At-Home Retinol Peel
The viral At-Home Peel Challenge from ZO: promotes epidermal exfoliation and dermal stimulation to strengthen and tighten skin and improve rough texture.
Step One
Watch the full tutorial
Step Two
Use the right products.
Choose your peel bundle or purchase the products individually if you already have some in your skincare routine. Be sure you ONLY use these products during the at-home peel. Do not substitute any of these products. Make sure to follow the protocol accurately. This is a very serious peel you do not want to be putting other products on your skin at this time.
- ZO Gentle Cleanser
- ZO Exfoliating Polish
- ZO Calming Toner
- ZO Daily Power Defense
- ZO Radical Night Repair
- ZO Hydrating Creme
- + your SPF of choice
Peel Bundles
Individual Products:
Optional Add-On:
This is fully optional, but if you are looking for extra hydration and additional tightening and firming of the skin, you may add the ZO Firming Serum right after the Calming Toner and before the Daily Power Defense.
Don't forget your SPF
Use your favorite SPF after the peel application in the mornings & use it consistently after you're done with the peel. Here are some of our favorites:
Step Three
Choose Your Protocol
There are three different levels of the At-Home Retinol Peel. Make sure to check with us to determine the appropriate length of time for your skin and to go over any questions you might have before starting. The aggressive protocol should only be done if you have previously done the mild and moderate protocol and it was tolerated well by the skin.
- Mild
5 pumps radical night repair AM/PM
For 3 days - Moderate
5-8 pumps radical night repair AM/PM
For 4 days - Aggressive
10 pumps radical night repair AM/PM for 5 days
(should only be done if you have previously done the mild and moderate protocol and it was tolerated well by the skin)
If you feel too irritated please stop peel and start with your post peel care with your ZO Hydrating Creme.
Important: Do not substitute any of these products. Make sure to follow the protocol accurately. This is a very serious peel you do not want to be putting other products on your skin at this time.
Step Four
Start the peel
AM
- ZO Gentle Cleanser
- ZO Exfoliating Polish
- ZO Calming Toner
- ZO Firming Serum – optional, but great for anyone looking for additional firming and tightening of the skin)
- ZO Daily Power Defense
- ZO Radical Night Repair 1%
- Sunscreen – apply once all retinol is absorbed if you are going to be outside or near a window
PM
- ZO Gentle Cleanser
- ZO Calming Toner
- ZO Firming Serum – optional, but great for anyone looking for additional firming and tightening of the skin)
- ZO Daily Power Defense
- ZO Radical Night Repair 1%
Do not add other products or steps or make any substitutions to this protocol.
Step Five
Don't give up!
This peel may be uncomfortable, you may feel itchy throughout the days or extremely flaky. These are anticipated reactions. Make use of the Hydrating Creme and push through - the results are worth it! And remember, not everyone peels. Actual flakes of skin peeling off are mostly seen on dry skin types. Oily skin types may have a different peel experience or even not peel at all, but that does not means it is not working - you are just lucky to get less discomfort.
Step Six
Post Peel Care
As soon as you’re done with the peel, you can start using the ZO Hydrating Creme as many times as you need to throughout the day to hydrate and aid skin healing. Once your skin starts feeling back to normal you can slowly start incorporating your gentle skin care products into your routine. Wait until skin is fully healed before re-introducing actives. Treat your fresh skin like sensitive baby skin, you will be more photo-sensitive so be extra cautious with sun exposure and SPF application for at least 2 weeks post-peel.
AM
- ZO Gentle Cleanser
- Exfoliating Polish (use light hand pressure)
- ZO Hydrating Creme
- Sunscreen
Continue to apply ZO Hydrating Creme throughout the day to stay hydrated.
PM
- ZO Gentle Cleanser
- Zo Hydrating Creme
Do not add other products or steps or make any substitutions to this protocol.
Important Things to Remember
- If this is your first time doing the peel please start with the mild to moderate version.
- Darker skin tones can be more prone to hyper or hypo-pigmentation. If you are of a darker skin tone please make sure your skin is properly conditioned using ZO products and that your skin is used to the retinol before starting the peel. Please start with a mild version of the peel.
- This peel cannot be done if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breast-feeding.
- If you have any skin conditions please contact us directly before starting this peel.
- Your skin will be more photosensitive please make sure you are being diligent with your sunscreen during and after the peel process.
- Make sure to avoid the eye area.
- Anyone with a history of cold sores should avoid applying any peel around their mouth.
- Make sure your hands are thoroughly cleaned before touching your face during this process.
- It is important to not apply the retinol directly to your neck and chest as those areas will react much more than the face.
- This protocol is only to be done with the ZO Radical Night Repair 1%. This is a very specific delivery system and doing this protocol with any other retinol can result in damaging the skin.
