While chemical peels are great for revealing a smoother, brighter complexion, evening out your skin tone, and even keeping breakouts away, you may want to avoid getting them in the summer. "When you have a chemical peel, the acid used removes the topmost layer of skin off, rendering you more susceptible to sun damage," Robyn Gmyrek, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology, tells POPSUGAR. "Both sunlight and heat can cause more extensive damage and hyperpigmentation to this now-delicate skin while healing."
Not to mention, if you have any sort of tan on your face, a chemical peel will remove it and leave you with a lighter skin tone on your face than your body.
There are at-home alternatives to getting a professional chemical peel that can leave your skin glowing this summer. "I always recommend my clients use Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform ($88) in between treatments to keep their skin glowing," celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden says. "I also love the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads ($88), but since these are active, you definitely have to wear sunscreen during the day."
