Everything you need to know about face peels

Want to get rid of dry, dull skin with a peel but are too afraid of the side effects? We’ve busted the myths to reveal the glowing truth

Myth: The skin has to physically peel for it to be effective.
Truth: Don’t judge a peel by the amount of ‘peeling’ it produces but by the end result. The extent to which your skin peels depends on factors like your skin condition, the strength of the formula, etc, but even if there is no ‘visible’ peeling there will still be improvement in your skin.

Myth: It’s a chemical peel, so it’s harmful.
Truth: Most peels are plant- and fruit-derived and very safe. There is, however,
a range of stronger peels that are used to treat very specific skin disorders.

Myth: Peels cause burning and redness.
Truth: Most peels are quite mild and do not have any side effects. However, it is essential to do a patch test, as in rare cases you could have an allergic reaction.

Myth: All peels are the same.
Truth: The active ingredients in each peel are quite different. There are specific peels for specific skin conditions. For acne-prone skin, for example, salicylic acid-based peels are recommended.

Myth: Peels only need to be done once.
Truth: There is a wide variety of peels—some that can be done only once a year (like Cosmelan) and others that can be done every two weeks.

Myth: Peels are only for the face.
Truth: Peels, though primarily for the face, can be used on virtually any part of the body—to lighten dark knees and underarms, for acne scars or to correct pigmentation on the back.

The Dos And Don’ts Of Peels
• Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight immediately after a peel.
• Don’t physically peel the skin with your hands. If your skin feels dry or stretched,
use a moisturiser.
• Avoid using retinol creams a few days prior and after a peel.
• Peels shouldn’t be done too often. A three- to four-week gap is ideal.