If you decide to do your own chemical acid peel in the privacy of your own home, there are a few things you should consider before you even start looking for the things you will need.
Skin sensitivity is the first and most important thing you will have to take into consideration. If you have always had sensitive skin and had to be very careful as to what products you ordinarily put on your skin, you will have to be extra careful with a chemical peel. Even the mildest acid peels, such as those which use Alphahydroxy acids or Glycolic acid, both of which are derived from natural substances such as certain fruits, can be irritating to sensitive skin.
If you do find a peel that you feel will be safe to use, even with skin sensitivity, you will still need to follow the dilution directions EXACTLY as they are printed. It is better to achieve minimal results the first time, then use a slightly stronger solution in subsequent treatments than to start off with a too strong solution and risk causing permanent skin damage or even facial scarring.
The amount of damage your skin is showing is the second thing to consider. Further, you will first need to decide how the damage occurred before choosing a chemical peel treatment.
For instance, was the damage caused by sun exposure? Or do you have minimal to moderate scarring from acne or another cause? These and other things will have to be taken into consideration when choosing which acid peels will be right for you.
Next, you will need to assess your overall skin condition as it stands right now. Are you having frequent break-outs? Have you recently had any other type of skin treatment? Have you recently had a cold sore? Do you currently have any open sores or irritated areas on your face?
What type skin do you have? Is it dry, oily, normal, or combination (dry in some spots, oily in others, normal in others)? If you are a woman, does this change at certain times of the month? Yes, men use chemical acid peels, too.
OK, men, since you’ve been brought into the mix, let’s check out your skin. Some of the same questions that the women were asked can apply to you, especially where skin sensitivity is concerned, but you will need to consider another thing, and that concerns shaving.
How often do you have to shave? Does your morning shave last pretty much all day, or are you one of these who literally have a “5:00 shadow”? Also, did you know that you will be unable to shave the morning of the treatment, although you can shave the night before? If you have a fairly heavy beard, you have to consider that the treatment will take off skin and whiskers.
Now, honestly ask yourself what are your desired results? Do you just want smoother, healthier-looking skin, or are you expecting to look totally different than you do now? If it’s the latter, you should realize right now that that is not going to happen.
Acid peels only remove dead skin cells or at the most a thin layer of skin. Yes, the skin underneath is in better shape, because it hasn’t been exposed to the sun or anything else for that matter, but it is still skin. Even after a chemical peel, you will still have freckles or dark spots or areas, although they may appear lighter for a while. Also, any prominent scars will still be visible, although their appearance may be slightly altered.
So, be honest with yourself when answering these and other questions concerning your skin, and choose your products carefully. If you do, you will most likely be satisfied with your chemical acid peel.