13 Nov Gommage Peels: The Science Behind TikTok’s Viral ‘Peel Shot’ Trend
Gommage peels- You’ve seen the videos: you rub a product onto your face, and suddenly, greyish, little balls of “dead skin” form. It’s satisfying to watch and one skincare product that’s been trending for its dramatic effects on TikTok and Reddit is the Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Ampoule. At the same time, dermatologists have debunked these products for being gimmicks… but you can’t help but wonder what is the science behind these skincare that so many people swear by for smoother and brighter skin.
Related blogposts:
5 Worst TikTok Skincare & Beauty Trends to Avoid
Is Your Visual Weight High or Low? TikTok’s Glow Up Theory Explained
These products belong to a category of skincare called “gommage”, which is a mix of both physical and chemical exfoliation. Gommage skincare isn’t new but it’s making a comeback with iwith high-profile versions like Dior Prestige Le Sucre de Gommage and the popular K-Beauty favorite, Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot.
But what exactly is gommage? Are those balls really dead skin? And is the gommage skincare trend worth trying? A look at the science of gommage skincare in this review!
What is gommage skincare?
The name “gommage” has its origins in the French word gommer; which means “to rub off”. Gommage skincare is a fixture in traditional French facials and spas where a gommage was used as a gentle exfoliant. Gommage skincare is sometimes referred to as “peeling gels”.
How do gommage peeling gels work? Examples include Dior Prestige Le Sucre de Gommage and Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot White Rice Ampoule.
How does gommage skincare work?
Spoiler alert: the balls that you see with gommage skincare aren’t really your skin balling up. Gommage skincare clumps together to form visible balls when applied to the skin. Some of these clumps pick up dead skin and surface debris; especially when rubbed and massaged on the skin.
What does gommage skincare contain?
Gommage skincare typically contain polymers that form a thin film on the skin. As the gommage gel is rubbed on the skin; the mechanical friction causes the polymers to aggregate- and that’s how those visible clumps or balls are formed on skin. As these clumps are rubbed on the skin, they also lift off dead skin cells, dirt and oil.
Related blogposts:
What are Active Ingredients in Skincare?
How to Layer Skincare Products in the Correct Order
3 Essential Skincare Steps for Healthy Skin
Some gommage gels also contain exfoliating acids or enzymes to detach dead skin cells in the skin; to improve the exfoliating mechanism of the gommage skincare. These acids and enzymes are usually used at lower strengths; so their chemical exfoliation effects are milder than a true chemical peel.
What are the benefits of gommage skincare?
The mechanical exfoliation of gommage skincare can make the skin look brighter, feel smoother and improve skincare uptake. Another advantage of gommage skincare compared to other methods of exfoliation (e.g. scrubs or chemical peels) is that they’re usually gentler on the skin barrier; and may be suited for individuals who do not tolerate other methods of exfoliation.
Related blogposts:
The Truth about Chemical Peels
Micro-Spicule Skincare: Microneedling in a Bottle?
A Complete Guide to Chemical Exfoliation
Review of Face Exfoliating Acids in Skincare
Any side effects of gommage skincare?
While gommage peels may be thought of as gentle exfoliation; overdoing the gommage i.e. rubbing too aggressively or too frequently can still damage your skin barrier, causing redness, dryness and irritation. I would not recommend using gommage products after any cosmetic procedure or if there’s active inflammation or infection.
Gommage skincare provides for mild exfoliation; but this alone is usually insufficient in the treatment of acne or hyperpigmentation where medications and in-clinic chemical peels are required.
Related blogposts:
Acne: Types, Causes, Treatments and Tips for Prevention
Back Acne Treatments
The Beginner’s Guide to Starting Retinoids
Retinol Alternatives: Are They As Good as Retinol?
Ingredient review of Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Ampoule
Ingredient review of Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Ampoule
By popular demand from my patients- I’ll be reviewing the skincare ingredients in the Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Ampoule; which has gone viral on TikTok.
Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Ampoule is a classic gommage gel. It contains a number of film formers and thickeners that clump together, such as cellulose and carbomer. These ingredients cause the gel matrix to ball up and mechanically exfoliate the skin. Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Ampoule also contains a polyhydroxyacid (gluconolactone) and salicylic acid, which aid in exfoliation.
Other notable ingredients in Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Ampoule include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and rice extract; all of which fortify the skin’s moisture barrier.
Related blogposts:
Everything You Need to Know about Hyaluronic Acid
How to Repair Your Skin Barrier
Beta Glucan Skincare: New Hero for the Skin Barrier?
Niacinamide: A Versatile Antioxidant
Conclusion on gommage skincare and Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Ampoule
Gommage gels provide gentle, mechanical exfoliation for superficial skin concerns such as texture or fullness. Gommage skincare relies on film-forming polymers that clump up and detach dead skin and debris; with or without enzymes or exfoliating acids to aid the exfoliation process.
Gommage skincare like Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Ampoule give an instant gratification for those who want a quick fix for dullness and rough texture; and makes for a TikTok worthy video. Just remember that the gentle exfoliation from gommage is not a replacement for exfoliating acids or retinoids for treatment of acne or hyperpigmentation.
No Comments