Today it is possible to purchase skincare products in strengths which were once available only by prescription or from licensed skincare specialists. You now have access to the rarefied world of the most effective skincare ingredients know to man. This has been a boon to the consumer. But it comes with some caveats. First, you really have to handle these products with care. Do not go haphazardly off on a 'more is better' binge. If you are old enough to remember the advent of Retin-A (and I'm not saying I am) you have some idea what kind of misery you could be in for if you overdue it. Recall the painful, red, irritated, peeling skin of those who went home with their new prescription and slathered it on as they would any other skin cream (and I'm not saying I'm one of them). Well, that is a small example of what may befall you if you order a 30-60% glycolic solution and decide to leave it on longer than the directions advise. People are prone to do this thinking they don't 'feel anything' while the product is on. Glycolic peels do not always feel as if they are working during application and waiting time but if you overdue it you can wind up with some seriously overdried, irritated skin in a few days (and that's not youthful). It is also possible to purchase TCA peels online in strengths of up to 20%. This is the active ingredient in the famous Blue Obagi peel your plastic surgeon uses and it is not kid stuff. You should be sure you are ready for these products. Start with milder peels such as the glycolics in about the 30% range. Use them weekly and use good products for healing such as vitamin C serums and emu oil. As your skin adjusts to these, up the strength. Go slow! You didn't sustain this damage to your skin in 1 month and it may take a few months to clean it up. I would suggest your first TCA use to be mild, about 12%, no more than 16% and go no more than 1-2 layers (the product directions will tell you how to layer it). I would use this no more than monthly, if that, and use good quality copper serum, vitamin C, and emu oil following the peel to heal the skin and assist the rebuilding of the skin's collagen. Retinol products are available in various strengths without prescription (trentoic acid is still a prescription item). Retinol converts to trentoic acid in the skin. If you have sensitive skin start with a 0.1% and move up as your face adjusts to this. Less sensitive types can start with 0.3-0.5%. Retinol is available in strengths up to 1%. You should, if you have moved up through the strengths, eventually tolerate this well. Do look for a stabilized form that can penetrate to the 'prickle layer' of the skin. How do you know? If their product is such, they will certainly say. If it is not, there will be nary a mention of it. With patience and a careful reading of the instructions you can be successful at acheiving skincare results at home you for which you once had to pay a spa or doctor. Read your instructions, go slowly, consult a professional if necessary and get ready to enjoy the gorgeous new you.