Exfoliation is one of the keys to healthy and glowing skin. Not only does it help you to look and feel younger, but as you age, exfoliation helps to boost overall skin health.

One exfoliation option is chemical exfoliation, or chemical peels as they’re commonly known. Even though they may sound scary, there’s nothing to shy away from as long as you keep an eye on the ingredients and the pH. As with any cosmetic product, the less ingredients, the better for skin health.

To demystify chemical peels, we thought it would be helpful to explain how they work. Chemical peels drop the pH of the skin to loosen dead skin cells and boost cellular turnover. Often times, glycolic acid is the active ingredient used in chemical peels, though salicylic acid and lactic acid are also commonly employed. The good news is all three are great for your skin.

At home chemical peels are typically quite gentle compared to those offered through professional services, due to the strength of the acid in the formula. An at home peel is likely to have a higher pH, which makes it less acidic than its professional grade counterpart.

Though it may sound rudimentary, be sure to follow the instructions for any home chemical exfoliants. You wouldn’t want to, say, forget about your peel and have it working for well past the recommended usage time. When using an exfoliant, be sure to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before and after to protect your skin, which may be in a sensitive state.

For those looking for an exfoliant, take a look at our Renewing Peel. It’s a wonderful way to get vibrant, nourished skin without harsh chemicals.