The Science Behind a Retinol Peel & Its Benefits

We talk a lot about our Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peels. And that’s because we think they’re pretty great — the combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids not only gives the complexion an immediate glow, it also sets skin up for long-term success. However, that’s not the only type of peel we make, believe it or not. We’re also big fans of our Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel. Luckily, you don’t have to choose as there’s room in a skincare routine for both. To learn how they can coexist in your regimen, and why a retinol peel is worth adding, read on.

How a retinol peel works

Retinol has so many mechanisms of action (and resulting skin benefits), it’s a perennial dermatologist favorite. One of those is exfoliation, which retinol accomplishes by stimulating cell turnover. This message is transmitted inside the skin itself because retinol, through a chemical chain of events, regulates gene expression, leading to a boost in collagen production and a flood of fresh, new cells rising to the skin’s surface and pushing out the old ones. When you apply a retinol peel, the ingredient is absorbed into skin and starts to do its thing.

The benefits of a retinol peel

The benefits of a retinol peel are similar to those you could expect from a retinol serum. The increase in collagen levels will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol’s exfoliation aspect will work to clear up acne and even out skin’s tone and texture. And since retinol also inhibits an enzyme tied to melanin production, consistent use of retinol will help minimize hyperpigmentation. 

How a retinol peel is different from an alpha/beta hydroxy acid peel

Alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs/BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that produce immediate results on skin’s outermost layer. As you wipe your Alpha Beta Daily Peel across your skin, the AHAs and BHAs in the formula whisk away the dead surface cells that are stuck to your face, dulling your complexion and clogging your pores. The results are near instantaneous, and the chemical composition of AHAs and BHAs means this type of peel requires a second, neutralizing step to turn off the acids.

While you will wake up with bouncier skin after you use our Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel, incorporating any form of retinol in your skincare regimen is always a long-term play. Because retinol’s magic happens inside the skin (not on top of it), it takes more time for its effects to be visible to the naked eye. And since the chemical structure of retinol is different from that of AHAs and BHAs, this peel doesn’t need to be neutralized. 

How to incorporate both peel types into your daily skincare routine

If you’re already getting awesome results from using your Alpha Beta Daily Peel every morning, it only makes sense that adding our Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel each evening will make your skin look even better, right? Wrong answer! No matter how hardy you think your complexion is, any skin type can only handle one peel a day. Otherwise, you run the risk of triggering irritation, which causes collagen-destroying inflammation and will also put your entire routine on pause while you wait for your skin to settle down. Instead, it’s an either/or scenario. On days that you use your Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel, skip your Alpha Beta Daily Peel while keeping in mind that the Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel should only be used two to three times a week, max.

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