What are alternatives to Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are the answer to many skin problems including: Dullness, acne, rough texture, spots, inflammation, sun damage, etc.
Chemical peels belong to the class of exfoliants known as “Chemical Exfoliants.” Common types of chemicals used for this procedure are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA), Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHA), and Trichloroacetic acid.
Under Alpha Hydroxy Acids you’ll find Glycolic, Lactic and Mandelic acid.
Examples of Beta Hydroxy Acids include Salicylic acid.
An example of Polyhydroxy Acids is Gluconolactone.
Chemical peels remove dull, dead skin cells by breaking the glue that holds the skin cells together. The results you get from using acids are remarkable and long-lasting. But as with every other thing in life, chemical peels have their downsides and may not be suitable for everyone.
There are downsides…
Downsides to using chemical peels include: Burns, irritation, scabbing, redness and swelling.
If you tend have very sensitive skin, a chemical peel may not be suitable for you. The best way to know will be to talk to a medical aesthetician about your concerns.
What can I use instead of chemical peels?
If you have discovered that your skin cannot tolerate acid peels, we recommend you go for safer and equally effective alternatives such as enzymes and exfoliant powders.
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are plant-derived proteins that are applied to the skin to break down the keratin fibers that hold the skin. After the protein fibers have been destroyed by enzymes, they are converted to peptides and afterwards amino acids which are reabsorbed into the skin to form new, healthy cells.
After you exfoliate with an enzyme, the worn-out topmost layer of the skin is removed to reveal fresher, brighter skin. Enzymes are extracted from fruits such as papaya (papain enzyme), pineapple (bromelain), and pomegranate. Papain and bromelain are star ingredients in Reviving Daily Powder Exfoliant.
Why we love enzymes
We love enzymes as a suitable alternative to acids because:
- They are mild and gentle on the skin.
- They have fewer side effects such as irritation, burning, redness etc.
- They are easily tolerated by all skin types.
- They deliver amazing results.
Exfoliant Powders
Exfoliant powders are fine, exfoliating powders that are mixed with liquids and applied to the face to get rid of dead skin cells. Unlike traditional scrubs that are coarse and abrasive leading to microtears, this form of exfoliant does not destroy the epidermis of the skin.
Regular use of this skin-enhancing powder will allow a radiant complexion to shine through. Common types of exfoliant powders are made of ingredients such as oat and bamboo. Bamboo powder is great for all skin types and you can use it from the comfort of your home without any side effects or risk.
A potent bamboo-based product that gives bouncy, even-toned skin is our Reviving Daily Powder Exfoliant.
How to perform a gentle at-home peel
If you want to get some of the benefits of doing a chemical peel without any of the irritation and redness, follow these steps:
- Cleanse your face with firming facial wash.
- Make a paste with our Bamboo Exfoliating Powder and apply the mask on your face. Allow to sit on your face for 15 minutes.
- Cleanse your face again.
- Apply our Encapsulated Retinol Serum to further speed up the rate of cell turnover. If your priority is to fade hyperpigmentation, apply our Illuminating Serum instead. If you’re dealing with acne scars, apply the Blemish Be Gone Serum.
- Apply a thin layer of Soothing Moisturizer to calm your skin and to seal in moisture.
Watch Anakarina explain the step by step process on Instagram!
Chemical peels may not be ideal for everyone owing to different reasons such distance to a spa, budget, skin type, downtime, etc. However, if you find yourself in this situation, you can opt for an at-home spa experience using the products and steps we recommended above!