If the term "chemical peel" still makes you squirm, we get it. You have reason to be cautious for many of us, who indulged in an in-office or salon chemical peel in the 90s, that left our skin red, sore and permanently shiny. The good news is there is a wave of new DIY peels that are gentle yet active and are not something to fear. Rather, they're an invaluable tool in your skin's glow-giving arsenal. They can address a shedload of complexion concerns that over-scrubbing your skin will never achieve. Here’s the latest home peel that our editor has trialled from beauty brand Clinique.
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What you need to know about Clinique Clarifying Micro Do Over Peel, $54.
Clinique Clarifying Micro Do Over Peel, $47.
What’s in it?
A blend of micro acids like AHAs and PHS’s fruity acids known as alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy or salicylic acids). Together they help budge the dead skin cells that build up on your complexion and make the skin appear dull and rough. While an algae extract boosts your natural skin cell renewal. Finally, a fermented
yeast extract, Clinique love this ingredient for how it works deep in the skin to tackle imperfections before you see them on your face.
How to use it
Yes, it is one more step in your evening routine, two or three times a week but if your skin needs a clarifying boost post-summer to wipe out the look of dullness or blotchiness, this is a welcome glow-giving addition. Simply cleanse your skin, add a few drops of the peel onto a cotton pad, and then wipe the pad over the skin. Next, apply your night cream or serum - it’s that easy.
The take-home
A new wave of chemical peels offers great benefits superficially, including exfoliation, unclogging pores, and helping to blur the look of blemishes and brown spots from sun damage. This new leave-on peel does all of that and more. It also speeds up skin cell renewal, inducing new collagen production below the skin's surface. Just because your skin doesn't peel off, it doesn't mean it's not working. This at-home peel is much milder than an in-salon option, but its success is it gently refines the skin over time without irritation. This is why you can leave it on the skin to work its magic while you sleep; it will be a keeper in my skincare routine.
Find out if the hype is real.