Based on recent conversations with other skin pros, the trend of DIY pro-peels is starting to take off, and dangerously so.

If you use a AHA cream, let’s say a glycolic since that’s one of the strongest AHAs out there, do not assume that your skin can tolerate a pro-peel strength glycolic.

The marketing department may have slapped a ‘made with 20% glycolic acid” label on your cream, which would lead you to assume that a 20% glycolic peel is no big deal for your skin. What you don’t realize is that included in that cream are all sorts of buffers to bring that acid’s pH to a level where you can’t do any harm. So while it may have 20% glycolic in it, the acid has been neutralized so it is not at all what you would experience in a pro strength 20% glycolic peel.

But, DIYers often do not realize this. So they purchase pro-peels over the internet thinking that they can’t possibly do any damage. And then they use the peel and end up burning their skin.

There is a reason why pro-peels are for professional use only. If they were safe for anyone to use, the major cosmetic companies would most certainly attempt to make a buck off of them. But the liability from potential damage is high, so you are not going to see pro strength peels on drugstore shelves. And for very good reason.

I love peels and I swear by them. Done properly in a controlled environment, peels do amazing things for the skin. But please don’t try to save a buck and DIY with the pro products. Visit a professional and get it done safely.

Dear Ronie,

I love you with all my heart. Please don’t be angry. I am not cheating. I am just really really curious.

I have held back for close to a year now, but I can no longer resist the urge. I am sorry for not being stronger, but it has been calling me for too long.

If it breaks my heart, I will beg you to mend it. And even if it doesn’t break my heart, I promise I will always come back to you. You have given me some of the best color of my life, and for that I will always return.

Love,

NYCEsthy

PS-I haven’t done it yet, but I will soon. Will take before and after pics!