Chemical peel for skin whitening at home

Since you're missing your dermatologist appointments and shopping for new skincare products is difficult right now, skipping your regular AHA and BHA peels can leave your skin in a lurch. Are you in the same boat? You can turn your pantry into your skincare lab. The AHAs/BHAs that are in your cleansers, moisturisers, peels and masks, are all derived from organic sources like citrus fruits, sugar cane and mint leaves—things you can find in your kitchen. So, we asked celebrity dermatologist, Dr Kiran Kaur Sethi of Isya Aesthetics to share some of her homemade peel recipes that work as great substitutes for your chemical peels. “You won’t be using any potent acids so there won't be any peeling of the skin like in a chemical/medical peel (chemical peels are highly concentrated and exfoliating that peel the top layer of the skin), but the homemade peels are milder and will help you exfoliate and get rid of dead skin cells,” assures Sethi.

A lactic acid peel for dry, dull skin

Lactic acid is one of the milder alpha hydroxy acids and is derived from milk. It is known for its hydrating properties, which is what your parched skin is looking for. It is both exfoliating and moisturising. “The acid helps bind water into the skin to reveal a hydrated glow. The substitute for this at home can be buttermilk which is a great source of lactic acid and helps get rid of dead and dull skin,” says Sethi. Start by taking two tablespoons of buttermilk. Make sure it isn’t too dilute as it won’t sit on the skin. Apply a generous amount on the face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it for ten minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

A glycolic acid peel to fight fine lines

Glycolic acid is one of the stronger AHAs on the market, and is usually derived from sugarcane. Known for its anti-ageing properties, it helps fight fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. “Glycolic acid is also known for its antimicrobial properties and we have always raved about sugar being a natural exfoliant. This is where they come together. A sugar peel is highly effective for a plump looking and firm skin,” says Sethi. Take two tablespoons of sugar and honey. Add two to three tablespoons of water to it. Mix them all together and make a paste. Apply this mixture on the face evenly. Keep it for five minutes and rinse.

A salicylic acid peel for clogged pores and acne-prone oily skin

Salicylic acid is a powerful BHA that is known for working on acne, breakouts, inflammation and clogged pores. It is derived from willow bark and is common in all anti-acne products. “Willow bark extract is not commonly found or easily available but you can always use mint leaves as it also contains a high content of salicylic acid,” says Dr Sethi. As for the technique? “Wash mint leaves with water, crush them, and put them in a glass jar. Add grapeseed oil to the mix and let it sit for 48 hours. Mix soaked cabbage and buttermilk to create a thick paste, and then apply to the face,” she says. Cabbage is rich in antioxidants, and buttermilk will soothe the skin, essentially making this an AHA-BHA peel. “Focus on the nose and T-zone, which is most prone to clogged pores,” says Dr Sethi.

An at-home chemical peel is able to break down the glue and intercellular bonds between dead skin cells, sloughing them off and revealing baby soft, super radiant skin that looks like it's as good as new in as little as ten minutes. They work to lift off the dead skin layer as well as promote cell growth, leaving only newer cells on the surface. While in-office peels perform a deeper clean, they can leave you out of commission while the skin heals from the chemical stress. The at-home options have lower concentration of active ingredients, but are able to do the same thing, albeit in a more gradual manner.

Caudalie Glycolic Peel

Caudalie Glycolic Peel, Rs 3,560

Starting off with a clean beauty favourite, this one features glycolic acid and a bunch of natural ingredients including grapeseed oil, squalane, and Caudalie’s special grapevine sap derivative, Viniferine, that it claims can lighten dark spots 62 times more than vitamin C. It exfoliates the skin gently while speeding up cell turnover and refining its texture. It’s safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is gentle enough to use twice a week, making for a great starter peel.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, Rs 6,300

Love the tingling feeling of a peel too much to only use it once a week? This one can be used every day, and is spiked with AHA's and BHA's to thoroughly exfoliate the skin without any irritation or burning. A simple two-step process involves a first pad drenched in five exfoliating acids and a second pad to neutralize the acids. The convenient single-use packettes make this product ideal for when you're on the go—stash one in your skincare kit for an instant glow.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial Rs 5,690

If you like spending your weekend indulging in a peel and mask, this is the product pick for you. BabyFacial has a whopping 25% active AHAs (glycol, tartaric, lactic, and citric acids), 2% BHA (everybody's favorite skin-clearer, salicylic acid), and exfoliating chickpea flour and pumpkin ferments. It's a strong one, so a once-a-week application should be good enough for all skin types—even sensitive skin. While the numbers might scare you off a little, it’s the formulation that’s the real winner. With an ideal pH level of 3.5 and a skin-soothing antioxidant blend, this one will leave you with soft skin without the redness.

The Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Resurfacing Liquid Peel

The Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Resurfacing Liquid Peel, Rs 1,995

If you don't have the time to spend fifteen minutes with a mask on your face, choose this almost-immediate resurfacing peel instead. The gel-to-peel technology traps and peels off impurities and dead skin cells, after which skin is healthier and softer after even the first use.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Rs 2,999

Another cult favourite from every serious skincare lover’s favourite brand, this one features the holy acid trinity: glycolic, salicylic, and lactic, in one very clinical looking dropper bottle. While the AHAs (especially glycolic acid) exfoliate the skin surface, the 2% BHA or salicylic acid further burrows inside the pores to erase blemishes from within, revealing overall brighter, more alive skin. And if you’re worried about sensitivity, don’t be, because a particularly soothing botanical ingredient called Tasmanian Pepperberry makes it safe to use on all skin types.

Tata Harper Resurfacing BHA Glow Mask

Tata Harper Resurfacing BHA Glow Mask Rs 5,900

Natural beauty enthusiasts, this one’s for you. It features beta hydroxy acid from white willow bark and pomegranate enzymes as its key ingredient that sloughs off dead cells, plus a bunch of other plant-based ingredients that tighten pores, and packed with pink clay that mops up excess oil. Leave a generous layer on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing, and rinse-and-repeat up to 3 times a week.

Dr. Sheth's Basic Brightening Extra Gentle Daily Peel

Dr. Sheth's Basic Brightening Extra Gentle Daily Peel, Rs 850

Another winning combo of AHAs and humectants this resurfacing mask works to give a thorough exfoliation while leaving skin hydrated in the process. Glycerin, calendula and wheat sugars help to calm and moisturise the skin, taking the sting of the acids out in the process. It is formulated specifically for Indian skin, that is prone to post inflammatory pigmentation from acne, lightening dark spots and evening skin tone on the way.

Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask

Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask, Rs 490

This clay based mask has AHA's to exfoliate and green tea to heal and prevent acne. Glycolic acid sweeps away skin debris and prepares the skin for self-renewal, while clay absorbs excess surface oil and sebum without over-drying the skin. Slap this on when you're struggling with a particularly painful pimple, or add it to your weekly maintenance routine.

Which chemical peel is best for skin whitening?

Can I do my own chemical peel at home?

Does chemical peel help with skin lightening?

Which chemical peel is best for home use?