Day 5 of Sephora Holiday Savings Event is about a skincare brand I discovered recently for their chemical peels – Dr.Dennis Gross skincare. I am very new to the concept of chemical peels but I had to start looking into it when I realized I had to address hyperpigmentation that I had on my face as well as for aging because 28 is a good time to start adding anti-aging skincare into your routine.
What are chemical peels?
Chemical peels can give instant and long-lasting results but can also be scary if you don’t do enough research before you start using them. Clinical peels offer significant results with the instant benefits of radiance, a smoother skin texture and refined pores. Clinical peels aren’t exfoliants – they are so much more! They work to remove gunk (think: sebum, dead skin cells etc) lurking on your skin. Using chemical peels helps to make sure that your serums and moisturizers will penetrate deeper and makeup will appear more flawless because your bare skin is working that chemical peel magic. You must have heard of AHA and BHA so much these days. Every skincare brand is coming out with their own version of AHA/BHA skincare and it can be confusing to know what to choose.
So what is AHA and BHA?
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) exfoliate the skin’s topmost surface for a brighter and more even appearance. Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion. AHA also helps with reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
How do I know if AHA and BHA works for my skin?
Everyone’s skin is different. It is really a trial and error with these chemical peels. I would HIGHLY recommend doing a patch test before trying any chemical peels. And especially if you have sensitive or dry skin.
Can I mix AHA/BHA with my Vitamin C product?
Vitamin C has exfoliating effects on the skin so I would not recommend mixing them together because that could cause skin irritation. Like I would do vitamin C during the day and AHA/BHA peels at night or vice versa.
What chemical peel should I try as a beginner?
I went down a rabbit hole of chemical peels, reading success stories and decided to start with the mildest version of chemical peels that works best for beginners by Dr. Dennis Gross skincare after trying their peel quiz.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel is the mildest of the 3 daily peels they have. This peel comes in three different sizes –
- Mini size – 5 Treatments ($22.50CAD)
- Standard size – 30 Treatments + 5 Bonus ($115CAD)
- Value size – 60 Treatments ($198CAD)
Each treatment comes with step 1 and step 2.
- Step 1 peel uses potent AHAs like malic acid and BHAs like salicylic acid to gently exfoliate skin, refine pores, and support natural cell renewal.
- Step 2, fueled with retinol and resveratrol for maximized anti-aging benefits and skin protection, stops acid activity to hydrate and smooth skin for a radiant complexion.
I’ve used it everyday for the last 2 months and can definitely see the hype about these peels. My skin looks so much more smoother, it is more even and when I use these peels in the mornings, I notice my makeup glides on so well compared to other days. It definitely gets rid of the dead skin cells and is slowly helping me with addressing my hyperpigmentation on the face.
I’ve noticed a glow every time I use it. I don’t feel like I need foundation these days because my skin feels happy on its own. I do think the peels are expensive but if they can make my skin so glowy without any makeup, it’s worth paying for. I got the standard size with 35 treatments but I have a trick for it to last more. I use half of each peel sheet in step 1 as well as step 2 (half is more than enough for the entire face) so it will easily last 60+ days for me. I also look for deals like the Sephora Holiday Savings event to get them on discounts or through value sets (I’ve shared some value sets below).
If you’re looking to see what peel is best for your skin type, take the peel quiz that looks for specific skin concerns. Everyone’s skin is different so please do a trial size before investing into chemical peels and definitely read more on what chemical peels might work for your skin type. My skin type is sensitive/combination which is why I opted for the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel, which is recommended for beginners.
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Have you tried chemical peels? If yes, what are your favourites? Please share your recommendations below.
