A chemical abrasion kit is a collection of products used together to perform a controlled chemical peel on the skin. Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin which causes a controlled damage to part or all of the epidermis (outermost layer of skin) in order to promote skin renewal and rejuvenation. Chemical abrasion kits contain a combination of exfoliating acids and neutralizing agents to safely perform a peel at home. They are available in varying strengths depending on the depth of peel desired. When used properly, chemical abrasion kits can improve skin concerns like acne, acne scarring, sun damage, fine lines, and uneven skin tone and texture.
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What is in a Chemical Abrasion Kit?
A chemical abrasion kit contains a few key products:
Pre-Peel Cleanser
This is a deep cleaning wash designed to thoroughly cleanse the skin and remove any dirt, oil, or impurities before applying the chemical peel solution. Prepping the skin ensures maximum penetration and effectiveness of the acids.
Chemical Exfoliant Solution
The key ingredient! This liquid contains the skin-sloughing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and/or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) in an optimal formulation and concentration to achieve the desired peel depth. Common acids include:
– Glycolic acid: Provides the deepest penetration to lift pigmentation and stimulate collagen. Higher concentrations recommended for more aged skin.
– Lactic acid: Gentler option better suited for sensitive skin. Provides gentle exfoliation without significant downtime.
– Salicylic acid: Oil-soluble BHA that penetrates pores to clear acne and blackheads.
– Mandelic acid: Larger molecules do not penetrate as deeply, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
– Jessner’s solution: Blend of lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol which provides light-to-medium depth peeling.
Neutralizing Solution
This solution is applied after the chemical peel to stop the acid interaction. Usually contains some combination of water, baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate. Neutralizing the skin is an important step to avoid excessive dryness, peeling, and irritation.
Moisturizer and Sunscreen
Following the peel, the skin barrier has been compromised so needs nurturing ingredients to heal. A gentle moisturizer and broad spectrum SPF protect skin and provide moisture to optimize results.
How to Use a Chemical Abrasion Kit
Read and follow all instructions provided to ensure safe and successful use of your chemical peel kit. Here is an overview of the basic process:
1. Cleanse skin thoroughly using the pre-peel cleanser, massaging it into damp skin using circular motions. Rinse well. Pat dry.
2. Apply the chemical exfoliant evenly over the entire face, avoiding eyes and lips. Let it sit for the recommended time according to instructions. This can range from 2-10 minutes depending on strength.
3. Once time is up, use a soft cloth soaked in cool water to gently wipe off the chemical solution. Follow with the neutralizing solution to stop acid activity. Rinse well and pat dry.
4. Apply a generous layer of moisturizer followed by sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours for several days following the peel.
5. Expect to see skin dryness, tightness, and flaking for a few days post-peel. Do not pick at peeling skin as this can cause scarring. Instead, apply moisturizer regularly.
6. Avoid direct sun exposure while skin is healing. Also skip lasers, waxing, retinols, benzoyl peroxide, and abrasive scrubs for 1 week after the peel.
7. Wait 4-6 weeks between chemical peel treatments, performing no more than 6 treatments per year. Always consult a dermatologist if concerned about any reaction.
Benefits and Results of At-Home Chemical Peels
When incorporated into regular skincare routine, chemical abrasion kits can offer noticeable improvements in:
Skin Texture
Chemical exfoliation helps dissolve the “glue” holding dead skin cells together to accelerate cell turnover. This reveals newer, smoother and softer skin below. Regular peels reduce roughness, flakiness, and enlarged pores over time.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
By boosting collagen production in the dermis, chemical peels can reduce the appearance of fine lines around eyes, mouth, and forehead as well as shallow wrinkles. Results are gradual over a series of treatments.
Skin Tone and Pigmentation
Chemical peels enhance skin renewal and shedding of pigmented cells to fade brown spots, acne marks, melasma, and sun damage. Continued use brightens overall complexion.
Breakouts and Acne
Exfoliation unclogs pores and allows medicines deeper access into pores. The antimicrobial properties also combat acne-causing bacteria. With regular use, you’ll see both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne improve.
Photoaged Skin
Reversing accumulated sun exposure is one of the prime benefits of chemical peels. They reduce fine lines, blotchiness, dyspigmentation, roughness and laxity caused by UV rays over time.
When performed correctly, chemical peels yield gradual, cumulative improvements in skin texture, tone, smoothness and clarity without prolonged downtime. However, chemical abrasion kits are not for everyone.
Who Should Not Use Chemical Peel Kits?
Chemical peels require proper training and care to perform safely at home. They should be avoided in the following cases:
– Active cold sores or warts
– Skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions
– Accutane use in last 6-12 months
– Allergies to peel ingredients
– Very sensitive skin types
– Darker skin tones (higher risk of pigmentation issues)
– Pregnancy or breastfeeding
– Active herpes simplex
– Sunburn
– Eczema, dermatitis or rosacea
Chemical solutions can potentially trigger breakouts, irritation or hyperpigmentation without proper supervision. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist first if concerned about whether chemical peels are right for your particular skin challenges. Professional procedures allow deeper peels with epidermal penetration well beyond what is possible with at-home kits.
How to Choose the Best Chemical Peel Kit
With the rise in popularity of at-home chemical peels, there are now many product options to choose from. Keep the following tips in mind when selecting a chemical abrasion kit for your needs:
– **Match peel strength to your skin.** Consider acid type and concentration to find the level of exfoliation your skin can tolerate without adverse reaction. Test sensitive areas first.
– **Seeking acne treatment?** Opt for beta hydroxy acid (BHA) peels with salicylic acid to penetrate oil and clear pores.
– **Targeting wrinkles and pigmentation?** Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic work best for aging concerns.
– **Read the instructions thoroughly.** Follow timing guidelines exactly and pay attention to contraindications.
– **Don’t overdo it.** Limit chemical peels to once every 4-6 weeks at most to avoid irritation and redness.
– **Patch test first.** Try a small dime-size amount on your jawline before first full-face application to gauge reaction.
– **Avoid abrasives.** Chemical peels make skin sensitive, so avoid scrubbing, lasers, waxing etc. while healing.
– **Protect diligently.** Always apply SPF 30+ after peeling and limit sun exposure which could cause dark spots.
Reputable brands like Image Skincare, Perfect Image, and Dermalogica offer trusted chemical peel kit options. Consult a dermatologist to determine which level of acid penetration is most appropriate before getting started. While at-home chemical peels provide rejuvenating results, only a doctor can determine if a deeper clinical-grade peel is necessary for your goals.
The Takeaway
When used correctly, chemical abrasion kits allow you to reap the benefits of a light-to-medium depth chemical peel from your own home. Just be sure to select the right acid and strength for your skin type and concerns. Read instructions carefully and limit treatments to avoid irritation. With continued use, you can reveal smoother, brighter, clearer skin tone without spending money on expensive clinical procedures. But always check with your dermatologist before trying chemical peels for the first time, especially if you have very sensitive skin. Don’t forget to nurture skin with gentle moisturizers and diligent SPF to protect your beautiful results!
