by Our Skin Experts
- Achieve Radiant Skin with Professional Care
Professional vs At-Home Chemical Peels
Chemical peels come in two main types: professional and at-home.
Professional chemical peels are stronger and performed by experts, targeting deeper layers for more significant issues like deep wrinkles or acne scars. These treatments are customised to your skin's needs in a controlled environment for safety and effectiveness.
At-home peels, on the other hand, are gentler with lower concentrations of active ingredients, ideal for regular exfoliation and tackling light pigmentation, acne, and fine lines. They offer a convenient way to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
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Why Is Exfoliation So Important?
Exfoliation is an essential part of any skincare routine. It gently removes dead skin cells, clears pores, and helps prevent breakouts.
But that’s not all—exfoliating also encourages your skin cells to renew, giving you a brighter, more youthful complexion. Regular exfoliation also allows your skincare products to absorb more effectively. When your skin isn’t covered with a layer of dead skin, serums and moisturisers can penetrate deeper, delivering their full benefits. By removing the outer layers of skin, chemical exfoliants can also stimulate collagen production, leading to smoother, firmer skin over time.
How can you tell when your skin is in need of a boost? Signs include dull, lifeless skin, dryness, tightness, flakiness, or even breakouts, blackheads, and uneven skin texture with enlarged pores. If any of these sound familiar, your skin is probably calling for some extra care!
How Chemical Exfoliants Work for Your Skin
All chemical exfoliants have one thing in common—they help support your skin’s natural renewal process. In this way, they’re similar to physical scrubs, but they’re much gentler—and come with added benefits too. While scrubs physically scrub away dead skin cells, which can sometimes cause microtears or irritation, chemical exfoliants work by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be removed more evenly.
One more thing all these ingredients have in common is that they all boost collagen production, helping maintain a youthful and healthy glow.
Now let’s dive into the differences between these actives. Once you understand what each one can do for your skin, making the right choice becomes much easier.
If you want to be certain about which option is perfect for your skin, our experts at Face Dr are here to help. Book a free skincare consultation with one of our Skin Experts, and we’ll guide you in selecting the ideal exfoliant tailored to your skin’s unique needs for optimal results.
AHA: The Superstar of Chemical Exfoliation
Main indications: Dull, uneven, pigmented (including post-acne scars), and ageing skin.
AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) is a water-soluble acid, widely researched for its anti-ageing benefits. It exfoliates the skin's surface, effectively targeting dullness, uneven tone, pigmentation, and wrinkles. AHA helps lighten and even out skin tone, stimulates collagen production to smooth wrinkles, and promotes deeper hydration, improving the effectiveness of your skincare routine.
- Glycolic Acid is the most researched AHA, known for its powerful exfoliating properties. Its small molecules penetrate deeply, sloughing off dead skin cells for a brighter, smoother complexion. A great way to introduce it to your routine is through a cleanser like Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser, which gently preps the skin while enhancing the absorption of the following ingredients.
- Lactic Acid is a gentler AHA, perfect for sensitive skin. It exfoliates while hydrating, thanks to its larger molecules. Ideal for dry or dehydrated skin, it refines texture, smooths fine lines, and keeps skin soft without irritation.
- Mandelic Acid offers mild exfoliation, making it great for sensitive or beginner skin. Its antibacterial properties help clear blocked pores, reduce acne, and brighten dark spots. A slower penetration makes it suitable for delicate skin, providing even tone and preventing breakouts without irritation.
BHA: The Pore Cleanser
Main indications: Acne, blackheads, enlarged pores, very sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
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BHA (Beta-Hydroxy Acid), or salicylic acid, is an oil-soluble acid, which means it can dive deep into your pores and clear out the buildup causing those pesky skin issues. Not only does it cleanse the pores, but its anti-inflammatory properties also help calm any redness and irritation, making it a real hero for acne-prone skin. Plus, it's fantastic for rosacea, as it helps soothe and clear the skin without causing irritation.
PHA: The Saviour of Sensitive Skin
Main indications: Redness, dehydration, sensitive, and very sensitive skin.
- PHA (Poly-Hydroxy Acid) offers anti-ageing benefits like AHA but with a gentler touch, making it ideal for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. It promotes natural skin renewal, fades dark spots, and boosts moisture retention—perfect for dry or sun-damaged skin in need of gentle exfoliation. It’s so mild, it can even be used around the eyes. Glytone Age Defying PHA+ Renewing Eye Cream uses PHA to gently renew the delicate under-eye area, improving texture and brightness without irritation.
PHA: The Gentle Variant of BHA
Main indications: Inflammation, acne-prone, sensitive skin.
- LHA (Lipohydroxy Acid) is a lesser-known derivative of salicylic acid, offering a gentler alternative to BHA
- While it shares similar benefits, like unclogging pores and fighting acne, LHA is milder on the skin, making it perfect for those with sensitivity concerns.
Enzyme Exfoliators: A Gentle Alternative
Main indications: Fine lines, age spots, dry, and sensitive skin.
- Enzyme exfoliators, though not technically chemical exfoliants, are worth considering. Derived from natural sources like papaya and pineapple, they use enzymes to break down proteins that bind dead skin cells. This helps renew the skin without harsh scrubbing or chemicals, making them ideal for sensitive or easily irritated skin.
