Why At-Home Peels Are The Most Exciting Thing In Skincare Right Now

From mom jeans to platform sneakers, the '90s are back in a big way, and so are peels. Updated for a new generation in elevated, next-level formulations, forget any ideas about chemical peels you might have taken from comedy shows or that infamous SATC scene, and think safe, transformative at-home treatments delivering radical radiance to every skin.

Chemical face peels have been a quiet staple in the treatment rooms for years, but now with an utterly innovative, new approach, we've created the first-ever full-service at-home peel kits, suitable for every skin type and tone. Providing every step from prep to post-care, along with all the accessories and guidance to perform your perfect peel, whether an instant glow or resurfaced radiance, the Peels-In-A-Box collection brings all the benefits of spa-grade treatments, home. 

What Is a Chemical Peel?

OK, so if you’re peel hesitant, don’t let the name put you off. Peels won’t make you shed your skin like a snake, or burn your face off. “Peels are just an extension of your exfoliation ritual,” explains Dr. Nina Desai, Board-Certified Dermatologist. “Exfoliation should be a key part of all skincare. Every skin type and tone can benefit from a peel. It can be very individualized based on your specific skin’s needs and any issues you want to address,” she adds. 

 

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

Chemical peels are the OG of exfoliation. Peels lift away the accumulated layers of dirt, dead skin cells, and other impurities that your daily ritual leaves behind, polishing off anything that could block pores, cause congestion, or give skin that dreaded dull, lackluster appearance. 

By exfoliating, you’re not only sloughing away dead skin cells, you’re also promoting cell turnover, improving your skin’s overall texture and appearance for boosted brightness and complexion clarity. “Exfoliation has so many benefits. It's a fundamental technique to improve skin’s overall texture and appearance,” shares Dr. Nina. “It also boosts the efficacy of your other products too.”

Why Do a Peel?

Our at-home peels are active, transformative treatments you can do monthly or every six weeks to supercharge your daily routine, and are powered by exfoliating, brightening AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) such as lactic and glycolic acid, along with skin-smoothing retinol, amplified antioxidants such as vitamin C, ferulic acid, and calming niacinamide. Unlike single bottle peels or peel pads which don't tend to be as effective or transformative due to their one-and-done, low level formulations, our complete peel kits offer multi-step active solutions for deeper, more holistic exfoliation with a boost of additional skincare benefits. 

"Whether brightening, smoothing, or resurfacing, Glo’s at-home peels are truly transformative. I love to recommend them to my clients when they need a treatment boost between in-office visits, particularly if they’re concerned about their skin texture and tone,” shares Dr. Nina. “Glo is leading the way with their unique peel kits. No one else is doing this. They use the most efficacious, clean, and safe ingredients to ensure you get the best results from each and every treatment.”

Depending on your skin goals and tolerance, the Peel-In-A-Box collection features three at-home peels, available at level 1 and 2 exfoliation, so you can find a treatment that works for your skin goals. All of our at-home peel kits are meticulously crafted to be gentle enough for home use, but deliver major glow-getting results, and have zero to almost no downtime, so you can pop on your peel in the evening, let it do its magic, and be fresh-faced and ready to rock the next day. 

What Kind of At-Home Chemical Peel is Right For Me?

Wondering who chemical peels are for? Everyone. There's no skin type that can't benefit from exfoliation—even sensitive. The key is making sure you're targeting the right peel ingredients for your skin type, concerns, and overall goals. Discover your perfect at-home peel here...

Brightening Chemical Peel: Hydra-Bright AHA Glow Peel 

The perfect skin pick-me-up for first-time peel users, this sensitive skin-friendly peel is powered by 10% lactic acid (vegan), ferulic acid, niacinamide plus hyaluronic acid, targeting dullness, dehydration, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage for a brighter, replenished glow. Think instant brightening with zero downtime.

"This new brightening at-home peel from Glo combines brightening ingredients such as vegan lactic acid, with more nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, for a peel that repairs while it refines. It boosts radiance and moisture levels," says Dr. Nina.

Chemical Peel for Sensitive Skin: Hydra-Bright AHA Glow Peel

Now, if you have sensitive skin, you may be thinking peels aren’t for you. Actually, chemical exfoliation at low levels can be less irritating for sensitive skin than physical scrubs which can be more abrasive and cause redness and stress to reactive skin. Our newest addition to our at-home peels collection, the Hydra-Bright AHA Glow Peel was created with sensitive skin in mind, featuring gentle exfoliation, paired with nourishing, nurturing ingredients to boost your brightness while feeding your skin. For more severe sensitive skin conditions it’s always best to consult your dermatologist for advice.

