December 17, 2020

“The appeal of at-home beauty treatments isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Even with medical offices open, people are looking for ways to get similar results from the comfort of their own home. That’s where at-home chemical peels come in,” explains PopSugar.

Specifically, glycolic acid based chemical peels are set to make a splash in 2021, as consumers can treat dull skin, hyperpigmentation, and reduce the visibility of fine lines with a single peel.

Glycolic acid chemical peels are gels or lotions applied to the facial skin and left on for a set amount of time. Afterwards, the chemical peel is neutralized and removed with a cleanser. 

While at-home glycolic acid based chemical peels are typically less concentrated than their professional grade counterparts, at-home glycolic peels are still highly effective at quickly rejuvenating the skin.

“At-home peels come in a variety of forms that range from the agents used to the application methods,” Ava Shamban, a Beverly Hills celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, told YahooLife. “Their benefits range from a useful gentle exfoliation, to treating acne, to improving texture, tone, and pigmentary abnormalities.”

A longtime dermatologist approved skin treatment, glycolic acid chemical peels surged in popularity this year, as consumers sought out skincare solutions from their homes.

Looking to 2021, experts predict at-home glycolic acid peels will remain a hugely popular treatment for consumers seeking more radiant skin.

The biggest benefit of an at-home glycolic acid facial peel? Rejuvenation.

 “Glycolic acid is the gold standard in chemical peel formulations and is the go-to for many professional skin therapists for its proven ability to transform the health and appearance of a multitude of skin types,” Krista Eichten, licensed esthetician, told Brydie.

Glycolic acid peels are so effective at rapidly transforming the skin, thanks to the peeling caused by the tiny molecule’s superior chemical exfoliation.

“What sets at-home chemical peels apart, whether they’re single-use pads or applied like a face mask, is that the goal is a peeling response — which does generally mean the acids in them will be a bit stronger than in other products. What you will see is clearer skin, fewer clogged pores, and a more radiant complexion,” explains Shape.

Once applied to the skin, glycolic acid dissolves the bonds that hold cells together. This dissolution helps to peel older, dry skin cells off of the top layer of skin. Post-peel, this gentle exfoliation results in more evenly toned, radiant skin.

In addition to the rejuvenation an at-home glycolic acid chemical peel can provide, this trending skincare treatment can also help reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

By shedding off older, dry skin cells, glycolic acid helps to improve and even out skin texture. This works to decrease the appearance of fine lines and make skin look plumper and smoother.

“Peels are intended to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells, giving the face a smoother, more radiant appearance. They are great for minimizing pores and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines,” said dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel to Town and Country.

Additionally, glycolic acid chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles because glycolic acid is a water soluble molecule.  By drawing moisture into the skin, a glycolic acid chemical peel helps skin look firmer and more hydrated.

Glycolic acid chemical peels are predicted to be the top at-home skincare treatment in 2021 for one simple reason. Glycolic acid peels work.

Excellent at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture, and creating a more glowing complexion, glycolic acid peels are poised to be the top consumer pick for at-home treatments next year.

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