Though many different kinds of skin resurfacing and rejuvenation methods have entered the market in recent years, chemical peels remain a popular choice among many skincare enthusiasts. Most chemical peels today can even be done in the comfort of people’s homes and implemented within a normal skincare routine. 
 

There are many different kinds of chemical peels that people can choose from depending on the sensitivity of their skin or the result they prefer. The main idea behind chemical peeling is to remove all the dead skin cells on the surface layer to resurface the new and healthy layer beneath the dermis. Though this process does not happen quickly, the results usually provide brighter and clearer skin. 
 

Chemical peels can be done as a procedure in a clinic with prices ranging from 200 up to 6,000 USD depending on the depth of the treatment. But plenty of people prefer the economic choice of finding a chemical peeling product that they can simply implement in their home skincare regimen. Whatever the case may be, it’s always ideal to consult a specialist before undergoing any type of skin treatment.
 

The Early Days of Chemical Peeling

Unbeknownst to many, though chemical peeling is still very much a popular skincare treatment today, its utilization first began to in the 18th century. Austrian doctor and founder of Vienna School of Dermatology, Ferdinand von Hebra, introduced the concept of restoring the skin using chemicals such as phenol, nitric acid, and croton oil. He first demonstrated the power of chemical peels by treating skin irregularities and hyperpigmentation. 
 

Salicylic acid is one of the most common chemical peeling agents used today. Though many accounts claim that it has been utilized as a form of skin treatment for centuries, the first-ever comprehensive account of utilizing salicylic acid came from a German dermatologist named Paul Gerson Unna. He also became famous for his peeling paste which incorporated resorcinol and a Gutta-percha plaster which contained both salicylic acid and phenol.
 

Today, chemical peels can be found almost everywhere with different varieties filling out drugstore shelves. Although science and technology may have advanced to where it is now, the science behind chemical peels remain at its purest form and is still one of the most reliable methods for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.

Conditions That Can Be Addressed Through Chemical Peels

It’s no secret why many people love to implement chemical peels in their home skincare routine. It addresses many different kinds of skin conditions without having to pay an expensive price. Common conditions that chemical peels can treat are as follows:
 

Sun Damage - Excessive sun exposure not only causes sunburn but can also be the catalyst of premature aging. The harmful UV rays emitted by the sun can cause detrimental effects on the skin and may even lead to skin cancer. Chemical peels can help resurface the healthy skin underneath to replace the outer layer that is damaged by the sun. It can help eliminate hyperpigmentation from excessive sun exposure and can also reduce the signs of premature aging.

Scars - Since the area around the face is a sensitive part of the skin, even mild scarring can be evident when left untreated. Chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of mild scarring around the face by helping them fade faster. This is also applicable for acne scars or dark spots after a breakout.

Irregular Pigmentation - People in their golden years often begin to notice age spots or liver spots in different areas of the skin. Freckles, on the other hand, are caused by the overproduction of melanin due to excessive sun exposure. Both issues can be addressed by chemical peeling and can provide a more even skintone.

Rough or Uneven Skin - Rough patches can be caused by many things such as dryness. It’s commonly experienced during the cold season which is why it’s always important to moisturize regularly. Adding chemical peeling into your winter regimen can also allow the healthier and more moisturized layer of the skin to resurface for a more even-textured appearance. 

Types of Chemical Peeling Agents 

We have truly come a long way from when chemical peeling first began being practiced in the 18th century. Today, there are different types of chemical agents that have been added to the list. Some chemical peeling agents are even considered to be safe for sensitive skin. Here are the most common types of chemical peeling agents in the market as of today:
 

Salicylic Acid - Yes, almost more than a century later, salicylic acid still continues to reign supreme in the cosmetic industry when it comes to chemical peeling agents. This is because salicylic acid in different dosages can treat other various kinds of skin problems such as acne. 

It does this by deeply exfoliating the pores by removing the dirt that is trapped inside. It also has the ability to break the bonds between cells which makes it easier for the skin to shed. As the dermis continues to peel, it regenerates and gets replaced by a healthier layer. 
 

Glycolic Acid - Like salicylic acid, glycolic acid is probably one of the most common chemical peeling agents in the market today. Some companies even combine both agents in one product for a deeper peel. Glycolic acid penetrates the skin deeper than other chemical peels. 

It dissolves the dead skin cells efficiently after application. It also clears out pores and removes traces of dirt and oil. After the peeling process, brighter and clearer skin becomes more noticeable. 
 

Lactic Acid - This type of chemical peel utilizes the organic byproduct of the bacterial fermentation of sugar. Just like the other examples above, it can efficiently deliver beautiful skin by eliminating or reducing skin irregularities. 

Products with mild lactic acid can be used once a day or implemented within the regular skincare regimen. For products that contain strong lactic acid, it’s better to practice application once or twice a month since it can penetrate the skin deeper.

Retinol - Nowadays, it’s common to find plenty of beauty products that contain retinol when walking down the beauty aisle of your local drugstore. Retinol is a type of Vitamin A and is commonly added to other chemical peeling agents. 

It’s considered an efficient type of exfoliant and also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A chemical peel containing retinol is usually considered to be milder than others although it’s still ideal to consult a specialist before trying any type of treatment.