But rest assured that DIY peels aren’t something you have to be afraid of.

So to help set you up for skincare success, we went straight to the pros.

Ahead, cosmetic dermatology expertDr.

woman with hair tied up in a bun

Stocksy

Kenneth Markand board-certified dermatologistDr.

Annie Gonzalezweigh in on everything you oughta know before you DIY a chemical peel.

“Chemical peels are the unsung heroes of dermatology,” says Mark.

(Hence all those glow-boosting effects we just talked about.)

Let’s break it down.At-home chemical peels use either alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids, AHAs and BHAs.

While yes, they’re all exfoliating acids, their specific benefits vary.

That’s all well and good, but it’s not something you should do yourself.

And definitely don’t skip the SPF!

Tang S-C, Yang J-H. Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.

2018;23(4):863.

Moghimipour E. Hydroxy acids, the most widely used anti-aging agents.

Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod.

2012;7(1):9-10.