What Are Peeling Gels and How To Use Them To Exfoliate The Skin

Exfoliation is one of the steps in skin care routine. However, it is very important to understand that exfoliation needs to be gentle so we do not ruin our protective skin barrier.

There are many ways you can safely exfoliate your skin. For example, enzyme peels – I wrote a detailed article about enzymes peels and how they can gently exfoliate your skin’s top layer.

Another great and safe way to remove outer dead cells layer is to use peeling gels.

So, in this post we are going explore what peeling gels are and how they work.

What are peeling gels?

The main purpose of exfoliating gel is to dissolve dead cells on the top layer of the skin. You need to rub this gel on your skin. The special ingredients in exfoliating gel peel interact with your skin’s oil and create friction.

Once you start rubbing gel onto your skin with your fingers, you will notice that gel will start clamping into small balls. Dead skin cells are gathered in those clamped balls.

Then you wash off the gel together with dead cells and excessive skin oil.

Why peeling gels are clamping while rubbed into the skin?

Exfoliating gels have special ingredients that clamp with some friction. Usually it is cellulose or carbomer.

So even though clamps do look like damaged skin peeling off, there is nothing to worry about. Your skin is fine.

Benefits of using peeling gels

As with any exfoliation, you will see the following:

• Soft and smooth skin
• Bright skin
• Tone will even out, skin will become lighter
• Pores will appear smaller
• Skin will be more accepting other skin care products and deliver beneficial ingredients to deeper levels.

Are peeling gels safe to use?

Yes, peeing gels are vert safe to use.

They are suitable for any skin type and you can use them all year around. I use them in the evening, so I do not have to go out to the sun.

These types of facial peeling gels do not cause redness, inflammation or any irritation (unless, of course, you are sensitive to a particular ingredient in your skin care product).

Use peeling gels once or twice per week.

Contraindications of using exfoliating gels

1. Individual allergies and intolerances;
2. Open sores, skin infections or wounds;

Exfoliating gels are generally safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.

How to use peeling gels?

There is nothing complicated about exfoliating gels:

1. Squeeze gel onto your clean, DRY face (I usually squeeze a pea size amount to each cheek and forehead).
2. Massage in gentle circular motions. The gel will start scrambling into small balls. Massage until you go through all face.
3. Wash off with lukewarm water.
4. Apply moisturizer and cream.
5. Use 1-2 times a week.

Product recommendations

All recommended products contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Tea Tree Peeling Gel – this Korean peeling gel provides a gentle and effective exfoliation. It delicately removes impurities, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion without causing any discomfort

SECRET KEY Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel – one of the most popular Korean peeling gels. It contains Vitamin C which makes your skin look bright, light and evens out skin tone. This peel will help you to remove dirt from the pores making them appear cleaner and smaller.

MOTHER MADE Exfoliating Aqua Peeling Gel with Green Tea, Vitamin C, Papaya Enzyme – this peel loaded with ingredients that are meant to clear and exfoliate your face. You can often find papaya enzyme in enzyme peels.

In summary, peeling gels will exfoliate your skin in a very gentle and safe way. Keep in mind that these type of exfoliation is not aggressive at all, so it won’t give you dramatic results. Exfoliating gels are more for maintenance, and not for exceptional transformation.

I prefer gentle and safe procedures that I do on a regular basis, rather then invasive treatments. I feel that my skin stays less irritated and healthy.