DIY Chemical Peels Are a Terrible Idea.
Just because you can buy something online does not mean that you should. Trichloroacetic acid, the main ingredient in chemical peels that you can get from a beautician or dermatologist, is easy to obtain, but unsafe to use in high concentrations.
This is because applying strong acids to the skin literally eats away at the top layer of the skin, and if the acid is strong enough, then the deeper layers. Odyssey reports that DIY skin peels have become common on Instagram and YouTube, often using acids that are not suitable for home use. Makeup artists exhibiting these peels often get severe burns.
Instructions for at-home chemical peels can be found online, however dermatologists and beauticians around the world emphasize that everything other than extremely superficial peels should be done by a professional. A cosmetologist can carry out several types of peels; the deeper ones are the territory of doctors.
In any case, a professional will check for contraindications or reasons why you should not peel, including sunburn, previous treatments that have damaged the skin, and certain medical conditions or medications . They can also make sure that your skin is prepared for the procedure and that the peel you want is actually capable of giving you the results you want. Most importantly, they will try to make sure that the peel does not go deeper than intended and will help you with your subsequent care. For example, you may need to wear sunscreen at all times for several days or months to avoid further damage.
So no matter how good those Instagram results are, remember that chemical burning of your own skin is something to do with professional help , if you decide to do it at all.