A great skin care product can feel almost magical. From the skin-brightening power packed into a bottle of vitamin C to the hydrating wonders of a good moisturizer, the best beauty collections have formulas to cure all skin concerns. . But out of all of our over-the-counter brewing methods, the strongest may be the at-home pods. With just one gentle swipe, they can tackle imperfections, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and seemingly everything in between.
Of course, with great power comes a warning to peel responsibly. Home formulas have many of the same acids and enzymes that experts use in lower concentrations, but it’s important not to over-exfoliate the skin. You won’t be like Samantha Jones Beyond the veil, but it’s always good when Be kind to your skin barrier.
With moderation in mind and a promising 2022 coming up, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite tried-and-true makeovers you can do in the comfort of your own home. Discover a life-changing (real) favorite, a “facial product,” and OG chemical at-home exfoliants to show off the coveted New Year’s glow.
WHY I LOVE IT: iS Clinicals’ most requested professional treatment is now available for home use. Designed for quick and safe skin resurfacing and rejuvenation with no downtime, just moisturizing, radiant skin. This kit comes with everything you need to get yourself two professional-grade therapies at home. – Sacha Strebe, Deputy Editor
WHY I LOVE IT: Seeing Renée Rouleau for facials has long been on my skincare bucket list. While she’s best known for her facials, it’s her skincare line that’s getting all the attention (and A-listers!). Personally, I love this line but her standout product is the peel, especially this triple berry smoothing rind. It’s incredibly gentle, so you don’t need to worry about any actual “flaking” from this one. Treat it as an effective exfoliator using hardworking enzymes that dramatically smooth visible skin damage, eliminate sun spots and unclog pores. clogged pores.
Unfortunately, this product has a backlog due to ingredients that have proven difficult to purchase due to supply chain pandemic delays, but I also highly recommend Rouleau’s Dual Enzyme Softener Peel which uses the enzymes of papaya and pineapple to eliminate dryness, discoloration and dullness for a brighter, smoother and more even skin tone. She really has a lot of great people, and I really love them all. – Sacha Strebe, Deputy Editor
Why I love it: Not to be dramatic, but this mask *changed* me. Literally: This peel sits deep in my pores and gives my skin a visibly brighter and smoother look. I can honestly say that I have not used a product that has given me results like this. My radiant, happy skin is 100% thanks to Drunk Elephant (as well as my avocado addiction). – Isabelle Eyman, Contributing Editor
WHY I LOVE IT: When I want to fish for a compliment, I use this Nature Bissé shell. Without fail, people will comment on how bright my skin looks. The key is the luxurious Spanish brand’s formula, which has five AHAs (glycolic, malic, tartaric, citric and lactic) plus salicylic acid and peptides. After cleansing, I apply a few pumps of the serum and let it sit until all the itchiness subsides, then I rinse and prepare for the affirmations I crave. Someone once described it to me as a top lotion in a bottle — I totally agree. – Caitlin Clark, Contributing Editor
WHY I LOVE IT: Stacked Skincare is a home skin care set. The founder, Kerry Benjamin, was selling chemical peels for home use long before it was popular. As a renowned esthetician, Benjamin wants to democratize skin care and safely get professional treatments into the hands of skincare enthusiasts. The peel is gentle yet effective and can be used several times a week with no downtime. Just fresh, healthy skin anytime, anywhere. That is the best. – Sacha Strebe, Deputy Editor
WHY I LOVE IT: Performing peels at home can be a little intimidating, but Glo Skin’s professional-looking kit (complete with swabs and cotton swabs) will make you feel like you’re in good hands. (This helps with the fact that they are often recommended by dermatologists.) This beautiful packaging option is perfect for sensitive skin — the brand offers a Grade One shell if you’re looking to start off gentler—and allow the serums and moisturizers in your routine to work much harder. – Caitlin Clark, Contributing Editor
WHY I LOVE IT: If you want the power of a professional peeler at home with no downtime, this is your new pick. Combining all three common acids — salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids — this peel effectively exfoliates, smooths, and restructures skin for a more radiant complexion. Every time I use it, my skin looks fresh and vibrant. I guarantee you will love it too. – Sacha Strebe, Deputy Editor
