Wednesday, March 11, 2020
A key step in your skin care routine you’re likely missing: a face peel. Our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab surveyed nearly 2,200 women and found that only 11% of you use face peels in your current routine.
And no, we’re not talking about those viral peel-off face masks: the secret to vibrant skin at any age is exfoliation, and a great way to get that is through peel treatments (also called chemical peels). Our experts are here to give you the lowdown on face peels and share top-tested picks you can use right at home.
But first, here’s what you need know about at-home face peels.
What’s the difference between a peel-off mask and a chemical peel?
This is a common mixup (many of our testers also expected a peel-off mask!). While both have the word "peel" in their names, that’s where the similarities start and end. Chemical facial peels are acid- or enzyme-based exfoliants that help “peel-off” the top layer of your skin, leaving the surface smoother and clearer. Peel-off masks are applied and then literally peeled off after a certain amount of time.How does an at-home peel work?
The most common (and most effective) ingredients are alpha and beta hydroxy acids. These are naturally derived from foods and plants, and can have either water- (alpha) or oil- (beta) loving properties.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic, lactic, mandelic, and citric acids have all been proven effective at making skin glowy. Not only are they great at exfoliating, they can also plump, firm, lighten skin, and stimulate collagen production.
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are aplenty, but the one you’ve likely already heard of? Salicylic acid. Besides its exfoliating properties, salicylic acid uses its oil-attracting properties to de-clog dirt and grease from pores. It also provides anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it ideal for acne-prone and oily skin.
How often can I use a peel?
Once a week for sensitive or dry skin, and three times max for other skin types. But it's always important to read the package instructions before using any new product, advises GH Beauty Lab senior chemist, Sabina Wizemann. Also, it’s best to add one type of exfoliator at a time into your routine to avoid skin irritation and damage. For instance, if you’re trying a peel one week, don’t also use a physical scrub or a cleansing brush.
Will the peel leave my skin dry or flaky?
Most likely, no. Our study found that the majority of tested products did not cause peeling or flaking. But you might feel some tingling when you apply the peel — 71% of our testers agreed that they felt tingling when using their product, so it's totally normal. Make sure you use a good, hydrating facial moisturizer immediately after using any exfoliant to nourish your skin.
Do I need to adjust my routine when I’m using an at-home face peel?
If you’re already not using a daily sunscreen with SPF 30, you’ll need to start. Since you're revealing fresh skin, products containing AHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
How We Tested
The GH Beauty Lab recruited eight women, age 30 and above, to blind test at-home peels. Throughout testing, we analyzed their skin in our Lab with a Visia Complexion Analyzer to measure testers' pores, skin texture, visible spots, and wrinkles before and after two weeks of use. After collecting over 1,500 data points and crunching the numbers, here are our experts’ winning picks.
1. La Prairie Cellular 3-Minute Peel
Despite a potent blend of lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids, La Prairie's splurge-worthy peel was super-gentle on skin. “My skin looked smoother and brighter as soon as I washed it off — my family even noticed!” one tester revealed, “yet there was zero stinging.” It scored highest in Lab digital-imaging evaluations for improving radiance and tied for first in reducing acne-promoting bacteria. We also like that it comes with a convenient and hygienic application brush.
2. Peter Thomas Roth PROfessional Strength 40% Triple Acid Peel
A past GH Beauty Breakthrough Award winner, Peter Thomas Roth's power peel mimics dermatologist office-strength formulas with high levels of glycolic, salicylic, and mandelic acids. After only two uses, GH Lab testers’ skin showed reduced spots, minimized pores, and improved texture — with zero irritation or downtime reported. And don’t let the packaging fool you: you’ll open the jar to find 12 easy-to-open ampules along the sides with cotton pads in the middle.
3. Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Revealing Radiance Facial Peel
Made with a high concentration of glycolic acid, Mary Kay earned the highest score in Lab tests for reducing pores and smoothing texture without redness. Digital imaging found an 11% reduction in the number of visible pores and an 8% improvement in texture. Testers echoed this in their comments, too. “My skin was tighter and more toned after even the first use,” said one. Even better? It’s a GH Seal holder!
4. L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads
No rinsing required with these foolproof L’Oréal glycolic acid peel pads. Nearly every tester raved about how convenient and simple they are to use (just swipe them over clean skin!). Some didn’t like the feeling of product left behind, though Our Visia Complexion Analyzer imaging revealed that it cut blemish-causing bacteria by 19%, and 71% of testers said it brightened skin. You can even use them nightly!
5. Philosophy the Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel
Philosophy’s individually-packed pads were the only product to show some visible wrinkle improvement in Lab tests, and it came in second at improving skin texture. Great for a few days before an event, a few testers found their skin glowing for days after application. “After each use, my skin looked brighter for two days. It also felt softer and smoother,” said one. Not to mention, consumers rated it the least irritating.