Above: Sheetal Rawal, scientist (human genetics) & founder of Apsara Skin Care
A spotless and flawless complexion lies just beneath the surface of your skin. And many think that chemical peels are the fastest way to get there. That is debatable. But even if it were true, the fastest route can also be the most dangerous. At least that is true considering the side effects of chemical peels.
Glycolic peels were the talk of the '90s, with just about everyone trying out the treatment to get younger and brighter looking skin. But, like with most chemical treatments, these peels come with their share of side effects. Many are hard to ignore because they remain on your skin forever in the form of marks and discolored patches. So ironic that chemical peels are supposed to fix these issues but leave them worse in many cases.
Chemical peels also leave your skin dry, parched, and extra sensitive. It's easy to understand why. When your skin is bombarded with a high concentration of harsh acids, it suffers. Its protective oils and hydration are removed and it is left defenseless.
Today, more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of going natural with their skin care. There are a number of natural ingredients in your very refrigerator that can help you achieve the same results as a chemical peel at half the price and pretty much no risk. These same ingredients, when used in their purified and concentrated form in your skin care products, can be the natural & friendly option your skin craves. A natural skin care routine with exfoliating products in it is the way to achieve radiant and youthful skin without chemical peels. Bid adieu to repeat appointments and expensive treatments. Don’t risk the health and appearance of your skin.
Homemade facial peels are made of natural ingredients and they gently slough off dead skin cells and make way for new skin cells to shine through. This means no more rough and flaky facial skin―only baby-like soft and smooth skin that you will fall in love with. It also means dark spots and pigmentation fade naturally and safely.
The natural acids in these homemade options to chemical peels are all natural. They are derived from fresh ingredients that have "peeling" qualities. Read on for a list of natural alternatives to expensive chemical peels that you can try in the comfort of your home.
1. Glycolic Acid Natural Facial Peel
Used since time immemorial to brighten the complexion, glycolic acid is a member of the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) family and is also a natural derivative of your favorite sugar cane. Ditch session after session at the dermatologist and try glycolic acid at home. This skin-friendly acid penetrates and loosens the surface layer of the skin; it also acts as a gentle exfoliator and thereby removes dead skin cells. Regular application of glycolic acid can work miracles on your skin tone. It can also lighten stubborn skin spots and slough away fine lines. This is why glycolic acid finds its way in our Papaya and Sugar Face Mask. It also helps cleanse skin pores and is hence used in acne remedies also.
Home Remedy
Pour a quarter cup of fresh powdered brown sugar into a mixing bowl. Do not use large granular sugar as it can graze your skin. Pour in 1/2 teaspoon of orange juice and stir the mixture till it turns into a uniform paste. Orange juice contains citric acid, which is in itself a type of AHA. Now add enough rosewater to make a thick paste. Use your
fingertips and dab the paste evenly on your skin using your fingertips in gentle circular motions. You may start from your nose and move out towards your hairline. Avoid your eyes and eyebrows. Let this peel stay for 15 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water. Immediately after use your toner, serum, and lotion to nourish your skin and prevent any dryness. This mask is easy to put together and renders a satisfying spa-like experience at your very home. Use 1-2 times a week.
Related: Apsara Skin Care Review
2. Pumpkin Face Peel
Now, this is yet another option to a chemical peel that is inexpensive and combines the goodness of natural ingredients to give you soft and blemish-free skin in no time at all. The peel uses natural acids from the jack-o-lantern to gently exfoliate your skin. Pumpkin doesn’t just make yummy pies at Thanksgiving but also helps dissolve dull skin layers. Pumpkin is chock full of vitamins A, C, K, and E apart from alpha and beta-carotene. It also has traces of potassium, iron, and magnesium. It is no less than a magical potion for acne-prone skin and damaged skin too. Vitamins C and K help fade age and sun spots and brighten up a dull complexion. It also works wonders on hyperpigmentation. So if you want glowing skin you must try this remedy below:
Home Remedy
Throw in a cup of cooked pumpkin and a tablespoon of powdered brown sugar into a blender. Blend until you get a lump-free smooth paste. Or simply mash the ingredients using a spoon or your fingers to make a homogenous paste. Now apply this paste gently on your cleansed face and neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry using a dry soft towel. Apply toner, serum, and lotion after.
3. Baking Soda, Lemon, and Pineapple Peel
Pineapple and lemon together can help exfoliate dead skin cells. Pineapple does this due to the enzyme bromelain in it. Together with citric acid from lemon juice this pairing is an awesome option to a chemical peel. Baking soda can help deep clean clogged pores and that results in glowing skin.
Home Remedy
To one tablespoon of oat flour, add 8 drops each of pineapple and lemon juice. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Any more baking soda and you will risk drying out your skin. Add almond milk to make a paste and apply on your skin. Wash in 12 minutes and follow with your toner, serum, and lotion. This can be used 1-2 times a week.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar Homemade Peel
We present to you just the homemade peel to reveal radiant skin in just an application. Try apple cider vinegar (ACV) with applesauce to do away with dark spots and dead skin cells.
Get ready to welcome glowing skin without a chemical peel. Apples are a natural source of malic acid, which not just boosts your immunity but also detoxifies metals from the body and helps maintain healthy skin. ACV, on the other hand, has natural acids that slough off dead skin cells. The acids in a facial peel made out of these two ingredients even out complexion and fade brown spots naturally.
Home Remedy
You will need 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (organic and unfiltered) and 1 tablespoon applesauce, preferably homemade. Combine the two in a bowl and set aside. Clear your face of all makeup and apply the mixture to your face and neck using your fingertips or a brush. Avoid the region around your eyes. Let this sit for at least 15 minutes before you wash off with some warm water and a soft cloth. Use this mask 1-2 times a week and always follow with your toner, serum, and lotion.
Related: DIY Dosa and Jaggery Remedy for Glowing Skin
5. Tomato and Aloe Vera Face Peel
If you have sensitive skin and are in the hunt for a chemical peel alternative that is not harsh, you are in luck. Reach out for those good old tomatoes and let them work their magic in making your skin even and fading out dark spots, dullness and excess tan. Tomatoes also help in gently tightening your skin. Tomatoes are a natural source of sulfur that increases the rate at which the upper layers of your skin shed. Thus glowing skin is revealed without the need for a chemical peel. Aloe vera supplies plant hormones like auxins to your skin. These are known to help healthier skin cells surface quickly.
Home Remedy
Peel a fully ripe medium-sized tomato and puree it in a blender. Add one teaspoon of aloe vera gel to it and blend well. Apply the paste on your face and neck and let it sit for
about half an hour. Wash off with warm water and voila, your skin will look fresher, clearer, and more glowing than ever before! You can use this rejuvenating yet inexpensive facial peel twice a week to reduce skin damage and to keep your skin smooth, supple and glowing.
These all natural facial peel recipes are quick, cheap, and work like a charm. Try one of them today and say no to chemical peels. Share your comments with me below.
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Go natural. It is good karma!
1 comment
Would love to try these before a chemical peel, thank you