At home peels? For some (most) of us, just hearing those words brings a little wave of anxiety and perhaps flash backs to a little red bottle (The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution) that ruled skincare forums in 2020.

Maybe you’re picturing red, irritated skin or even worse, a chemical burn.

But let us stop you right there. Although healthy caution is encouraged, at home peels have evolved.

Choose the right one and they can give you brighter, smoother, and glowier skin in no time.

Let us reintroduce you to at home peels, how best to use them, and some picks I’ve grown to love and recommend.

The Benefits of Using an at Home Peel

Let’s quickly run through the benefits if you’re still apprehensive.

Peels offer all the benefits of sloughing off dead skin without the harshness of physical scrubs.
Many at-home peels contain ingredients like glycolic acid or lactic acid.
These are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that not only exfoliate but also help even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation over time.
Another major perk of at-home peels is improved product absorption. Once you’ve removed that layer of dead skin, your serums and moisturisers can penetrate more deeply into the skin, making them way more effective.

1. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Dark Spot Glycolic Peel, $50.99

The innovative combo of 25% multi-sized exfoliating acids plus Niacinamide works across different layers of your skin to gently fade dark spots and post-acne marks.

PHAs work on the surface to even tone, BHAs refine pores and manage oil, while AHAs dive deep to smooth and resurface.

Made to visibly brightens skin and improves texture after just one use, It claims to be suitable for all skin types (even sensitive ones), making it an easy yes in your dark spot targeting skincare routine.

2. Clear Skincare Clarifying Minipeel with 8% Salicylic Acid, $40

Looking for a pro-level glow without the price tag of a salon visit?

The Clear Skincare Mini Peel is a gentle yet effective solution for tackling a range of skin concerns- but especially made with acne-prone skin in mind.

Just apply a thin layer, let it sit for 3-5 minutes, and rinse off.

It’s quick, easy, and delivers results without irritation.

Plus, Salicylic acid is oil soluble meaning it can go deeper into pores to break up oily sebum- so it’s a great pick if you're prone to breakouts or congestion.

3. Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum & Peel, $134

Ready for something a little more luxe?

Dermalogica’s PowerBright Dark Spot Peel is a standout option for those dealing with stubborn pigmentation or dark spots.

This powerful, yet gentle, peel targets uneven skin tone and discolouration while also giving your skin a smoother, more refined texture.

Infused with lactic acid, this peel helps to exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting cell turnover for a brighter complexion.

It’s also formulated with brightening ingredients like niacinamide and hexylresorcinol, which work to fade dark spots over time.

It’s gentle enough for regular use and delivers noticeable results after consistent application.

Still Scared?

We Asked Jessica Caracoglia, a Sydney Based Skin Therapist her thoughts.

“As a skin therapist, I will always look for opportunities to add at-home peels to my clients routines.

When paired with a routine that strengthens the skin barrier and maintains hydration, at-home peels can be a really effective way to manage things like breakouts, congestion, or dullness between professional treatments.

I’ve seen clients transition off their in-clinic plans and confidently manage their skin from home with the right education and guidance. It’s not about replacing professional treatments, but empowering people to maintain their results in a realistic, affordable way.”

Read: A Skin Therapist Tells us What We’re Getting *Very* Wrong About Skincare

How to Get The Best Results From an at Home Peel

Now, before you dive headfirst into the world of at home peels, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

Patch Test

Always do a patch test before slathering a new product on your face.

This is especially important with peels, as your skin might react differently to acids than it would to other products.

Simply test the peel on a small area of your skin first to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

Don’t Over Use Them!

It’s also crucial not to overdo it. As tempting as it might be to chase that glowing skin every day, it’s important to give your skin time to adjust.

Start with using your peel once a month and see how your skin responds before upping the frequency.

Your skin needs time to renew itself, and too much exfoliation can actually lead to irritation and dryness, so slow and steady wins the race here.

Protect Your Fresh Skin

And lastly, SPF is non-negotiable when you’re using peels.

Peels can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so even on cloudy days, make sure you’re diligent with sun protection.

A good broad-spectrum sunscreen will keep your skin protected and prevent any post-peel pigmentation issues from creeping up.