Glycolic acid is commonly used in chemical peels to rejuvenate the face. A type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid is derived from fruit acid.

How it works

• It exfoliates. Glycolic acid breaks down connections between dead cells in skin’s topmost layer, which can cause a dull complexion. Then, it sloughs away dead skin, revealing fresher, smoother and younger-looking skin.
• It improves hyperpigmentation. UV damage from sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, such as brown spots or sun spots. As glycolic acid takes off the outermost skin layer, it also removes sun spots.
• It minimizes lines. When used regularly, glycolic peels stimulate deeper skin layers and fine lines become much less evident.

What concentrations are available

• At-home. The highest glycolic acid concentration found in over-the-counter products is usually 10 percent.

• Professional. Higher concentrations — between 20 to 50 percent — are available through your dermatologist’s office. Not surprisingly, these treatments are more effective at removing dead, dull skin and producing dramatic results.

Number of treatments and cost

• Professional. Professional peels usually start around $150 per treatment. You might need five to eight chemical peels to get the best results, writes dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., for Yahoo Health.

• At-home. You can repeat home peels once or twice a month, but pay particular attention to each product’s instructions. The kit should last about five treatments. Cost typically starts at $50.

  • Product pick: Dr. Brandt Laser A Peel is a three-step kit, which offers a prepping solution, peeling solution and soothing gel.

Microdermabrasion refers to various devices that remove the outermost layer of the skin. Some devices spray aluminum oxide crystals or use a paddle.

How it works

• It exfoliates. Microdermabrasion’s effect is similar to glycolic acid peels. The goal is to remove superficial dead skin, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath.
• It improves acne. Microdermabrasion takes away dead cells, oil and bacteria from the skin’s surface, all of which can lead to acne, writes dermatologist Brian Zelickson, M.D., on The Patient’s Guide to Microdermabrasion.
• It improves penetration of other products. Removing the outer layer of dead skin cells also removes a barrier, making “the delivery of topical therapies much easier,” notes dermatologist Eric F. Bernstein, M.D., on The Patient’s Guide to Microdermabrasion. If products are able to penetrate the skin more effectively, then these treatments can work better at improving your skin.

Number of treatments and cost

• Professional. Sessions last about 20 minutes to an hour. One session can cost between $75 and $300, depending on your location. To receive optimal results, you might need between five and 12 sessions every two to three weeks, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Many factors affect the ultimate results of professional microdermabrasion, including:

  • Depth of microdermabrasion — the deeper the treatment, the more skin is removed.

  • Speed at which the crystals move.

  • The number of times the device goes over the same area of skin.

• At-home. Unlike professional treatments, home kits are unable to get deep into the skin and only superficially exfoliate dead skin cells. So, you won’t see the same dramatic results.

  How often you use your at-home treatment depends on the particular product. Make sure to read the instructions carefully. Prices for at-home kits range between $10 and $200, but remember that you get multiple treatments from one kit, reports Janet Cromely in the Los Angeles Times.

  • Product pick: Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion works well on any skin type. Whether you have sensitive, dry or oily skin will determine how often you use this set.

Possible side effects

• You may experience some redness and sensitivity, but microdermabrasion has virtually no side effects.

Post-treatment care

• Just like glycolic acid peels, microdermabrasion makes skin super-sensitive to the sun. So, apply sunblock after any microdermabrasion session and limit sun exposure.

Helpful hints for at-home use

• Cleanse skin thoroughly before applying microdermabrasion cream.
• Gently massage the cream on and rinse off well.
• Avoid sun exposure after treatment and apply sunblock.

Facials deep cleanse your skin to remove impurities, exfoliate dead cells and hydrate the skin. But there are many types of facials. To determine what facial you’ll need, practitioners take into account your skin type and particular needs (i.e, acne; dull complexion).

How it works

Though there are various facials, they generally follow the same steps, including:

• Cleansing

• Opening of pores
• Treatment mask
• Exfoliation
• Blackhead extraction
• Moisturizer and antioxidant application
• Massage
• Optional steps, like chemical peels or oxygen treatments

Number of treatments and cost

• Professional. Anitra Brown, esthetician for About, advises a facial every four to six weeks, or each time the seasons change, at the very least. Facials start at $65 and can get much more expensive with additional steps (like chemical peels or oxygen facials).
• At-home. To recreate a facial at home, you’ll need a series of products. Prices for these products vary widely. But, fortunately, you already own most of the products you’ll be using, including a cleanser, scrub, mask and moisturizer. Try your at-home facial once a week.

Possible side effects

• Side effects may result from improperly sanitized tools or products that are too harsh for your skin. In Allure, dermatologist Tina S. Alster, M.D., explains that you might experience irritation, breakouts and bacterial infection.

What you shouldn’t do yourself

• Leave blackhead extraction to the pros. A professional has the proper tools and training to extract blackheads without damaging your skin. At home, however, you can cause irritation, scabbing, scarring or even pimples to form.

Post-treatment care

• For about a week, “avoid harsh scrubs, alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids, and wash with a mild cleanser,” notes Dr. Alster. Also, be sure to protect skin with sunscreen.

Helpful hints for at-home use

1. Thoroughly cleanse the skin with a gentle face wash. If you need to exfoliate your skin, use a scrub after washing your face.
2. Steam pores open by taking a shower or standing over a sink full of hot water.
3. Choose a mask suited to your skin’s needs and follow the label’s specific instructions on how long to keep it on your face.

   • Got oily skin and large pores? Opt for a deep-cleansing mask, like Caudalie Purifying Mask , to remove impurities and excess oil.
   • For dry skin, try a creamy moisturizing mask, such as Pevonia Dry Skin Mask Pevonia Dry Skin Mask , to deeply hydrate and smooth the skin.

4. Splash face with cool water.
5. Finish off with a gentle moisturizer to soothe and hydrate the skin. La Roche Posay Toleriane Facial Cream provides long-lasting hydration and is gentle enough for those with eczema and rosacea.