Replenish with an at-home peel

Peels are everywhere, and at-home versions are exploding onto the market. Unlike the professional ones, however, these gentler domestic versions won’t leave your skin peeling for days on end. They’ll still slough away the surface layer, though, getting rid of dead skin cells that can cause clogged pores and dullness, leaving skin looking fresher.

“Most at-home peels contain a mix of alpha-hydroxy acids – such as glycolic – and salicylic, a beta-hydroxy acid,” explains Dr Howard Murad, founder of Murad Skincare. “But it’s important to stick to the recommended instructions and timings. People often tend to keep peels on for longer at home, but that doesn’t make the product work any harder or make it more effective.” In fact, extending the length of a peel can actually cause more harm by damaging the skin barrier. You should always apply a peel to clean skin in order to get the best results. That means it’s worth spending a few minutes doing a thorough cleanse first. “Making sure your make-up is removed properly and ensuring skin is free of products allows the peel to penetrate more effectively, which will give better results,” says Murad. Finish with a hydrating repair balm – we like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, £6.50 – to replenish moisture.

Expert tip: Always use SPF for a few days after a peel – we like Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream, £33 – because your skin will be much more sensitive to sunlight.

Saturday skincare - how to give your skin a proper weekend break