We’re waiting with bated breath to continue serving all our clients on their beautiful skin journey. But meanwhile, you might want to freshen up your skin with these DIY home peels. They’ll help break down the glue that keeps complexion-dulling dead skin cells hanging on. Peels remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells, giving the face a smoother, more radiant appearance. They work to exfoliate top layers of cells and help clear up clogged pores, breakouts, dull skin and dry skin. They’re also good for minimising pores and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Homemade facials generally only use natural chemicals — naturally-derived acids, antioxidants, and moisturizers — to rejuvenate the skin.

They aid in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, acne scars, and enlarged pores while simultaneously evening the skin out and treating dark spots.

Incorporate a home peel no more than twice a week into your skincare regimen. Follow up with a rich moisturiser and, of course, sunscreen, and make sure not to touch or pick at your freshly exposed skin, which can lead to breakouts or even, in extreme cases, scarring. While peels are a good option for most skin types, those with sensitive skin and those using retinoids could experience irritation – so do check with your dermatologist before going the DIY route.

DIY chemical peel for dry skin: the AHA chemical peel

Ingredients: ¼ cup white cane sugar; ¼ cup yogurt.

Instructions: This homemade glycolic acid peel is a great option for those with dry, itchy, irritated skin. The cane sugar provides natural exfoliation while the yogurt helps to restore hydration. Try this nourishing option as a DIY chemical peel for dark spots, as the natural glycolic acid helps to even out the skin.

To make the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) peel, mix the cane sugar and yogurt until you have a slightly granulated paste. Use your fingers to apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area. After 10 to 15 minutes wipe it off with a towel and cool water.

DIY chemical peel for oily skin: the BHA chemical peel

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon baking soda; 1 cup water; 12 uncoated aspirin tablets; Lemon juice.

Instructions: With this homemade chemical peel, aspirin delivers salicylic acid to wash away excess oil and encourage natural hydration. The baking soda acts as your homemade chemical peel neutraliser, which works against the acid of the lemon juice.

To make the BHA (beta hydroxy acid) peel, combine the baking soda with the water in a bowl and set the mixture aside. Place the aspirin in a shallow dish and sprinkle the lemon juice over the aspirin. Use the backside of a spoon to crush the aspirin into the lemon juice, creating a thick paste.

Use your fingers to spread the peel over your face, avoiding the eyes. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until dry, then wipe it off with a cotton ball soaked with the baking soda mixture.

DIY chemical peel for sensitive skin: cucumber and tea peel

Ingredients: 1 cup green tea; 1 cup chamomile tea; 1 small cucumber; 1 teaspoon unflavoured gelatin; 100 ml water.

Instructions: Irritated, itchy and dry skin gets tender care with this facial peel. The green tea calms irritated skin, while the cucumber provides ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which can soothe skin irritations and help reduce swelling.

To make this mask, steep the chamomile and green teas together in approximately 100 ml of water and add the unflavoured gelatin. Blend a cucumber until it resembles the consistency of a paste and add the cucumber juice to the tea and gelatin mixture.

Before applying to your face, allow the mix to cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to thicken. Apply to your face for between 15 and 20 minutes until dry and then peel off the mask using warm water.

We’re pleased to share the story of our loyal client, 50-year-old Hadley van Reenen. “I’ve struggled with acne since the age of 17. My acne subsided at the age of 25 when I fell pregnant, but soon returned after my pregnancy and was especially bad in my late 30s.

“After seeking help from a dermatologist who treated my acne with non-hormonal medication, darkened pigmentation began appearing on my face. As a result, I’ve been using a variety of dermatological products for the past 9 years with no success.

“Desperate to clear my skin, I searched the internet for any clinics to help alleviate my problem and discovered LaserMed Tyger Valley. Following an informative, attentive and comforting consultation with skin therapist Vanity Nel, I immediately felt secure in the knowledge that this establishment would be capable of giving me the care I needed.

“I’ve been receiving regular treatment at LaserMed Tygervalley since May 2019 and have noticed a remarkable improvement in the colouration and feel of my skin. Along with the treatments received, I was given a skincare regimen that is both effective and simple to follow.

“Vanity has been nothing but professional and has been available for anything regarding the treatment of my skin outside of our appointments. I have been so satisfied and happy with the Lasermed’s professionalism.”

Many of us thought lockdown could be a chance to give our skin a break. No make-up for weeks, more opportunity for sleep, less exposure to pollution without daily commutes – surely we should all be glowing and dewy by now? But no, many are battling with breakouts, dullness or a dry, flaky skin. And we don’t need this added stress right now!

Diet could be a key culprit: snacking for comfort and to relieve mind-numbing boredom. Also, being at home non-stop means we might be increasing the time we spend on electronic devices: watching Netflix, loads of WhatsApp chats and checking the latest news. Tablets, computers and phone screens create damaging radiation that is reflected back onto our skin. Not forgetting the stress caused by lockdown, which also affects skin negatively.

The gut and the skin are interconnected, so if you’re overeating or stress-eating this can often lead to eczema and rosacea. Dehydration also affects your skin – either from not drinking enough water or drinking too much coffee, sugary beverages or alcohol.

So change your diet to one with loads of fruit and veg, avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, drink loads of water and start meditating. Avoid eating too much refined sugars and chocolate, because they will dehydrate the skin and can cause breakouts. Fruit and vegetables will nourish your skin with a lot of vitamins, dried fruits also will help because of their high fibre content and antioxidants. This will help your digestive system get rid of toxins, great if you want to prevent spots and acne too.

When it comes to technology, it’s vital to make sure you’re taking breaks from being in front of screens. Please make sure you’re protecting your skin with a combination of Vitamin C and SPF to bounce back more than 80% of UV rays. ‘Despite the very limited time allowed outside, make sure you apply sunscreen religiously as the UV rays coming from the windows are enough to age your skin and create pigmentation.

Extra time at home means you can spend some time perfecting your skincare routine. Make the most of isolation to work on your skin texture using prescribed medical grade retinol once or twice a week. You can rejuvenate your skin by applying this incredibly active ingredient which accelerates the new skin production. Even if you peel and have redness, remember there are no parties to attend! Peeling and redness can be a normal side-effect when using retinol – particularly at first. It’s important to use SPF protection alongside retinol products and start with a low concentration.

And when lockdown ends, be assured that we at Lasermed are champing at the bits to boost your skin and natural beauty with our state-of-the-art treatments!