Here's What You Need To Know Before Trying An At-Home Chemical Peel

No beauty routine is created equal. Some of us are obsessed with skincare and actively set a timer to get through our morning routine that involves exfoliating and moisturizing our skin. Others prefer to keep things simple by washing their face and then getting on with their day. Wherever you fall on the skincare spectrum, it's never too late to take your skincare more seriously. 

Using products or treatments that cater to your skin type can completely change the way that your skin looks and feels. One beauty treatment that has become really popular on social media is a chemical peel. Just hearing the word "chemical" sounds scary and intense, but chemical peels come with a lot of perks. Think about it as a magic eraser. It uses acid to peel off all of the dirt and dead skill cells that build up on your skin, which will leave your skin feeling brand new. Chemical peels hit different skin issues such as acne scars, redness, and even wrinkles (via Medical News Today). 

Depending on the type of peel you get, it can get a little pricey (via Healthline). But before you decide to skip the trip to the beauty salon and DIY it instead, here's what you need to know about at-home chemical peels.

If you're not ready to splurge on a professional chemical peel and would rather do it yourself, you can pick up an already made at-home treatment or create your own. The results may not always be the same. Dr. Annie Gonzalez, a dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in Miami, told Byrdie that the biggest difference between store bought chemical peels and the professional kind is their strength. "Chemical peels are categorized into three groups: superficial, medium, and deep," she explained. Dr. Gonzalez shared that DIY chemical peels aren't as strong as their counterparts and tend to fall into the superficial (or light) category.

But don't let that deter you from trying it out! One of the major benefits of an at-home chemical peel is that you don't have to wait as long for your skin to bounce back. Plus, these peels include smaller amounts of salicylic or lactic acid, which means it's less harsh (via Healthline). If you're stuck between at-home peels or a professional one, keep in mind the type of skin issues you have and go from there.