Put simply, laser toning is the process of using laser energy to penetrate specific layers of the skin and break apart pigments, which often surface as a result of sun damage, aging, acne, and other skin conditions.

Unlike traditional laser skin resurfacing treatments, laser toning is performed using non-ablative lasers, which work by heating up the targeted tissue without actually destroying it. This creates what dermatologists call a ‘controlled thermal injury,’ triggering a natural response in the body to produce more collagen and elastin. After the procedure is complete, the body’s immune system processes excess pigmentation and leftover particles to clear away discoloration.

There is typically no pre-treatment required for laser toning, although some specialists will instruct their patients to avoid sun exposure for a few weeks beforehand.

Some skincare specialists apply a topical analgesic or local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure, but most patients don’t experience any significant pain. However, it is common for the skin to feel warm to the touch immediately after the treatment session is complete.

The number of treatments required primarily depends on your particular skin type and concerns. Almost all non-ablative laser procedure options require several sessions — typically between four and ten treatments in total.

According to Dr. David J. Goldberg, one of America’s top dermatologists and laser surgeons, some of the most popular laser toning options include the nanosecond, picosecond, and Laser Genesis systems. These techniques cause very few side effects, outside of some mild discomfort that can be described as a tingling sensation.

You should be able to return to your regular activities immediately following your laser treatment. You will be instructed to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and will most likely be required to wear a broad-spectrum 30 SPF sunscreen, applied every two hours.

It is important to note that thermal injury is not advised in certain cases, namely for patients with darker skin, as it can cause discoloration and scarring. According to recent studies, the use of lasers for melasma should only be considered when all other modalities have failed. However, many new technologies have improved the effectiveness of lasers over a wide range of skin types. An experienced dermatologist or skincare specialist will be able to choose the appropriate treatment protocol.

Types of Cosmetic Lasers

A wide variety light-based treatments are marketed as skin toning lasers. However, not all of these are lasers in the true sense of the term. Confusion arises when Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments and lasers are referred to interchangeably by inexperienced or misinformed care providers.

“LASER” is actually an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation,” and applies to devices that produce a single wavelength of light. On the other hand, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments are less focused than lasers, and shine multiple wavelenghts over a larger area.

While both these approaches use light-based energy to address common skin conditions, different devices are used to target specific skin types and concerns. For instance, IPL systems can be used effectively in the treatment of pigmented lesions and capillary malformations. However, medical providers will in some cases favor fractional lasers to achieve the same goals.

The best way to determine which type of treatment is suited to your particular case is to talk to trained and certified aesthetic medical provider. He or she will be able to create a customized plan that’s tailored to your needs.

Whipping up your very own chemical peel at home may seem like a lot of work, but it’s actually a relatively easy and cost-effective way to give your skin a big-time boost.

Just like the more expensive varieties performed by skincare professionals, do-it-yourself (DIY) chemical peels also provide a slew of beautifying benefits.

While there are many chemical peels to choose from, here we share the recipe for some of the best DIY chemical peels that you can try at-home.

How do chemical peels work?

Chemical peels work by exfoliating dead skin cells and eventually causing the top dermal layers to peel off, effectively leaving behind new skin that looks bright and feels soft and supple. By simultaneously cleaning pores while moisturizing the skin, chemical peels are a fast and relatively gentle way to give your skin a nourishing boost.

Although the phrase “chemical peel” might sound harsh, these homemade facials generally only use natural chemicals — naturally-derived acids, antioxidants, and moisturizers — to rejuvenate the skin.

They aid in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, acne scars, and enlarged pores while simultaneously evening the skin out and treating dark spots.

This article is geared towards helping you find the perfect do-it-yourself facial chemical peel for your own unique skin issues, whether that be a gentle DIY chemical peel to reinvigorate your skin’s turnover rate, or just something to correct frustrating wrinkles and uneven skin.

» For a deeper, professional chemical peel, use our doctor directory to consult with a cosmetic doctor nearby.

Depending on the type of chemical peel and the ingredients you choose to add, you can customize your peel to suit your individual skincare issues. Most DIY chemical peels are suitable for acne scars as the active ingredients resurface the top layers of the skin, thereby reducing their appearance.

