Chemical peels are traditionally done at the dermatologist’s office. Today, however, chemical peel kits are available to the regular buyers. The price of chemical peel is usually around $100, which is rather cheap compared to a chemical peel session at the dermatologist’s office which costs around $500. With this, it is easier to comprehend why more and more people are trying at-home chemical peels.

Chemical peels

work by removing the top skin layers containing damaged and dead skin cells and thus revealing clearer and healthier skin. Chemical peels can do wonders to the skin with imperfections like acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines, freckles and dark spots among others.

There are many chemical peel types in the market today that are appropriate for home use. This also means that not all chemical peels can be used by individuals in treating their skin problems. Strengths of acids used in at-home chemical peels are usually milder compared to those that are used in a dermatologist’s office. Nonetheless, the amount is enough to treat skin imperfections.

The mildest

chemical peel

is the hydroxy acids, which could be either AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid). AHA can be derived from fruits and plants, hence is naturally occurring. AHA can only be used for slight skin imperfections like dark spots and uneven skin tone since this is considered as a superficial peel. AHA can be glycolic acid or lactic acid. The former is obtained from sugarcane. It is used in treating uneven skin tone as well as fine lines. The allowable concentration is about 10 to 30%. The latter is derived from milk. It is also used in treating uneven skin tone, fine wrinkles and mild acne scars.

Salicylic acid is one subtype of BHA. Salicylic acid is milder than glycolic and lactic acids. Salicylic acid is obtained from willow trees. Salicylic acid is mostly used for superficial peeling using the allowable concentration of about 20 to 30%.
Trichloroacetic acid or TCA is another chemical peel apt for home use. TCA chemical peel is deeper than hydroxy acids but is generally considered safe for home utilization. The allowable concentration is up to 30% which means anything higher than this is risky.

The choice of at-home chemical peel depends on the severity of the skin imperfection. Hydroxy acid can be used for superficial peels while TCA is used for a much deeper peel. The skin will require a few days before peeling will start. There are specific precautions that you must consider before and after each peel.

At-Home Chemical Peels

Azelaic acid is considered to be very effective in treating acne as well as rosacea. If you are wondering how it does this, azelaic acid as it has both anti-proliferative and anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can facilitate skin renewal. When you use products that are azelaic acid-based, you will notice that the development of papules is decreased thereby lowering the instances of outbreaks. How azelaic acid functions and its features and effects will be discussed in here.

Most azelaic acid products are applied topically; they usually come in cream or gel form.

Azelaic acid

is very effective in fighting against mild and moderate acne. Specifically, it addresses inflammatory acne including papules and pustules and cysts. Similar to Retin-A, azelaic acid is commonly prescribed by dermatologists to various skin conditions. It must be applied twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. However, like any other skin care products, you have to be patient in using the product to see the desired result. It may take up to 2 months to see changes in your skin condition. Treatment duration may also vary on the extent of your acne or rosacea.

The acceptable amount of

azelaic acid

is 15 to 20%. This allowable concentration equalizes the amount that our body absorbs naturally. This means that even if you put additional amount of azelaic acid on affected areas the result will still be the same. Your acne will not leave quicker even when you apply and reapply azelaic acid throughout the day. While it may not aggravate your skin, the level of toxicity in your body will increase. Further, you have to protect your eyes, ears, nose and lips when applying azelaic acid. You have to wash your hands too after every application.

You have to carefully watch how your body reacts to azelaic acid. When you experience dryness, itching, burning or stinging, it would be best to apply azelaic acid once a day. These are usually experienced when you start using a skin care product, and azelaic acid is no exemption. These symptoms will subside though after a few days. If these persist, you have to stop using it since topical applications may not be for you. Severe side effects are very rare though thus using azelaic acid is generally safe.

Azelaic Acid – An Effective Acne Treatment