At-home peel

At-home peels come as pre-soaked pads, short-contact masks, weekly leave-on serums or rinse-off gels. They work in the same way as any chemical exfoliation: acids loosen the bonds between dead cells at the skin's surface so they shed more readily, which over time can soften the look of roughness, dullness and congestion.

The important distinction is depth. Cosmetic peels act on the very top layer. Medium and deep peels use much higher concentrations under medical supervision, carry real risks of burns, scarring and lasting pigment change, and are not something to replicate at home with unregulated high-percentage acids bought online.

Follow the timing on the pack rather than leaving a product on longer for a stronger effect, and rinse if you feel burning rather than tingling. Don't stack a peel with a retinoid, a scrub or another acid on the same night, space treatments out, and patch test first. Acids increase sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen is not optional. Take active acne, rosacea or a reaction that doesn't settle to a dermatologist.