You can also make a homemade chemical peel to address dark spots by adding certain key ingredients like glycolic acid, which help even out and brighten the skin. Other recipes are better for removing dead skin on the feet, elbows, and legs.

In order to craft a chemical cocktail that suits your own personal needs, let’s take a look at some of the ingredients commonly added to homemade peels.

Glycolic acid — Found in everything from cane sugar to sour cream, glycolic acid is a key ingredient in many peels, especially homemade chemical peels for exfoliation. This acid sloughs away the top layers of the skin for a refreshing, rejuvenated result. Glycolic acid is also found in yogurt, vinegar, apples, blackberries, and a wide variety of citrus fruits — including lemons, limes and grapefruits. It’s easy availability makes it a go-to choice to add to your own at-home concoctions.

Antioxidants — Antioxidants have been proven to be highly beneficial to the skin, and they’re also easy to incorporate into your DIY chemical peel with ingredients found in the grocery store. You can craft chemical fruit peels with citrus juice and berry extracts in order to provide your skin with a natural antioxidant boost. For a powerful homemade chemical peel, lemon juice or another antioxidant-rich citrus can help cleanse and rejuvenate. Add extra antioxidants if you’re looking for a homemade chemical peel for melasma, acne, or irritated skin.

Natural moisturizers — There are all kinds of gentle, all-natural ingredients that you can use to add hydration to your homemade peel. We recommend implementing avocado, honey, or egg whites into your peels for a simple way to moisturize and ensure that the exfoliating ingredients don’t draw out too much hydration.

Even if you’re a beginner, get most seamless blend with these simple steps and tips.

Acne, age spots and hyperpigmentation and dark circles are normal part of life and having skin, and they’re nothing to be ashamed of. But for when you’re looking for even-toned, flawless coverage, the right concealer can feel like a magic wand that can cancel out discoloration and glide over uneven texture.

Concealers come in a myriad of consistencies, forms and finishes, from liquid to cream to stick and beyond. The key is to find the right formula and tone for whatever issue you’re trying to hide. Here are all the makeup tips and tricks you need to know to make your concealer look flawless:

1. First, pick the right color concealer

Finding the right tone and the right color for the task at hand is crucial. Here’s your cheat sheet:

Peach shades cancel out blueish undereye circles and dark spots from sun or aging.

Green tones hide red blemishes — follow up with a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly (or close to!).

Yellow-toned concealers help to correct uneven skin tone from redness or hyperpigmentation.

2. Choose the right formula for the job

Not all forms of concealer are created equal. Pick from these options depending on what you’re trying to achieve:

Crayons, sticks, or pencils are ideal for “precise application like a blemish or age spot” or scar. They often offer heavy coverage and require minimal blending when applied precisely, and are best suited for dry or combination skin.

Pots and creams are great for oily skin or tasks that require higher coverage. “Cream concealers are thicker, therefore, they can be used to cover more [like] hyperpigmentation and other problem areas,” says Fennell. These also “tend to be the most versatile because you can always thin them down if need be with a little moisturizer,” she adds. Apply with a brush for maximum coverage or use your fingers for a more natural finish.

Liquids: Suitable for all skin types, but particularly great for dry skin, a “liquid formula adds a level of hydration without making the skin look even drier,” says Fennell. From the tube, “apply directly to the skin and blend with your finger, sponge, or fluffy eye shadow brush,” says Whelan.

3. Apply your base products and foundation

Apply any moisturizer, primer and foundation before reaching for concealer. If you apply your foundation first, you’re blurring the look of imperfections and likely won’t need to use as much concealer. If you don’t use foundation at all and just spot-conceal, be sure to hydrate your skin first!

4. Brighten dark circles and undereye discoloration

Undereye circles can be a telltale sign of a long night or lack of sleep, but discoloration under the eyes is also genetic. If you want to brighten your dark circles, here’s how:

Formula: “Look for concealers that have radiant or luminizing formulas. Our experts prefer liquid formulas for the thin skin around the eyes, since creams and thicker formulas can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

Shade: You’ll want to opt for a color that’s a shade lighter than your natural skin tone. “This will brighten up the undereye area and disguise the dark circles,” Whelan says.