Anti-Aging Chemical Peel: Retinol + C Smoothing Peel 

For experienced retinol fans, amped-up antioxidants and retinol make the dream team in this gentle but effective age-defying peel. Exfoliating and evening out tone and texture with a boost of vitamin C and niacinamide, it protects and firms skin for lasting luminosity. “This peel is ideal to do bimonthly for a boost of smoothing and firming benefits,” shares Dr. Nina.

Resurfacing Chemical Peel: GlyPro AHA Resurfacing Peel

Level-up your skin-smoothing with the potent actives in this pro peel. “For an elevated, effective at-home peel experience, the GlyPro AHA Peel offers level 2 smoothing, strengthening, and clarity,” says Dr. Nina. Powered by 30% glycolic acid, this peel reduces the appearance of textural concerns, refining and resurfacing skin, for your smoothest glow ever.

Skin-Clearing Chemical Peel: Beta-Clarity AHA Clarifying Peel

Our second level 2 peel, this potent treatment is everything you need to banish breakouts and target excess oil. “Years in the making, the Beta-Clarity AHA Clarifying Peel is an at-home edition of one of our most popular professional peels," explains Anna De La Cruz, VP of Product. "Super safe and oh-so effective for at-home acne-fighting and clarity boosting, this peel purifies and cleans out pores, balancing skin and helping prevent further breakouts with an infusion of 20% mandelic acid, plus salicylic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C. It truly is the dream team for oily and acne-prone skin.”

Take a look at our chemical peel before and after photos to see the results in action.

What Will I Experience During a Chemical Peel?

Most of our at-home peels will not produce any sensation on the skin, but as it is an active treatment, some tingling, itching, or redness is normal. These effects will be stronger if you're having a professional treatment as the active ingredients will be at a higher concentration. Any sensations will pass quickly or can be alleviated by a hand-held fan, but you should never be in excessive discomfort. 

Your skin will become more photo-sensitive after a peel as the skin is newer, so it needs plenty of protection and nourishment. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF daily, even if you're not going outside, and that you keep sun exposure to a minimum.

How Do I Do a Chemical Peel At Home?

All of our at-home chemical peels include extensive guidance to help you carefully apply the peel yourself. It's a seven step process with all the products and accessories you need to complete the peel effortlessly. You'll even have product left over for your post-peel care, and to maintain your glow.

When Should I Do a Chemical Peel?

Depending on your skin type and goals, we recommend doing our at-home peels either monthly if you're targeting a specific concern, or every six weeks for maintenance. Discover our peel finder recommendations for more details.

For medium depth peels—performed by your aesthetician or dermatologist, these will likely be done in a series of between three and six sessions, while full depth peels may only be done once or twice a year.

For at-home chemical peels, we recommend you do these in the evening so you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the treatment, and can let your skin rest overnight. You'll wake up to incredible results and be ready to show off your glow the next day. 

What Should I Do After a Chemical Peel? 

All our peels come with clear guidance crafted by our Master Aesthetician. This includes your aftercare too which is just as important as the treatment itself. 

• Always use a SPF—you’ll hear us saying this on repeat. Retinol can make your skin more photo-sensitive, but you should be wearing SPF everyday anyway to stay protected against aging sun damage.
• We include a little extra with all our peel kits, to ensure you have enough serum to continue use for up to a month following your peel. Continue using this until you run out. And, if you love it, you can always get a full-size version of your serum too. 
• Be kind to your skin. Avoid any other exfoliating treatments for the week of the peel, and ease gently back into your exfoliating routine. Avoid retinol use for a few days also.  
• Use nourishing serums such as HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops and top up your daily vitamin C with C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops.
• If you don’t already own a Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant, this is our best-selling exfoliant and can be used up to three times a week. It’s the perfect all-round exfoliant and treatment booster to use in between peels and will maintain your exfoliation ritual without over-stripping skin. 
• If you’re looking to take your peel game even further, we have the largest collection of peels of any professional skincare brand ranging from levels 3 to 7. Discover an aesthetician, spa, or salon near you for a professional treatment.