How to Use Chemical Exfoliants
- Exfoliating is all about finding what works best for your skin type and concerns. Here's a quick guide from our experts:
- BHA (1-2%): Apply once daily, or twice if you have oily skin. Sensitive skin? Use every other day.
- AHA (around 5%): Use daily. For stronger 10-12% formulae, 1-3 times a week is ideal.
- Apply on Clean Skin: Use exfoliants on freshly cleansed skin, before serums or moisturisers. For liquid exfoliants, you can apply them in any order with toner; for gel/lotion formulae, after toner.
- Follow with Regular Skincare: Once absorbed (1-2 minutes), continue your routine. Avoid mixing very strong products, like 10% AHA with 1% retinol.
- Sun Protection: AHA can increase sun sensitivity, so it's best used in the evening. Always wear sunscreen—it's important all the time!
If you'd like a more detailed guide, just get in touch and book your free skincare consultation with our experts!
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Top At-home Chemical Peel Products Recommended by Our Professionals
1. Glytone Micro-Peel Line
Glytone is renowned for its expertise in chemical exfoliation, offering professional-grade results in the comfort of your own home. With a focus on active acids like glycolic acid, Glytone tackles a variety of skin concerns while ensuring minimal irritation thanks to their unique Enerpeel® technology. This innovation promotes deeper penetration of active ingredients, making Glytone products an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their skin’s health.
Their Glytone Micro-Peel range offers clinical-strength exfoliation with powerful active acids such as Mandelic, Lactic, and Tranexamic acid. These daily, at-home peels are designed to target everything from dullness and dryness to discolouration and sensitivity, providing a solution for every skin concern.
What's more, Glytone products are exclusively available at Face Dr, so you’re getting access to these professional-grade treatments that you won't find anywhere else in the UK.
Glytone Lactic Superficial Retexturizing Serum
A gentle yet effective exfoliating serum with 10% Lactic Acid to smooth texture, brighten dull skin, and boost hydration. Sodium Hyaluronate plumps and moisturises, while Rosemary and Tea Tree Oils offer antioxidant and antibacterial benefits, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
Best for: Dull, uneven skin needing hydration and radiance.
Also recommended for: Mild acne-prone skin, rough texture.
Retails for £62.00 at Face Dr.
Glytone Mandelic Gentle Resurfacing Serum
A mild exfoliating serum with 10% Mandelic Acid, designed for sensitive skin. Its larger molecule size allows slower penetration, reducing irritation while improving tone and texture. Phytic Acid, Pomegranate, and Agastache Mexicana soothe redness, while Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 hydrate and protect.
Best for: Red, sensitive skin needing gentle exfoliation.
Also recommended for: Uneven tone, mild texture concerns.
Retails for £62.00 at Face Dr.
Glytone TranEXamide Discoloration Treatment Serum
A potent serum designed to fade dark spots and even out skin tone. Featuring 3% Tranexamic Acid and 1% Kojic Acid, it targets hyperpigmentation, while 5% Niacinamide brightens, strengthens the skin barrier, and smooths texture. Antioxidant-rich Soybean and Turmeric Root Extracts help soothe and hydrate.
Best for: Dark spots and uneven skin tone caused by sun damage.
Also recommended for: Hyperpigmentation, dull skin. All skin types.
Retails for £68.00 at Face Dr.
2. ZO Skin Health ZO Enzymatic Peel
An at-home peel that smooths, brightens, and refines skin texture. Glycolic Acid, along with Papain and Bromelain enzymes, exfoliates without irritation, while antioxidants like Vitamin E and Broccoli Extract protect and support skin health. Ideal for boosting radiance and improving uneven tone.
Best for: Dull, uneven skin needing exfoliation.
Also recommended for: Sensitive skin, rough texture, fine lines.
3. Medik8 Press & Clear
A gentle yet effective exfoliating toner for sensitive, blemish-prone skin. Encapsulated 2% Salicylic Acid clears pores without irritation, while 2% Tranexamic Acid brightens dark spots and evens skin tone. Hydrating Sake Extract and soothing Aloe Vera help maintain balance and strengthen the skin barrier.
Best for: Sensitive, blemish-prone skin needing gentle exfoliation.
Also recommended for: Uneven tone, post-acne marks, dark spots.
Retails for £35.00 at https://www.medik8.com/.
4. OxygenCeuticals ReGenon Fill LHA
A powerful yet gentle antioxidant peel that smooths, brightens, and rejuvenates the skin. With 0.7% Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, it exfoliates without irritation, while Idebenone delivers potent anti-ageing benefits. Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates, restoring elasticity for a plumper, more radiant complexion.
Best for: Fine lines, wrinkles, and dull, uneven skin texture.
Also recommended for: All skin types needing gentle exfoliation and anti-ageing care.
Retails for £90.00 at https://www.oxygenceuticals.co.uk/.
Achieve Radiant Skin with Professional Care
Chemical peels are a fantastic way to refresh and rejuvenate your skin, offering deep exfoliation and addressing various skin concerns like fine lines, pigmentation, and texture.
At Face Dr, we are here to support you in selecting the right at-home chemical peel for your skin. With our experience and expertise, we help you choose the products that best suit your needs, ensuring safe and effective results.
Book your free video skincare consultation
If you’re unsure which peel is most suitable for you or require personalised advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Book a consultation, and we’ll guide you in making the best choice for your skincare routine. Together, we’ll take the next step towards healthier, glowing skin!