Application: Draw a triangle to cover undereye circles instead of sweeping over the discoloration in a semi-circle shape. Rather than simply coloring over the circles directly under your eyes, this triangle shape highlights the front area of your face, making your face look youthful by creating a lifted the illusion. For best results, “dot the concealer under the eye and tap the product into place with your ring finger or a small fluffy eye shadow brush,” says Whelan.

5. Disguise puffy eyes

While makeup can’t change form, it can create illusions to distract from any features you want to hide (or accentuate — think contouring). Here’s exactly how to brighten puffy undereyes:

Formula: Liquids are “great to use if you need to brighten an area.

Shade: Choose a tone that’s 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation.

Application: “Add a highlighting concealer pen just above and below the area where the under eye is most puffy,” says Whelan. “By adding light to those areas, it makes those areas more noticeable and makes the puffiness look less noticeable.”

Breakouts can be more than just skin deep.

It may not spread rumors about you or leave mean comments on your Instagram, but make no mistake — chronic zits are a huge bully on your self-esteem. Extreme cases have been linked to anxiety — even suicide. And these serious side effects may be more common than you think: A major study published in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology says waking up to severe breakouts daily may make you two to three times more likely to develop depression. The study says: “Girls and boys with acne had significantly more depressive symptoms, lower self-attitude, more feelings of uselessness, fewer feelings of pride, lower self-worth, and lower body satisfaction than those without acne.”

Worse, another report from the British Skin Foundation found that one in five people struggling with acne has considered suicide. Reason number one? It makes you feel alone. “Skin disorders tend to isolate,you’re skipping hangouts with the girls or dodging eye contact and conversations. “When you already feel hopeless and embarrassed, that can only intensify those feelings.

But don’t give up hope. Nothing is permanent — no matter how much you think it is. Ask a derm about your options. And when the anxiety starts to feel like too much, talk to a therapist. Know that you are not alone. And remember: Acne is treatable.

If acne is messing with your self-esteem, don’t wait to seek help. Talk with a pro, like a school psychologist or your doctor. It’s their job to be judgement-free and make you feel comfortable telling them anything you want. You can lessen the severity of your depression symptoms if they are addressed early on.

Acne scars are stubborn, and no single treatment is best for everyone. One or a combination of the following approaches might improve the appearance of your skin, depending on your scar type, your skin type and the severity of the scarring.

• Home skin care. Using sunscreen can help limit the contrast between unscarred skin and a scar. Some medicated creams, such as those containing azelaic acid or hydroxyl acids, might help too.
• Soft tissue fillers. Injecting collagen, fat or other substances under the skin can plump the skin over indented scars. The goal is to make the scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect. This method has little risk of changes in skin color.
• Steroid injection. Injecting steroids into some types of raised scars can improve the appearance of your skin.
• Laser resurfacing. This approach is increasingly popular and is often used on scars that were once treated with dermabrasion. This technique has an increased risk of side effects for people with darker skin or a history of keloids.
• Other energy-based procedures. Pulsed light sources and radiofrequency devices help make scars less noticeable without damaging the outer layer of skin. Results are subtle, and you might need repeat treatments.
• This procedure is usually reserved for more severe scarring. Your doctor removes the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush or other device. Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable. Potential severe side effects include scarring and changes in skin color.
• Chemical peel. Your doctor applies a chemical solution to the scar tissue to remove the top layer of skin and minimize the appearance of deeper scars. You can repeat mild and medium peels to maintain results. You can have only one deep peel. Potential side effects include changes in skin color, especially with deep peels used on dark skin.
• Skin needling. Your doctor rolls a needle-studded device over the skin to stimulate collagen formation in the underlying tissue. It’s a safe, simple and possibly effective technique for acne scarring. It has minimal risk of discoloring the skin. Results are subtle, and you may need repeat treatments.
• Using a minor procedure called punch excision, your doctor cuts out individual acne scars and repairs the wound with stitches or a skin graft. With a technique called subcision, your doctor inserts needles under the skin to loosen fibers below a scar.
• OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox). Sometimes the skin around acne scars puckers. Injecting Botox relaxes the surrounding skin, which may improve the appearance of an acne scar. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect.

1. Turmeric

You Will Need

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Prepare turmeric paste and apply on the acne.
2. Leave it on for an hour or so and then wash it off.

Turmeric paste can also be left on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this every day.

