After my post on AHAs and all the wonderful things they do for hyperpigmentation, I wanted to take my chemical exfoliation to the next level.
How? By doing my own at home chemical peel. I've long been intimidated by doing my own chemical peel because things can go very wrong, very quickly. The last thing in the world I want is a chemical burn! But I currently live in Vietnam, and the options for reputable dermatologists and licensed skincare professionals are slim to none, so I decided to research and take matters into my own hands.
Chemical peels have long been a mainstay treatment in the skincare world. Peels provide super power exfoliation, resulting in an even, smooth, and glowing complexion. Fine lines, blackheads, and acne are all skin issues that can be drastically improved with chemical peels.
There are five main types of acids used for chemical peels: glycolic, salicylic, lactic, mandelic and TCA. Each of these acids have their own strengths and weaknesses. Some are better for certain skin types, and some have different effects on the skin.
Armed with this information, I decided to buy two peels, the 25% and 40% mandelic acid peels from Makeup Artists Choice. I have found Makeup Artists Choice (or MUAC for short) have the best, and most comprehensive selection of at-home peels, and excellent customer service. I went with mandelic acid because I'm already using the 15% serum from Vivant skincare, and I also love how mandelic acid is better suited for women of color since it doesn't discolor the skin. I'm not trying to have my face a different color than my body!
Photo Credit: Sheryll Donerson
Steps for My Own At-Home Chemical Peel Experience:
- I removed my makeup with an oil cleanser and washed again with a gentle foaming cleanser.
- I used a toner to ensure that my face was completely clean.
- I then poured a small amount of the 25% mandelic acid on a cotton pad and lightly swabbed it onto my skin in an upward motion. After a couple of seconds, I felt a slight warming and tingling sensation, but it was not uncomfortable.
- The instructions said to keep the mask on for 3 to 5 minutes, so I set a timer for 4 minutes, as I'm used to acids, but didn't want to risk keeping it on too long and damaging my skin.
- After the 4 minutes was up, I washed my face again with a gentle cleanser, taking care to make sure my entire face had soap on it and was rinsed off completely. I then pat my skin dry using a clean towel.
- I followed up by applying a hydrating toner/essence, moisturizer and facial oil.
- In the AM, I applied a heavier day cream than normal, and made sure to use sunscreen. Sunscreen is a non-negotiable if you are doing chemical peels. AHA peels make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and you risk damaging your skin if you don't use sunscreen.
I could see and feel a difference in my skin immediately after the first peel. It looked bright, and felt extremely soft and smooth. I had to keep myself from rubbing my cheeks! The stubborn acne scars I had left are finally fading, and overall, my skin's appearance and texture has changed for the better.
I had a couple of days of very minor dryness and slight peeling around my nose and chin when I did the peel for the first time, but I just made sure to take care of my skin with some extra hydration. After about 6 to 8 weeks, I'll move up to using the 40% mandelic acid peel. Considering professional peels can cost upwards of $500 or more, I'm thinking for me, at-home peels are the way to go.
If you decide to do an at-home peel, there are some steps to take to make sure your experience is as smooth as possible. Do not use any scrubs or cleansing brushes within 24 hours of doing a peel. Stop using Retin-A, benzoyl peroxide, or any drying, harsh acne treatments at least 24 hours before a peel.
If you are hesitant about the effects of a peel, do a patch test on the skin right behind your ear, and wait 48 hours. If you do not have irritation, you may continue with your peel. And lastly, always follow the directions for the peel to the T. This is not the time to skip steps and take shortcuts.
Before you decide to do an at-home peel, please read all available information and consult your doctor. Chemical peels are a very serious skincare tool, and if done improperly, can result in chemical burns. I am not a medical professional, and can only give advice and opinions based on my personal experience.
Related Stories:
I Cleared Up My Hyperpigmentation With This 5-Step Method - Read More
xoNecole Readers Reveal How They Get Rid of Dark Spots - Read More
Everything You Need to Know About Achieving Flawless Skin - Read More
I Got a Chemical Peel to Help My Acne & Here's What Happened - Read More
Have you ever done an at home chemical peel? What were your results? Let us know in the comments!
- I Don't Have Perfect Skin - & That's Okay - xoNecole ›
- I Cleared Up My Hyperpigmentation With This 5-Step Method ... ›
- I Got a Chemical Peel to Help My Acne & Here's What Happened ... ›
- How To Treat Hyperpigmentation, 10 Ways ›
- Chemical Peel Experience: Before & After - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Chemical Peel: Before During & After - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
RELATED
I've always had a love-hate relationship with wigs. Sometimes, I struggle to get them to lay flat and don't get me started with the bonding glue process. So when it comes to wearing wigs, I like to keep it nice and breezy around this b--- (word to Katt Williams), especially in the summertime.
That's why I jumped at the chance to try these three versatile wigs from Luvme Hair. Each one offers a unique look and is surprisingly low maintenance, which aligns perfectly with my philosophy that wearing wigs should make life easier. Let’s dive into the three styles below.
Headband Wig
Courtesy
This was the first wig I tried on, and I instantly fell in love with it. So much so that it took me weeks to even consider trying the other two. I’m partial to colored hair, especially blonds, browns, and reds, so I was skeptical about the jet black hair. However, I think the color, combined with the curl pattern, worked surprisingly well for me.
One of the things I really liked about this wig was that I didn’t have to braid my hair down first. I could simply throw it over a low ponytail, which is the epitome of a low-maintenance style. The headband has combs inside and velcro on the ends, ensuring a secure fit.
Half Wig
Courtesy
I had never worn a half wig before, so I faced some challenges. I cornrowed the bottom half of my hair where the wig would sit, but I believe this made it more difficult to use the combs. It might just be me though. I straightened the top part of my hair to blend it with the wig, which looked cute for about five minutes.
Firstly, I have a brown/blonde color mix on the ends of my hair, and the half wig is black. So, I had to hide some of the color (I didn’t have time to dye the wig). Secondly, straightening my hair myself is always a hassle because it never lasts long. Add to that the summer humidity, and you get a hot mess. Despite all this, I managed to get some cute pictures before things got out of control, and that’s all that matters, right?
Would I consider this a low-maintenance hair style? Yes and no. I think it’s unrealistic for me during the summer, especially since I enjoy summer activities. However, when the weather cools down, I’ll definitely rock it, dyed, of course.
Bob
Courtesy
Now, this is the wig I was nervous about. I never had a bob and I didn't think I would like it. But once I put bobiana on, my mind instantly changed. I finally understood why the gworls rave about the bob so much. It was giving boss. It was giving grown woman. It was giving the bob means business. Iykyk. It was the ultimate statement.
I will say when I first put it on, one side of my wig just would not lay flat. It took some trial and error, but I finally managed to get it to look good. With the bob, I highly recommend braiding your hair down first as small as you can so it can lay as flat as possible. I really liked the ash blonde color, which is perfect for summer. The length also makes it a great low-maintenance style for the season, so you don't have to worry about the hair making your neck sweaty.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy