Gone are the days when you had to book a visit to your dermatologist or aesthetician to get a chemical peel. While peels are still a popular choice at salons across the country, they are pricey (ranging anywhere from $500 to $2000), sometimes painful and require multiple visits to help improve skin tone. Peels typically include alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid), beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid) or lactic acids.  For the most benefits to repair sun damage, reduce acne scarring and even out skin tone, repeated chemical treatments are required. Here are some at-home solutions that are easier on the checkbook, require minimal to no down-time for recovery and can be squeezed into your busy schedule (or between professional visits).

dr. brandt laser a-peel system:

We tried this and found it to be an effective peel without being too strong on the skin.  It tingles, which lets you know it is working. The second lotion (soothing gel) didn’t seem necessary, but it was included in the package so we used it. A regular moisturizer for sensitive skin might work just as well.

From Dr. Brandt website:

cost: $75

Peel away dead skin cells to reveal a radiant complexion.

This two-step peeling system, now repackaged in a convenient dual-chamber container, removes dead layers of cells on skin’s surface to re-texturize, refine pores, and reveal smooth, radiant skin just like an in-office chemical peel.

What it is formulated to do:

dr. brandt® laser a-peel® system is formulated to mimic in-office procedures that tighten pores, improve elasticity, and reveal skin radiance. This innovative duo is formulated with lactic and glycolic acids, and proprietary QuSome™ delivery technology to bring you high-impact results in minimal time.

• exfoliates & reveals radiance
• refines and smoothes skin’s texture
• tightens pores & helps firm skin
• improves elasticity

After 6 weeks of treatment*:

• 69% reported improvement in skin radiance/glow
• 80% reported improvement in the overall appearance/texture of the skin

*Clinical study conducted on 35 women 35-59 years

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask

After 10 minutes, this tingly mask has a delightful fruity scent was a tad sticky, but seemed to deliver the results. After using for a few weeks, there was some discoloration reduction and an overall “clean” look. The fact that it is all-natural is a big plus!

From website:

Cost: $55

What it is:
A potent bioactive complex that reduces fine lines and dramatically improves tone, firmness, and radiance.

What it is formulated to do:
This treatment safely and effectively resurfaces the skin, without causing irritation. Its four-fruit-acid-complex (lactic, glycolic, tartaric and citric) and papain enzyme create a gentle-yet-potent exfoliating action that leaves skin glowing and healthy.

Kinara Red Carpet Facial Kit

We added this kit despite the fact that it’s a whole system (not just a chemical peel) because we’ve heard the results are the best around.  Not a cheap peel, by any means, but if it keeps Hollywood stars looking their best on the red carpet, perhaps it’s worth the big price tag. If you can’t make it out to Hollywood to go to the Kinara Spa, you can get the next best thing by using their Red Carpet Facial. We are putting this on our “must-have” list.

From their website:

Cost: $145

The exclusive Red Carpet Facial gained fame at Kinara Skin Care Clinic as the secret weapon of stars requiring immediate, highly-visible results for their highest-visibility events. The Red Carpet Facial Kit was designed to create the same results-driven facial treatment at home and on-demand. The only side effect is loving how you look!

Close-up ready skin in 3 simple steps:

• Peel: Turn over skin cells to reveal refined, brighter and hydrated skin with Lactic and Malic Acids.
• Neutralize: Revitalize dull, tired skin with a deep cleansing effervescent sensation via Argeninge and Sodium Bicarbonate.
• Mask: Hydrate, soote, plump and oxygenate with Lysate extract, Pikea Robusta and Mineral Complex.

All easily applied with a treatment bowl and brush (included).

Benefits:

Exfoliates, hydrates, diminishes appearance of lines and large pores.

Long-Term Benefits:

• Improves skin elasticity and firmness.
• Ensures radiant and clear skin while improving texture and pore size.
• Controls breakouts and acne.

Warning: Results can be addictive.

Philosophy: The Microdelivery Peel

This a great peel system that really wakes up your skin.  It reduces brown spots and helps even out skin tone. Vitamin C /peptide crystals are a great addition to the Lactic/Salycilic acid peel and complement the peeling process nicely. A great exfoliating peel at a great price.

From their website:

Cost: $40-$68

What it is:
A two-step, exfoliating, skin makeover.

What it is formulated to do:
The Microdelivery Peel Kit not only exfoliates the skin, it delivers vitamin C and peptides to the skin. This completely new approach to skin rejuvenation resurfaces and replenishes the skin at the same time.

features & benefits

• smoothes and resurfaces rough texture
• helps minimize the look of fine lines
• helps brighten and even skin tone

What else you need to know:
Kit includes a 2 oz The Microdelivery Peel, Lactic/Salicylic Activating Gel and a 2 oz Vitamin C/Peptide Resurfacing Crystals.

• Coming up: We will do a follow-up with “Peels in a Pad” — several companies are offering an even easier way to deliver their peels in portable, easy-to-use pads.  We’ll let you know which pads work best.