Why This Works

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and also a complexion-enhancing agent. It treats the infection that is causing the pimples while improving skin quality, tone, and texture.

Caution

Turmeric can stain clothing. Make sure to wear old clothes when you use this remedy.

3. Lemon

You Will Need

• Fresh lemon juice
• Q-tip

What You Have To Do

1. Apply lemon juice on the acne using a Q-tip.
2. Leave the juice on an hour or so.
3. Rinse your face with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice a day and every night, before going to bed.

Why This Works

Lemon is renowned for its natural pimple-fighting ingredients, and this is the reason why it is included in so many pimple reduction products. It is antimicrobial in nature. It also brings back the skin’s pH balance, thus reducing breakouts.

Caution

If you find raw lemon juice too strong, you can dilute it with water. Do not use lemon on the entire face as it will irritate your skin.

3. Aloe Vera

You Will Need

An aloe leaf

What You Have To Do

1. Slice the leaf and transfer the gel present inside into a container.
2. On a clean face, apply some of this gel and massage it in.
3. Leave the gel on for half an hour and then rinse it off.

If it doesn’t feel too sticky, you can leave the gel on overnight as well.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every night, before going to bed.

Why This Works

Aloe vera gel is a wonderful natural remedy which works wonders for a variety of skin as well as hair problems. It helps to reduce acne (or pimples) effectively with its healing properties. It provides the right combination of nutrients and skin-toning compounds to the skin and rejuvenates it.

4. Essential Oils

You Will Need

• 1-2 drops tea tree oil
• 1 drop lavender oil
• 4-5 drops virgin coconut oil or olive oil

What You Have To Do

1. Make a blend of the essential oils with the carrier oil.
2. Apply this on the acne and leave it on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this every night.

Why This Works

Essential oils like lavender essential oil as well as tea tree oil work great to reduce acne and even their scars. They have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and oil-balancing properties .

Caution

Essential oils are highly concentrated and do not suit everybody. If you have never used these oils before, then consult your doctor before using it during your pregnancy. Your skin is already sensitive during this phase, and essential oils should be used only if you are sure that your skin is not allergic to them.

1. Tea Tree Oil Facial Scrub For Blackheads

You Will Need

• 1 tbsp fine sugar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1-2 drops tea tree oil
• A steamer

Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

15 minutes.

Method

1. Steam your face for about 5-10 minutes.
2. Combine all the ingredients until you get a coarse mixture.
3. Apply this mixture onto your face and massage gently in circular motions.
4. Massage for a couple of minutes and then rinse your face with cool water.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

This tea tree oil scrub will help exfoliate your face while also unclogging your pores by drying out the blackheads. Ensure that you are using pure olive oil as other variants may end up worsening the condition of your blackheads.

2. Tea Tree Oil Moisturizer For Blackheads

You Will Need

• Non-comedogenic moisturizer
• 1 drop tea tree oil

Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

2 minutes.

Method

• Wash your face with warm water to help relax your pores.
• Dispense a pea to coin-sized amount of your non-comedogenic moisturizer.
• To this, add a drop of tea tree oil.
• Gently massage the moisturizer into your skin, paying special attention to the blackhead-prone areas.

How Often?

Everyday.

Why This Works

As your moisturizer seeps into your skin, the tea tree oil in it will make its way into your pores, disinfecting and getting rid of any acne or blackheads. This is one of the simplest ways to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and blackhead-free.

3. Jojoba And Tea Tree Oil For Blackheads

You Will Need

• 1 tsp jojoba oil
• 1 drop tea tree oil
• A steamer

Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

10 minutes.

Method

1. Steam your face for a couple of minutes to help relax your pores.
2. Combine the ingredients to create an oil blend.
3. Massage this oil blend into your skin in gentle circular motions.
4. Massage for about 5 minutes and then proceed to wash your face with cool water and a cleanser.

How Often?

Every night before you sleep.

Why This Works

Jojoba oil’s structure is very similar to that of the naturally produced oils in your skin. This allows the oil to easily penetrate your skin, dissolve impurities, and unclog your pores. In combination with tea tree oil, it creates the perfect blackhead combating blend.

4. Tea Tree Oil Cleanser For Blackheads

You Will Need

• One squeeze of an oil-free facial cleanser
• 1-2 drops of tea tree oil

Prep Time

1 minute.

