Peeling for the face at home: step by step instructions, types [opinion of Vichy experts]

What is skin radiance or why peeling is needed?

Oh, if only we were taught in physics lessons at school that our skin, like any other surface, has the properties to reflect the sun’s rays! At the same time, the skin is not a dense sheet of metal, but a fragile multilayer structure. Therefore, when the sun’s rays penetrate it, it begins, as it were, to be illuminated from the inside. It is this radiance that is one of the most desired effects of anti-aging treatments.

Why does this radiance disappear with time? It’s simple: “old” dead particles collect on the surface of the skin, somewhere the skin changes unevenly … All this thickens the skin, makes it uneven and does not allow sunlight and light to penetrate through it. The main task of peeling is precisely to renew the skin, remove old particles and allow light to pass through it, giving our face a youthful glow from within.

Types of peeling at home

In order to figure out what facial peeling can be done at home, you need to understand what varieties of this procedure, in principle, are. According to the method of exposure, peeling is divided into:

  1. chemical (beauty preparations based on acids);
  2. mechanical (scrubs and other products with abrasive particles);
  3. hardware (it can be chemical, mechanical, and combined – but it is performed only in the salon, using professional equipment).

Peeling types are also divided according to the depth of their impact on the layers and structure of the skin. It is important to talk about this in more detail – since not all facial peel options are available at home.

Superficial peeling of the face at home

This is, in fact, the only type of peel that is safe to do at home. It can be both chemical and mechanical – but, most importantly, it should affect only the upper layers of the skin (including the stratum corneum). What is the meaning of this peeling?

As we have already said above, over time (this is clearly seen with macro-enlargement), our skin becomes uneven: renewal occurs unevenly, dead particles remain somewhere in other areas, the skin acquires a gray, earthy tint … All this affects the overall appearance: we look older, the skin seems “tired” and devoid of that very youthful glow.

The main task of surface peeling for the face is to:

  • renew the top layer of the skin;
  • remove dead particles;
  • make the skin texture as smooth as possible;
  • restore a smooth face.

It also helps to solve typical skin problems caused by the accumulation of dead particles on its surface: clogged pores, inflammation and black spots, post-acne marks… Peeling products help exfoliate dead cells from the skin surface, even out its relief and restore its smoothness.

In addition, peeling stimulates active skin renewal, thereby restoring its freshness, elasticity and tone. It not only contributes to the disappearance of age spots and post-acne marks, but also has a general rejuvenating effect, increasing skin density, removing fine wrinkles and making the skin “work” like in youth.

Soft surface peeling for the face is carried out, as a rule, in a course and repeated every six months, and more often for dense problematic skin. And, of course, even such a peeling requires the mandatory use of sunscreens with an SPF factor of at least 30-50.

Medium Facial Peeling

This is a more severe version of peeling with preparations based on strong acids or devices that combine chemical and mechanical effects. It affects the deep layers of the dermis – up to the papillary layer, where living cells are affected. Therefore, it is better to perform such peeling in salons with professionals, otherwise there is a risk of seriously damaging the skin.

Median peeling is performed no more than once a year, outside of sunny seasons and always under the guise of products with a high SPF.

Remember that the traces of the procedure (redness, peeling) remain on the face for some time – do not plan important events for the next 7-10 days.

It also helps to solve typical skin problems caused by the accumulation of dead particles on its surface: clogged pores, inflammation and black spots, post-acne marks… Peeling products help exfoliate dead cells from the skin surface, even out its relief and restore its smoothness.

In addition, peeling stimulates active skin renewal, thereby restoring its freshness, elasticity and tone. It not only contributes to the disappearance of age spots and post-acne marks, but also has a general rejuvenating effect, increasing skin density, removing fine wrinkles and making the skin “work” like in youth.

Soft surface peeling for the face is carried out, as a rule, in a course and repeated every six months, and more often for dense problematic skin. And, of course, even such a peeling requires the mandatory use of sunscreens with an SPF factor of at least 30-50.

Deep peeling – can it be done at home?

Deep peeling cannot be done at home. It affects all layers of the skin structure and is extremely aggressive for the skin. Deep peeling is performed only for medical reasons and under the strict supervision of a dermatologist. Please note that this type of peeling requires a fairly long recovery and does not imply regular use.

Is peeling effective for post-acne?

Let’s look at the mechanics of post-acne traces. Imperfections form in the deep layers of the skin and appear on its surface in the form of inflammation. With the passage of inflammation, or, even worse, with its self-mechanical removal, skin injury occurs.

Remember what an imperfection looks like in the first minutes after its release – it is very similar to a scratch or other damage to the skin. As with any injury, the skin begins to produce melanocytes – the cells responsible for pigmentation. Thus, from the point of view of cosmetology, post-acne represents the same pigmentation and is corrected in the same way.

Using peeling, you stimulate the skin, in simple terms, to get rid of the upper layers with pigmentation and develop new ones without pigmentation.

Dealing with post-acne is a rather lengthy process that may require several peeling courses. This is due to deep damage to the skin during the formation and healing of inflammation.

How to do facial peeling at home: a review of Vichy products

So, we have found out what types of peeling can be done at home – now let’s take a closer look at what products are suitable for home peeling. First of all, it is important to understand that facial cleansers have an active effect on the skin. Therefore, it is very important that they are developed under the supervision of dermatologists, their action is proven and safe.

LIFTACTIV Specialist Glyco-C – night-time peeling serum in ampoules

What’s at the core:

  • 10% complex of glycolic and citric acids;
  • hyaluronic acid;
  • natural vitamin C.

