Are peeling agents really bad for the skin?

With the recent lifting of mandatory mask-wearing on public transportation, interest in facial skin has increased. As part of skincare, some people use peeling agents to remove old dead skin cells. Peeling agents are exfoliating products that remove dead skin cells by applying physical friction to the skin. However, there are claims that using peeling agents is actually harmful because it irritates the skin. Are peeling agents really harmful to the skin?

Peeling methods include mechanical methods, which remove dead skin cells through physical friction, and chemical methods, which dissolve them using chemicals. Mechanical methods include scrubs, while chemical methods include peeling agents containing AHA. To put it simply, peeling agents do not cause major skin problems as long as they are not overused. Professor Kim Bum-jun of the Department of Dermatology at Chung-Ang University Hospital stated, "Using peeling agents on clear, blemish-free skin is not very meaningful, but they are effective for people with acne-prone skin or those with many sebaceous glands on their face." In fact, oily skin often has thick layers of dead skin cells, and these old cells can clog pores, leading to inflammation or acne. In such cases, regularly removing unnecessary dead skin cells can lead to skin improvement.

However, when using a peeling product daily, you must use a mild, slightly acidic product that is gentle on the skin. It is better to exfoliate in the evening rather than the morning. Before using a peeling product, wrap your face with a steam towel for about 5 minutes. Hot steam opens pores, reducing skin irritation and enhancing the effectiveness of exfoliation. Applying a face mask or a moisturizing cream after exfoliation helps soothe the skin.