If you’re looking for effective exfoliation to slough away acne, clogged pores, fine lines and discolorations, look no further than at-home peels. With spa-quality, derm-approved ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, fruit enzymes and more, you can bypass pricey spa treatments when you DIY.
1Bliss
If you’re looking to lighten and brighten without the big spa bill, Bliss’s no-rinse peel pads are just what the doctor ordered. With gradual-release glycolic acid that renews skin overnight, witch hazel and licorice extract are added to target dark spots and fine lines. Hydrating glycerin makes for a gently hydrating yet effective formula.
2Proactiv
Formulated to clear acne, this peel contains one percent salicylic acid, lactic acid and green tea extract to unclog pores and speed cell turnover, as well as aloe vera and shea butter to soothe, hydrate and protect from dry, irritated and flaky skin. Massage with light circular movements over a clean face and neck until the gel liquefies on contact, and leave on for up to five minutes before rinsing. Use once to twice a week.
3M-61
If you’re looking for instant gratification, look no further than M-61 Power Pro-Peel, brought to you from the skin-saviours at spa and retail chain Bluemercury. Pads soaked with glycolic acid, salicylic acid and vitamin C target fine lines, acne scars and uneven pigment, and the post-peel lavender and chamomile towelettes instantly reduce redness and inflammation. No redness means you can head right out the door with glowing skin.
M-61 Power Pro-Peel, $28 (10 days) or $74 (30 days).
4Natura Bissé
For sensitive skin types, this peel offers micro-exfoliation with papaya and prickly pear extracts to renew skin by stimulating regeneration. Botanical extracts like chamomile soothe skin, and maintain the skin’s natural pH balance to insulate against irritation. The formula is hypoallergenic and alcohol-free.
5Arcona
This citrus-scented peel brightens skin on multiple levels: glycolic acid exfoliates, lactic acid resurfaces dark spots, nonapeptide helps inhibit the synthesis of pigment-causing melanin, and sepiwhite slows the formation of tyrosinase, the principal enzyme that powers pigmentation. Oils of blood orange, orange peel, red mandarin and grapefruit further clarify skin while boosting moisture levels.
6Dr. Dennis Gross
Pre-soaked cotton towelettes come in a two-step process: the first contains a veritable list of the best technology available today: glycolic, lactic, malic, citric, mandelic and salicylic acid for a covers-all-bases peel, while the second pad uses retinol, green tea extract, vitamins A, C, E and resveratrol to coax even the most stubborn skin into submission.
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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel, $35 for 10 sets or $85 for 30 sets
7Philosophy
A dozen pre-saturated chemical peel pads use mandelic, azelaic and phytic acids to dissolve away dead skin cells, clarify skintone and soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s recommended you use the peel weekly for 12 weeks to experience the most gratifying results, though studies claim that a 96 percent improvement was seen in subjects after four uses.
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Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel, $68.
8Boots
If you want to play spa, you’ll love this kit. First, squirt four pumps of the 7 percent glycolic peel serum into the mixing dish, swirl and brush on all over face. Wait five minutes, and then swipe the neutralizing pads to halt peel action, with soothing pro vitamin B5, liquorice and Icelandic moss. The gentle duo is safe for all skin types, including sensitive.
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Boots No 7 Advanced Renewal Anti-Ageing Glycolic Peel Kit, $24.99
9Exuviance
Improve the signs of aging, texture and the appearance of pore size with this 25 percent blend of glycolic and mandelic acids, as well as gluconolactone. The duo sets of activator and neutralizer pads can be used up to twice a week on the face, backs of hands, neck, chest and body.
10Artistry
If you’re not crazy about the idea of acid peels, try a gentle yet effective enzyme like the mushroom found in Artistry’s peel, which breaks down protein bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Skin’s top layer has a pH of about 4.5, and the peel turns inactive once it hits a pH of 5.5 or higher—the magic number for inner layers of skin—effectively controlling how deep the treatment will go.
11Ren
Targeted for mature skin that is congested, this bioactive complex uses a four fruit acid complex of lactic, glycolic, citric and tartaric as well as papain enzyme to clear skin with rapid exfoliation. Free of parabens, sulfates, silicones and synthetic fragrances, apply the serum to clean skin and leave on for ten minutes, while patting with fingertips to raise up the exfoliated layer of dead skin cells.
