A Guide to the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peels

A guide to the best peels on the market!

This post is part of the Dr. Dennis Gross Brand Takeover in April 2021, if you’d like to know more about the brand you can click here or view all posts about the brand here. 

If I’ve met you for long enough to start talking about skincare- this is nothing new. You know I love the Alpha Beta Peel by the king of peels, Dr. Dennis Gross. I *think* this might be my favourite skincare product, but let’s not start that conversation because we’d be here for hours…

For those of you new to the AB peel as it’s affectionately known, it was born out of CEO and co-founder Carrie’s need to peel at home (we’ve all been there) it brings the clinic to your bathroom. DDG uses medical grade peels in his clinic and Carrie couldn’t help but wonder whether safe, over the counter upkeep at home could compliment the peel and provide similar results- think little and often. It’s also the only patented two step peel, which I know frustrates brands everywhere! 😉

The reason a two step peeling process is essential is because that is what would happen if you went to clinic for a peel, the first step gently but effectively exfoliates your skin, you leave it on for a while (in this case, two minutes) and then go in with a neutraliser to bring your skin ‘back’ and start delivering your leave on skin care to work even better.

As a result of Carrie’s need to glow at home, the OG Peel- Universal was born and 20 years later it is a global best seller, and responsible for glowing skin anywhere you can buy the brand! There have since been a few additions to the range, notably the Ultra Gentle and Extra Strength variety.

But how do you choose the right one and what is the *actual* difference? Keep on reading, it’s simpler than it seems.

Ultra Gentle

The Ultra Gentle Alpha Beta Peel is free from AHA glycolic acid and contains three types of acid.

3 acid complex: Lactic, Mandelic and Willow Bark Extract

I find this is best suited to beginners to chemical exfoliation, those prone to redness or irritation and dryness as it is the most hydrating. It’s also glycolic acid free, so an option for those with rosacea and concerns about using a potent AHA like glycolic.

Universal

The original. This is best suited if you aren’t sure where to start and then dial up or down or keep in rotation. All skin types.

5 acid complex: Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, Malic and Citric

Extra Strength

Extra Strength is best for you if you are actively struggling with breakouts, pores and the appearance of wrinkles.

It’s the first one I used but if you don’t have active breakouts or an oilier skin, consider Universal and see if you feel the need to increase the strength.

7 acid complex: Glycolic, Lactic, Malic, Mandelic, Tartaric, Citric and Salicylic

It’s important to note that these peels aren’t going to leave skin red (flashbacks to Samantha in *that* Sex and the City episode are always at the forefront of my mind). They are available over the counter at retailers so there is no down time or visible actual ‘peeling’- just effective chemical exfoliation.

You can use these AM or PM based on your preference, and as much as I love them only a maximum of once within a 24 hour window. The key to effective results from skincare is to listen to your skin, if daily use is too much for you, drop down to every other day. If you prefer using acids in the morning- thats fine too just be sure to use sun protection to protect your skin.

The Alpha Beta Peel has achieved icon status for good reason, it has proved for over 20 years that a considered, well formulated blend of ingredients, delivered into the skin for optimum results will keep people coming back. No need to play chemist with 579 single acid products when it’s all done for you.

I hope this guide to the Alpha Beta Peels was helpful. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Dr. Dennis Gross on Instagram and if you’d like to discover the brand in more detail you can check out the takeover here.