Beauty & Skincare Features

Let’s Get Clinical (At Home)

Photo courtesy of Peter Thomas Roth

From “glass skin” to “slugging” and “skin cycling,” TikTok skin care hacks are more popular than ever. As millions of skin care tutorials flood our feeds, the platform has changed the way people view skin care: According to a recent global trend report by Euromonitor International, 40% of surveyed professionals noted that consumers are increasingly selecting DIY alternatives over professional beauty services.

The effect of this DIY obsession: Clinical skin care is on everyone’s must-have list! While the American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that use of cosmetic injectables is on the rise, more and more people are looking to clinical skin care for non-invasive spa services such as facials and chemical peels.

For more on this trend, we turned to skin care guru Peter Thomas Roth. An influential segment leader in the beauty industry, Roth is known for creating clinically stronger formulas and leads all research and development at his state-of-the-art lab and manufacturing facility. The newest innovation to emerge from Roth’s lab is Even Smoother™ Instant Reveal Facial Peel. Here, Roth talks about his breakthrough formula and how it can help consumers achieve expert-level results at home.

What inspired you to create your new chemical peel?

As with all my products, I am committed to delivering on my brand philosophy: Breakthrough formulas. Astonishing results. Since the beginning, I’ve always formulated with the most effective ingredients at the highest percentage possible. If an active ingredient is in my formula, I want it to be at a level that makes a real difference in your skin! My new Even Smoother™ Instant Reveal Facial Peel is formulated with an intensive 30% Glycolic Acid Solution for expert-level exfoliation.

Wow, that’s a high percentage of Glycolic Acid.

Glycolic Acid is a remarkable ingredient…and even better when it’s at a professional strength! Today, my products are sold worldwide in over 30 countries and in many prestigious retailers such as Sephora, Ulta Beauty and QVC. However, when I first started out, my products were mostly used by professionals at high-end spas—they loved my Glycolic products and so did their customers! With my new Even Smoother™ Instant Reveal Facial Peel, I wanted to revisit Glycolic in a big way and give consumers ‘WOW’ results at home—no appointment needed.

Tell us more about Glycolic Acid.

Glycolic Acid is an amazing chemical exfoliant because it addresses so many concerns. Loss of brightness, uneven skin tone, texture, pores, fine lines, wrinkles—you name it, Glycolic treats it!

What kind of results can people expect from your chemical peel?

First of all, the results are instant! In an immediate consumer perception study, users agreed skin appeared brighter, smooth and clear after just one use. The best part is that the results get better with continued use! After three uses, users agreed discolorations looked brighter, skin tone and texture appeared improved, and fine lines, wrinkles and pores looked less noticeable.

How easy is it to apply a chemical peel at home?

I pre-soaked cotton swabs with my peel to make application effortless! To use, simply tear open a pouch, remove the swab and gently swipe onto cleansed skin. Wash your fingertips after applying and let the peel sit for up to 10 minutes, depending on skin sensitivity. If you feel a slight tingle, that’s completely normal!  As the final step, rinse with water to neutralize anywhere applied…and, as with any chemical peel, don’t forget to wear SPF during the day.

Given the high percentage of Glycolic Acid in your peel, is it okay for all skin types?

In general, Glycolic Acid is well tolerated by most skin types. If you’re unsure, I recommend using my peel once a week and building your frequency as needed. If you have sensitive skin, I also recommend doing a patch test first. However, the potential for irritation should be minimal, as my peel is enhanced with soothing Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrolyzed Collagen…Brilliant!