Journal

When it comes to skincare, I’ve always been a “solve your own problems” kind of gal. But the first time I heard about chemical peels, my brain instantly went: Yikes! Something with the word chemical in it… near my face? Sounded risky. I had a million questions: Am I too young for this? Will it burn? What if it makes things worse?

For months, I hesitated, convinced it was a treatment best left to dermatologists and skincare pros. But as I learned more (and got braver), I realized chemical peels aren’t as scary as they sound. In fact, when done right—especially with gentle at-home versions—they can be a total game-changer for your skin.

If you’ve been curious but unsure where to begin, this guide is for you.

What is a Chemical Peel?

Think of a chemical peel as an exfoliation upgrade. Instead of using gritty scrubs that can sometimes do more harm than good, chemical peels rely on skin-loving acids (like AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs) to gently dissolve dead skin cells and surface buildup. This means you’re not just smoothing the surface—you’re helping your skin renew itself from within.

And no, you won’t peel like a snake. Most at-home peels are formulated to be safe, gentle, and incredibly effective without the downtime.

Why Use a Chemical Peel?

Because sometimes your skin just needs a reset.

Turns out they’re not as scary as they sound. A good chemical peel works below the skin’s surface, gently lifting away what your cleanser can’t.

Benefits:

• Fades dark spots & hyperpigmentation
  
• Smooths rough texture
  
• Unclogs pores
  
• Boosts natural radiance
  
• Helps serums & moisturizers absorb better

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

Throughout the week, our skin collects buildup—think stress, pollution, sunscreen, and makeup. Over time, this dulls your natural glow.

Here’s what a peel does:

• Dissolves dead cells that cling to the surface
  
• Triggers skin’s natural renewal process
  
• Brings fresh, hydrated skin to the top

The Scrub vs. Peel Dilemma

Let’s talk exfoliation: chemical vs. physical.

Physical exfoliation is what most of us grew up with—think gritty scrubs or face brushes. It works by manually scrubbing off dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, works smarter. It uses acids to dissolve those dead cells before they even pile up.

If you enjoy a scrub once in a while, treat it like adding fries to your meal—just make sure they’re the good kind. Look for finely milled particles, not jagged nutshells or harsh microbeads. But if you want a smoother texture, more glow, and fewer breakouts, chemical peels should be your go-to.

Meet Your Match: Overnight Peel vs. AHA Power Peel

Now that you’re officially intrigued, the question is: Which peel should you try first?

At Aminu, we’ve developed two beginner-friendly chemical peels that work beautifully on most skin types—but they deliver different results based on what your skin needs.

The Golden Rule of Peeling

Exfoliation works wonders, but moderation is everything.

Even the gentlest peels can become irritating if overused. If your skin starts feeling raw, red, or extra sensitive, that’s your cue to hit pause. Trust your skin’s signals—it always knows what’s best.

A good rule of thumb:

• Start with once a week
  
• Build up to 2–3 times a week (depending on your skin type)
• Always follow up with sunscreen the next morning (non-negotiable!)

Final Thoughts

Both scrubs and chemical peels have their place in a skincare routine. If you're looking for a gentle yet effective exfoliating scrub, check out Overnight Peel, formulated with natural exfoliants for glowing skin without irritation. Or, if you’re ready for a dermatologist-approved chemical peel, explore our range of professional-grade peels designed for every skin type.

Not sure which one suits you best? Drop a comment below or reach out for a personalized skincare recommendation!

Shop The Post