“Skin Peels at Home – What’s Safe, What’s Not”

“Skin Peels at Home – What’s Safe, What’s Not”

Don’t Burn Your Skin for Glow – Know This Before You Try DIY Peels

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“Sir, ghar par fruit acid peel kiya… aur chehra jal gaya.”

“Doctor, Instagram pe ek peel ka video dekha, order kar liya. Ab skin mein rashes aa gaye.”

This is becoming common at Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur — people coming in with burns, dark patches, and reactions from doing peels at home.

So let’s clear things up:

Some peels are okay for home. Some should never be done without doctor supervision.

And yes, “natural” peels can harm too.

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🧪 What Are Skin Peels?

Skin peels (also called chemical peels) are acids that help:

• Remove dead skin

• Treat acne or pigmentation

• Improve glow and texture

But they work by chemically exfoliating your skin, and that means they’re not as harmless as they look.

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🟢 What’s Generally SAFE at Home (With Caution)

1. Mild AHA Toners (like Lactic Acid 5% or Mandelic Acid 6%)

✔ Good for dullness, mild uneven skin

✔ Use only 1–2 times a week

✔ Always follow with sunscreen

2. Enzyme Peels (Papaya, Pumpkin Extracts)

✔ Very mild exfoliants

✔ Use once a week

✔ Great for beginners

3. Store-Bought Peel Pads (Low Strength Only)

✔ Brands that mention 2–5% acids (glycolic, salicylic)

✔ Use only on dry skin, not on active acne

📌 Important: Even these need patch testing. Always read the label first.

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🔴 What’s NOT SAFE to Do at Home

1. High-Strength Glycolic or TCA Peels (20% and above)

🚫 These are clinic-grade acids – can burn or scar your skin if used wrong

2. DIY Fruit Peels (Lemon, Vinegar, Baking Soda)

🚫 Just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Lemon and vinegar can cause burns, dark spots, and peeling.

3. Layering Multiple Actives (like AHA + Retinol + Vitamin C)

🚫 Skin may react badly — redness, swelling, breakouts

4. Using Peels on Open Acne or Cuts

🚫 Never apply any acid on active, painful acne or open wounds

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😣 What Can Go Wrong?

• Redness and swelling

• Dark patches after peeling

• Burns that take months to fade

• Sensitivity that doesn’t go away

• Acne flares or irritation

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✅ What to Do if You’ve Already Had a Reaction

• Stop all actives immediately

• Wash with a gentle cleanser only

• Use a calming moisturizer (no fragrance)

• Avoid sun exposure – use SPF

• Visit a skin doctor if reaction is more than mild

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👨‍⚕️ Dr. Rizwan’s Advice:

“Peels are not ‘instant glow’ hacks.

They are medical procedures — even if they come in cute packaging.

Mild home peels are okay if you know what you’re using. But strong ones? Leave them to professionals.”

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📌 Pro Tips Before You Try Any Peel at Home

• Always do a patch test

• Never mix peels with scrubs or actives

• Use only once a week

• Never apply near eyes or lips

• Always moisturize and wear sunscreen next morning

• Don’t use during summer tanning, sunburn, or skin infections

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📍 Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic & Laser Clinic – Shahjahanpur

📞 Thinking of trying a skin peel but not sure if it’s safe for your skin type? Let us help you choose the right option – clinic or home – based on your skin history.

📲 Follow us for simple, safe skincare tips that protect your glow — not gamble with it.

Because glowing skin comes with knowledge — not kitchen experiments or viral videos.