Table of Contents
Quick Summary / At A Glance
- Peels are cosmetic treatments that remove dead skin cells from the surface, helping skin look smoother, brighter and less dull.
- Glycolic and lactic acid peels loosen the bonds between dead cells; enzyme peels, using papaya or pumpkin, are a non-acid option described for very sensitive skin.
- Superficial peels are the mildest. Medium and deep chemical peels go deeper, are clinic procedures, and involve more redness, swelling and recovery time.
- At home, use a peel only as directed, exfoliate no more than once or twice a week, and do not use it on sensitive or broken skin.
- Skin is more sensitive to sunlight after a peel, so sunscreen matters. Choose a strength for your skin type and ask a dermatologist if you are unsure.
What a Peel Does for Exfoliation
A peel is a cosmetic treatment that removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can help skin feel softer and smoother, and it can improve its appearance.
Exfoliating is an important step in a skin care routine. It helps to slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and brighten the complexion.
Peels can be used on the face and on the body, and they come in different types and strengths to suit different needs. People use different products for the face and body because body skin can be thicker and tougher.
This article frames peels as cosmetic exfoliation only. Peels do not diagnose or treat skin disease, and concerning or changing skin growths are diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist.
The Main Kinds of Peel: Acids and Enzymes
Acid peels and enzyme peels work in different ways. Understanding that difference can help you understand why one type may be described as gentler than another.
Glycolic and Lactic Acid Peels
Glycolic acid peels are some of the most popular. They work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, making them easy to remove.
Lactic acid peels are another popular option. They work in a similar way to glycolic acid peels, but they are gentler and therefore more suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Lactic acid peels can also help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As with other peels, the effect described here is cosmetic and about appearance.
Enzyme Peels and Peel Gels
For those with very sensitive skin, enzymatic peels may be a better option, as they do not contain any acids. Enzymatic peels work by breaking down the proteins that hold dead skin cells together, making them easy to slough off.
Papaya and pumpkin enzymes are two of the most commonly used ingredients in this type of peel. An exfoliating peel gel can also help to slough off dead skin cells, revealing fresher-looking skin beneath.
A peel gel was also described as helping to unclog pores and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Choose a gel, like any peel, for your own skin type and follow its directions carefully.
| Peel type | How it was described | Notes from the article |
|---|---|---|
| Glycolic acid | Dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells | Popular; described for oily or acne-prone skin and sebum control |
| Lactic acid | Works in a similar way to glycolic acid | Gentler; described as more suitable for sensitive skin |
| Enzyme | Breaks down proteins holding dead cells together; contains no acids | Papaya and pumpkin enzymes; described for very sensitive skin |
| Salicylic acid | Mentioned among peels dermatologists may discuss | May be discussed for those with oily skin |
Are Exfoliating Peels Good for Your Skin?
Exfoliating peels are designed to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the face, revealing the fresher-looking skin beneath. Peels can be done at home or in a professional setting.
By removing the build-up of dead skin cells, exfoliating peels help to unclog pores and can help prevent breakouts. They also stimulate cell turnover, which can improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Regular exfoliation can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It may also improve the appearance of uneven colour and other visible signs of ageing.
Of course, as with any skin care treatment, it is important to use caution when applying exfoliating peels. Be sure to choose a peel that is appropriate for your skin type and follow all directions carefully.
Always remember to apply sunscreen after using a peel. Your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays afterwards.
Peel or Exfoliate? How General Exfoliation Compares
Exfoliating and peeling overlap, and both aim to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliating was described as helping to unclog pores and brighten your complexion, while a peel is a specific cosmetic treatment that does that work.
- Removes dead skin cells that can make the complexion appear dull, and helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
- Stimulates cell turnover, which is important for maintaining healthy-looking skin and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines.
- Promotes a more even skin tone by removing dead cells from the surface layer.
- Unclogs pores by removing dead skin cells and other debris, making them less likely to become clogged.
- Prepares skin for moisturising, because moisturisers may not work as well through layers of dead skin cells.
Sun damage, pollution and habits such as smoking can take a toll on facial skin, resulting in a darker, patchy or uneven texture. A peel removes the topmost layer described above, so the skin underneath can look brighter.
Chemical Peels: Superficial, Medium and Deep
A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure in which an acidic solution is used to remove dead skin cells and improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Chemical peels can be performed on the face, neck, or hands.
There are three different types of chemical peels: superficial, medium, and deep. Superficial peels are the mildest and require little recovery time.
Medium peels penetrate deeper than superficial peels and typically result in some redness and swelling. Deep peels are the most aggressive type of peel and can cause significant swelling and blistering, with recovery times of up to two weeks.
Professional-strength peels, including medium and deep peels, are clinic procedures. They are not home treatments, and this article gives no at-home instructions for them.
People seek chemical peels for cosmetic reasons, including to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and to improve the appearance of sun-damaged or aged skin. Peels were also described as minimising the appearance of enlarged pores.
Skin conditions and concerning growths are a separate matter. Such conditions are diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist, and a peel should not be presented as a treatment for them.
How to Exfoliate Peeling Skin at Home, Safely
One way to deal with peeling skin is to exfoliate gently. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and promote new cell growth.
Scrubs typically contain small beads or granules that help to loosen and remove dead skin cells. When choosing a scrub, look for one that is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin.
Apply the scrub to damp skin and massage in circular motions. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
You should only need to exfoliate once or twice a week. Any more than that can actually damage your skin.
You can also try using a loofah or body brush during your shower or bath routine. These tools will help to slough off dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Do not exfoliate skin that is sensitive, sore or broken, and stop if a product feels wrong for your skin. Overuse is a real risk, so more frequent exfoliation is not better.
Remember the sun caution after any home peel or scrub. Skin can be more sensitive to UV rays afterwards, so apply sunscreen as the original article advised.
Choosing a Peel and Knowing When to Get Advice
There are a variety of peels that dermatologists can discuss with patients depending on their individual skin type and goals. For example, glycolic acid peels are often discussed for acne-prone skin, while salicylic acid peels may be discussed for those with oily skin.
Dermatologists may also discuss peels in the context of concerns such as melasma or fine lines and wrinkles. Whether a peel is suitable for a particular concern is a personal question for a dermatologist, not a promise in a general article.
It is important to choose a peel that is appropriate for your skin type and condition. Consult with a dermatologist or esthetician if you are unsure which type of peel would be best for you.
Conclusion
To achieve healthy-looking, glowing skin, it is important to exfoliate on a regular basis. Peels are one way to exfoliate, as they remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil that can build up on the surface of the skin.
Peels also help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven colour. Used gently, at the right strength and no more often than directed, they can be a useful cosmetic step.
There are a variety of peels available, ranging from gentle superficial peels to deep chemical peels done in a clinic. Keep home use gentle, protect skin from the sun afterwards, and get professional advice when you are unsure.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.