Wondering how to do a chemical peel at home? In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll give you all my tips and tricks for doing a chemical peel yourself.
Getting a chemical peel can be intimidating, and if you are anything like me, you are probably wondering how to do a chemical peel at home, what is the best face peel to use if you are going to be applying a chemical peel yourself.
I have been doing this myself for years, and I am going to give you all the info you need to know about applying a chemical peel yourself, including the benefits, how to apply it at home, and the before and after.
Can you do a chemical peel by yourself?
Trust me. I know doing a chemical peel yourself sounds risky- and really, it is. I’d be lying to you if I said there is absolutely no risk involved.
However, there is NOTHING that has helped even out my skin tone, smooth any scarring, and shrink my pores, as instantaneously as a chemical peel. It’s literally a reset button for your skin, and I’m about to tell you how to do a chemical peel at home.
The video version of this step-by-step chemical peel tutorial is included at the end of this post.
I’ve tried lots of chemical peels (side note: Years ago I completed esthetics training, but I never worked as an esthetician.) and I have discovered that I like the pretty intense ones.
Once, three days after a 30 percent TCA peel, my best friend FaceTimed me and almost had a heart attack. She immediately flooded me with the usual questions people ask if I dare to show my crispy skin after an at-home spa session: “Oh my gosh, are you okay?!? You look like a burn victim! WHAT DID YOU DO???”
I always assure everyone that I’ll emerge with baby-soft, gummy bear textured skin (albeit a little pink) in just a few short days. It’s true. I have applied chemical peels at home many times over the years with no problems.
This post probably contains affiliate links, but only on items that I use or would recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclaimer here.
Can you do an acid peel at home?
Now, with all of that being said, it’s on you to determine whether or not you want to take the risk (and save some serious loot) by applying a chemical peel at home, but do this at your own risk.
You may have a completely different experience than I’ve had. If you have never had a chemical peel, I would suggest starting with a mild peel such as this one, and work your way up. Also, be sure to test the peel on a small area of skin first.
Chemical peel benefits:
-Hyperpigmentation
In my opinion, the best at home chemical peel for hyperpigmentation is the TCA peel that I have photographed myself applying at home in this post. The before and after pictures are astounding. If you are a little nervous to do a TCA peel at home, I’ve seen incredible results with the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads also. I use them every week and swear by them. I use this serum daily and it helps with hyperpigmentation as well.
-acne scars
The main reason I started researching how to do a chemical peel at home was because of my acne scarring, and if that is an issue for you as well, a mild peel will do almost nothing. Depending on how deep your scars are, a medium peel such as the TCA peel you can do at home is your best bet.
-Fine lines and wrinkles
Although this chemical peel helps tremendously with wrinkles, you may be able to see results with a milder peel. I’ve linked a few options below.
You can read more about the benefits of chemical peels here and here.
If you’ve decided to go for it, or if you’re just curious as to how I do this at home, I have step-by-step instructions on exactly how I apply a chemical peel. I also have some pictures of my face looking mighty fine.
If you’re on the fence, here are some milder options that will still give you a major difference in the before and after of your skin.
Milder skincare products that I recommend:
Related: How to microblade your eyebrows at home.
What you’ll need for an at-home chemical peel:
- Cotton Pads– to apply the peel
- TCA Peel– This one (click here)is a 30% TCA peel, and it’s my favorite, but it can be intense.
- For first-timers, this Glycolic peel would be better to start with.
- Small bowl or ramekin- to pour the peel into
- Chapstick or Vaseline– to cover any areas that you don’t want to peel
- Gloves
- Q-tip– for applying to precise areas
- Baking Soda and water solution (optional)- can be used to neutralize the peel
- Aquafor-for immediately after the peel
- Cerave Cream or another gentle moisturizer you like- for a couple of days later
- Arnica-if you’re prone to swelling
- Gentle Skin Cleanser– You MUST use a gentle cleanser throughout this process.
- Sensitive Skin Sunscreen
Step One: Prepare your skin for the chemical peel
Assuming you have already tested the peel you are going to use, the absolute, non-negotiable thing you must do is remove any TRACE of make-up on your face.
A make-up wipe ain’t gonna cut it. Wash your face. Twice. With a gentle cleanser like this one I use. You DO NOT want to use anything with harsh ingredients or salicylic acid in it.
Set up everything you need. This is going to be somewhat painful depending on the strength of your peel, and the last thing you want to do is be scrambling around when your face is on fire. Some peels do not have to be rinsed off, but I always rinse mine.
I’ve used a neutralizer like this before, so if you’d feel more comfortable using one, get it where you can easily reach it.
It would be a good idea to perform this in your bathroom. Also, secure your hair away from your face and apply Chapstick to your lips and anywhere you do not want to peel. I usually put it also on my eyebrows, (because they’re microbladed- see how-to guide here) and nostrils, (because I don’t want the peeling skin to look like boogers.)
Step 2: Apply the chemical peel at home
Put on gloves and submerge a cotton pad into the peel and squeeze out any excess solution. This is important because you do not want it to drip AT ALL. I start with my cheeks because that is where I have the most scarring, and I want the peel to sit on that area the longest. Always apply to the forehead last, so that it doesn’t drip. You will notice that some areas will turn white. This is called “frosting.”
Disclaimer: Although it is not suggested, I once applied the 30 percent TCA peel to my undereye area. Although I got great results, the healing process was rough. If you decide to treat the fine lines under your eyes, I would suggest that be your last step.
Step 3: Wait for the TCA peel to kick in
Every peel is different, but with my 30 percent TCA peel, I leave it on as long as I can, which is usually about 5 minutes. After that, I immediately rinse it off with cold water and apply the baking soda water mixture which will neutralize any solution left on the skin. Do not use any cleanser for at least 24 hours. Pat skin dry with a clean towel and apply a generous amount of Aquafor.
In the following days, you’ll need to use sunscreen religiously.
Chemical Peel at home before and after
Below are images of the day-by-day peeling process:
Day 1: Skin looks like a mild sunburn.
If you have to leave the house, I’d suggest going out on day 1. The skin is pretty easy to cover with light makeup. Be sure to moisturize and apply SPF.
Day 2: Face becomes a little flaky after the peel.
On day two the skin around the mouth will become flaky. The under-eye area may swell.
Day 3: You look like you are 87 years old.
By day 3, you can forget covering anything with makeup. At this point, the skin feels tight, irritated, and uncomfortable. The skin around the mouth will start to crack and peel. When this happens, I like to take scissors and cut it; otherwise, I will peel it off. On the night of day 3, I have to wake up throughout the night to apply moisturizer.
Day 4: Tight skin after TCA peel
Same as day 3, but 10x more uncomfortable. You’ll want to claw your face off. This is by far the worst day and I forgot to take a picture.
Day 5: Before and After chemical peel results
Free at last. I always peel my forehead on this day and I love every second of it. Although it is advised to let the skin naturally peel, I have zero self-control when it comes to that. I only peel skin that looks ready, (no redness, tenderness, and has turned completely brown,) and have never encountered scarring from it. However, this is NOT recommended. I gotta keep it 100 with you though. I did it. And I love it.
Every day the skin gets a little less pink. The main thing is to keep it hydrated and protected with sunscreen.
If you have any questions, let me know!
Kayla
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