Turns out that chemicals are good for your skin. No, really. Exfoliating using acids can do wonders for your complexion, helping rid dead skin cell buildup and reveal smoother, fresher skin. Regular gentle exfoliation will also go a long way toward improving dull skin, vanishing dark spots and smoothing wrinkles. It also means that all your serums, treatments and other magic potions will penetrate deeper. (Just remember to wear your sunscreen after using.)
Ready to try a chemical peel at home? Start with one of these best facial peels .
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8 Facial Peels That Will Transform Your Skin
Sunday Riley
This cult-favorite lactic acid treatment gives dull skin an immediate boost, visibly plumping skin, smoothing, brightening and bringing back radiance to the face. Best of all, it can be layered under foundation for flawless-looking skin. (Tip: Mix with Sunday Riley’s Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser for a flash treatment mask.)
Good Genes Treatment, $105 at Space.NK
Tata Harper
Want a radiant glow? This natural beta-hydroxy mask will deliver it. Pomegranate enzymes help cleanse skin, pink clay works to reduce pore size and remove impurities, beet extract helps hydrate and improve skin tone and willow bark alongside meadowsweet provide a natural source of beta-hydroxy acid that helps rid dead skin. For a quick five-minute intense treatment, apply Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser underneath the Resurfacing Mask and steam your face.
Resurfacing Mask, $58 at Sephora
Drunk Elephant
This potent mask contains 25 percent AHA and 2 percent BHA and is meant to be used once a week to improve clarity and radiance, smooth texture and minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It packs a real punch yet contains an antioxidant complex that’s soothing and is formulated to avoid any irritation. It’s like a facial in a bottle.
T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, $80 at Sephora
Omorovicza
This unique foaming two-step peel feels like a visit to the spa. Just apply a turquoise copper paste all over your face, followed by the lactic acid activator and watch a science experiment on your face. This peel diminishes the appearance of pores, corrects uneven texture and tone and brightens.
Copper Peel, $85 at Sephora
Peter Thomas Roth
These pads are as beloved as they are affordable. Gentle enough to be used daily, this facial peel contains alpha, beta and gamma hydroxy acids as well as peptides — which means that not only does it exfoliate skin and encourage cell turnover, but it also helps boost moisture and protect from environmental damage.
Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads, $45 at Sephora
Pixi By Petra
Keep breakouts under control, shrink pores and brighten uneven skin tone with this affordable 20 percent glycolic acid-based peel from London-based, Swedish-born veteran makeup artist Petra Strand. As an added bonus, these pads contain rose water to help hydrate and retinyl palmitate to promote collagen production.
Glow Peel Pads, $22 at Target
REN
If your skin needs a quick fix, this is the mask for you. There are four natural acids here: glycolic from pineapple, lactic from passion fruit, citric from lemon and tartaric from grapes. If you’ve got congested skin with post-acne scarring, blemishes or blackheads, this mask will make a real difference.
Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask, $55 at Sephora
Dr. Dennis Gross
This coveted peel contains five acids and is designed to give skin a boost in just a few minutes, prepping skin for your daily skin care routine by providing anti-aging benefits, such as diminished fine lines and improving texture over time.
Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $88 at Sephora
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