Treatment Time

2 minutes.

Method

• Splash your face with warm water to help relax your pores.
• Dispense a pea to coin-sized amount of your facial cleanser.
• To this, add a drop of tea tree oil.
• Gently massage your face with the cleanser until you work up a good lather.
• After about a minute of massaging, rinse your face with cool water.

How Often?

1-2 times a day.

Why This Works

Not only is this method extremely convenient but it also works wonders. Mixing tea tree oil in your cleanser allows the oil to penetrate your clogged pores, dry them out, and unclog them. Regular use of this remedy will ensure that you’re free of blackheads. Just ensure that you’re using a good non-comedogenic moisturizer after you wash your face.

ACNE

The increase in oil secretion due to the use of masks in the summer months, especially in oily skin, can lead to clogging of the pores on the skin, resulting in acne and acne formation.

“This case was published in the American Academy of Dermatology, with a study of 83 healthcare professionals, and gave rise to a concept that entered the medical literature: Maskne. “Maskne has taken its place in the medical literature as a type of acne seen in healthcare workers who have to wear masks for a long time or people who have to work outside the home for long hours.”

WHAT TO DO?

• Always change your mask during the day.
• When you reach home from outside, wash your face with a cleanser suitable for your skin structure.
• When choosing sunscreen or moisturizer, choose water-based products.
• Once a week peeling will help to keep the pores on your skin open and prevent acne formation. The temperature increase on the face caused by the

ROZASEA

Mask can trigger the rosacea disease, which is known as ‘rosacea’ among the people, and increases with heat. As a result, widespread redness, increased vascularity and acne may develop in rosacea patients.

WHAT TO DO?

• Do not go out as much as possible during hot hours. Choose cool places.
• Avoid bitter and spicy foods and acidic beverages. Minimize tea, coffee and alcohol consumption.

CISTS

Perspiration, which increases with the effect of the mask, can block the sweat glands and cause sweat gland cysts. These cysts can sometimes be in the form of transparent water sacs and sometimes in the form of milia cysts known as rash among the people.

WHAT TO DO?

• Use a cleanser suitable for your skin structure twice a day to avoid clogging the pores due to perspiration.
• Always change your mask moistened by sweat.
• Even if you do not have the opportunity to wash your face when you sweat, removing the sweat with a water-soaked napkin will prevent sweat from clogging your pores.

Spotty skin is always a skin type that requires extra care. It is normal to experience an increase in your acne these days when you are in quarantine at home due to the Corona virus epidemic. We would compile suggestions for you to control your acne at home.

On quarantine days, stress increases due to social isolation and being at home all day, in this case it causes acne. What you eat and drink and your sleep patterns also affect this situation. You need to take special care for acne skin at home.

First of all, you should give importance to a healthy diet while at home. Fatty and salty foods increase your acne, so you should be careful not to consume excessive olives, junk foods, seeds, fast food style snacks.

While vinegar water balances the pH of the skin, it also prevents excessive oil secretion. Mix the vinegar, which is effective in removing acne, with drinking water and apply it on your pimples every day with the help of a cotton ball.

The number one favorite for spotty skin is tea tree oil. The option, which is a natural oil, has antibacterial properties. After applying 2-3 drops of tea tree to a clean cotton ball, rub it on the pimple area. You can apply this rinse-free oil every day.

Due to the acid in the lemon content, it has the ability to absorb excess oil on the skin and dry acne. Therefore, mix lemon juice with normal water and apply it to your pimples with a cotton ball. After waiting for about 15 minutes, you can rinse.

Aspirin has the property of curing your acne and preventing redness. Mix the crushed aspirin with a little water and make it a paste, then apply it on your pimples. You can wash it after 20 minutes

Crush garlic, which acts as a natural antibiotic. After applying it to the spotty area, you can wait for 15 minutes and wash. When you do it every day, you will see that the acne is gone and the redness around it is gone.

Baking soda is an effective method that dries acne. Mix the baking soda with water into a paste and apply it to your acne. It will be more effective if you apply it at night and wash it in the morning. You can apply it 3 times a week, not every day.

The cold always balances the oil on the skin, tightens pores and quenches acne. It is effective to wash your face with cold water and touch ice cubes to these areas. Also, make sure your skincare products are suitable for acne, oily skin.