Here Are the Best Body Peels for Dark Spots, Acne, and More Skin Issues
We’re all after silky, smooth, and even-toned skin, especially this time of year. We usually turn to our trusty body scrubs and exfoliators to slough off those rough, dry areas, but sometimes we need a bit more. That’s where body peels come in.
A body peel might sound a little intimidating, but there’s no reason to trip — they can actually be really gentle and way more effective than a traditional exfoliator. “Body peels are more liquidy than exfoliators and work by ‘dissolving’ the ‘glue’ that holds the skin cells together, thereby creating a chemical reaction on the skin to cause an exfoliation of the top layers,” explains San Francisco-based dermatologist Lavanya Krishnan. Beyond renewing your skin, peels can also treat common issues like dark spots and acne. Read on for the lowdown on which type is best for you, and get ready for your best skin ever.
If you have dark spots
A peel like Kerstin Florian Correcting Brightening Body Peel ($40) will work wonders to fade dark spots and bring out your brightest skin. These pre-moistened pads (which make application much easier) are packed with five acids that work together to freshen up your bod’s complexion. “This peel has wonderful ingredients to help with brightening, exfoliation, decongesting pores, and decreasing inflammation,” Krishnan says.
If you have rough skin
Summer is the perfect time to prioritize getting your skin in tip-top shape, starting with smoothing everything out. The O.R.G Skincare Mineral Peel Body ($34) won’t cause irritation and removes dead skin while moisturizing at the same time. “This is a wonderful peel that not only contains a nice exfoliating consistency to soften rough skin, but also contains retinol to boost the exfoliation,” Krishnan explains. This versatile peel is gentle enough to use on delicate areas of your body, like the backs of your hands, but powerful enough to make you never want to hit up the beach before using it again.
If you have sensitive skin
Just because you have sensitive skin doesn’t mean you can’t reap the benefits of an at-home body peel. An option like Aquareveal Gentle Action Water Peel for Body ($45) will scrub everything from your elbows to your knees to your feet, but its gel formula keeps the process feeling light and comfortable. “This peel is devoid of any acids or physical scrubbing agents, making it great for sensitive skin,” Krishnan says. “This is also a great peel if you’re looking for minimal redness and peeling time post-application!”
If you have body acne
Acne on the back, shoulders, and chest is common this time of year thanks to the extra sun, sweat, and sand we’re frolicking in. Banish body breakouts with a salicylic acid-packed peel like Stacked Skincare TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel ($150). “This is a stronger peel, and can be very helpful for body acne, discoloration, and rough skin texture,” says Krishnan. This self-neutralizing peel (which means you don’t have to wash it off) works to speed up cell turnover while giving your bod a much-needed dose of moisture from lactic acid, making it a great option if you’re healing your skin from damage.
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