How does it work: the complex of acids penetrates into the upper layers of the skin, exfoliates and removes layers of dead cells, smoothing the relief of the face and removing traces of post-acne. Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis and is responsible for a smooth face, while hyaluronic acid deeply moisturizes the skin from the inside.

How often to apply: Ampoules are applied in a 60-day course (1 ampoule is designed for 2 applications). The contents of the ampoules are applied at night and do not require rinsing – however, do not forget about the mandatory use of products with SPF the next morning.

What result can be obtained:

  1. Visibly more even tone and relief of the face.
  2. Smoothing out small wrinkles.
  3. Significant reduction in age spots.
  4. Visually noticeable radiance and freshness of the skin.

Double Glow Mineral Peeling Mask by VICHY

What’s at the core:

  • Fruit alpha hydroxy acids.
  • Volcanic stone.
  • Vitamin Cg and mannose.
  • Volcanic thermal water VICHY.

How does it work: The mask optimally combines chemical and physical peeling methods. Fruit acids help exfoliate dead particles from the surface of the skin, while the volcanic stone gently and gently removes them. Vichy thermal water contributes to the active renewal of the skin and its strengthening, and the vitamin complex protects against the aggressive effects of the external environment.

How often to apply: the mask can be used 1-2 times a week, depending on the condition and needs of the skin. Do not keep it on the skin for more than the recommended 5 minutes on the package and then rinse with plenty of water.

What result can be obtained:

  1. More even skin texture and relief.
  2. Fresh complexion, tone and elasticity of the skin.
  3. Noticeable reduction in post-acne marks.
  4. Replenishing the mineral balance of the skin and protecting it from external factors.

VICHY Normaderm 3in1 Cleanser

What’s at the core:

  • Glycolic acid.
  • White clay kaolin.

How does it work: glycolic acid actively penetrates into the upper layers of the skin, exfoliates and dissolves the bonds between dead cells, and kaolin microparticles gently remove all traces of impurities and dead skin cells, and also help to narrow pores and dull skin tone.

How often to apply: 3 in 1 product can be used as a daily cleansing gel wash (especially for oily skin) or scrub to cleanse pores. In this case, it must be applied, massaged until foam forms and rinsed thoroughly. Also, 1-2 times a week, the product can be used as a five-minute mask, which allows you to control the production of sebum and the dullness of the skin.

What result can be obtained:

  1. Effective removal of daily facial impurities and blackheads.
  2. Deep cleansing and narrowing of enlarged and clogged pores.
  3. Контроль выработки кожного жира, приятная матовость и текстура кожи.

How to do a facial peel at home: a step by step guide

As we have already said, at home it is better to limit yourself to mild types of peeling that do not affect the deeper layers of the skin. It is recommended to perform the procedure itself in the evening, in the following order:

  1. Thoroughly remove make-up residues, traces of skin secretions and other impurities from the face with milk or micellar water. We recommend that you use продукты из линии PURETE THERMALE, например, мицеллярное молочко с минералами для сухой и нормальной кожи или линии Normaderm, например, мицеллярный лосьон для снятия макияжа 3 в 1 для жирной и проблемной кожи.
  2. Wash with the usual means: gel or foam for washing. We recommend that you use cleansing gel Normaderm Phytosolution.
  3. If you plan to apply lotions and creams with acids, it is better to wait until the skin of the face is completely dry. For scrubs, gommages and masks, you can only lightly blot your face with a napkin or towel.
  4. Apply the peel of your choice, hold and rinse (if necessary) strictly according to the instructions on the package. Do not violate the manufacturer’s instructions – this can lead to damage to the skin.
  5. After peeling, apply your usual skin care routine and be sure to use products with SPF, especially if you plan to go outside. If you’re exfoliating at night, don’t forget to use SPF in the morning.

Answers to frequently asked questions about home peeling

At the end of our analysis of peeling at home, we will try to answer the most popular questions.

Why is it better to do a chemical peel in the evening and outside of sunny periods?

Acid peeling is a process of active exfoliation and removal of dead skin particles, which exposes a layer of new, rather vulnerable at first, cells. It is better to give them at least a night to adapt to new conditions, as well as to protect them from excessive exposure to sunlight.

Is it possible, when peeling the face with home remedies, to leave them on the skin longer than recommended by the manufacturer?

No way. Peeling is, albeit a controlled, but active effect of acid products on the layers of the skin. Excessively long application will not at all increase the effect of the product, but can only harm, affecting not only keratinized, but also living skin cells.

Can peeling be done on sensitive skin?

You can – but you need to carefully choose products, giving preference to those that are developed under the supervision of dermatologists, tested and tested on all skin types. Look for the appropriate marks on the packages, and in case of any doubts or before using a new type of product for the first time, do not hesitate to consult with specialists.

Why is it better to do a chemical peel in the evening and outside of sunny periods?

Acid peeling is a process of active exfoliation and removal of dead skin particles, which exposes a layer of new, rather vulnerable at first, cells. It is better to give them at least a night to adapt to new conditions, as well as to protect them from excessive exposure to sunlight.

Is it possible, when peeling the face with home remedies, to leave them on the skin longer than recommended by the manufacturer?

No way. Peeling is, albeit a controlled, but active effect of acid products on the layers of the skin. Excessively long application will not at all increase the effect of the product, but can only harm, affecting not only keratinized, but also living skin cells.

Can peeling be done on sensitive skin?

You can – but you need to carefully choose products, giving preference to those that are developed under the supervision of dermatologists, tested and tested on all skin types. Look for the appropriate marks on the packages, and in case of any doubts or before using a new type of product for the first time, do not hesitate to consult with specialists.

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