If you remember, about a month ago, I told you that I would be reviewing a Glycolic Peel from NaturalSkinShop.com. Well, I’ve been using the product for about a month now, and I thought I would share my initial impressions with you guys. I’m very happy with the peel thus far. I am expecting even better results as I continue to use the product. A brief bit of info about me before I start diving into the review (If I were smart, I would have taken a “Before” photo, but I am a total gooberhead, so I didn’t); I am 32 years old, and have had issues with acne since I was about 14. Nothing too serious, I have blackheads and congested pores in my T-zone, as well as some cystic acne around my chin and jawline. In the past two years, I have started to notice ugly purple acne scars around the jawline. My complexion is generally dry and dull, and I have a few fine lines on my forehead, as well as larger pores around the apples of my cheeks. (I don’t look like Quasimodo, I swear!)
WARNING! Wordy Review Ahead!
I had thought about chemical peels in the past, but never went through with it due to the cost. When I was offered the opportunity to try a chemical peel kit here at home, I jumped on the chance. So here’s how it’s going so far: (this is a long one, since this is much more than just your average drugstore skincare product. I wanted to make sure I covered everything)
- Product Selection: There are a ton of different Glycolic Peel products available on the website, so I was really unsure which product would be right for me. NaturalSkinShop has estheticians available by phone, email, or webchat to help select the perfect peel for you. I chose the Glycolic 40% Medium Peel Kit.
- Shipping/Packaging: I placed my order on 12/31. My order processed and was shipped out on 1/3. It was at my door just four days later. It was shipped from Florida to Philadelphia. My kit was very securely packaged, fitting snugly into the shipping box.
- Contents of the Kit: In this kit I received a bottle of 10% Glycolic Exfoliator and a 40% Glycolic Peel. These are nice glass bottles with a pump, each are 2 ounces. I also received a 1 oz. bottle of 100% Hyaluronic Moisturizer, as well as a box of gauze pads. Everything comes packaged in a nifty little toiletry bag, which is great for going back and forth to the bathroom.
Well, that’s all well and good, but how does it WORK?
I’m happy to report that I think this product works really well. You receive clear, detailed directions on how to use the product. If you are new to peels, you are supposed to use the 10% Exfoliator for a week, to help your skin get used to the Glycolic Acid. You simply pump a small amount onto the included gauze pad, and buff it into your face, then rinse with cold water. There was a little bit of a tingle, nothing too drastic, though. I used this each night, after washing my face.
Follow that with the Hyaluronic Moisturizer. It’s a serum, rather than a lotion or cream. Be careful, you CAN over-do it with this. From what I read on the website, your skin can only absorb so much of the serum, so the rest just sits on top of the skin, creating a dry, mask-type feeling. One pump is more than enough for my entire face (I rub the rest into my hands!)
You know the expression, “Softer than a baby’s behind? Dudes…this stuff really makes my face feel softer than a baby’s butt…and I have four kids, so I know a little something about baby’s butts!
After a week of the Exfoliator, it was time to try the Big Daddy 40% Glycolic Peel. I will admit, I was a little nervous. (My mother-in-law said I should test it on the hubby first!). Just like the Exfoliator, you pump some onto the gauze and massage it into your face. They recommend not leaving it on too long at first, and as you become accustomed to the peel, you can leave it on longer. The tingling was more intense than the Exfoliator, but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. (They give you a recipe for a wash to de-activate the peel if it’s too strong). Just like the Exfoliator, you then rinse and moisturize.
I was leery of the after-effects. We’ve all seen the pictures of celebrities who’ve had peels, with their red, scaly faces. This was not the case with me. I had a very mild amount of peeling, and that was it. After a week, if you’re not having any reactions, you can begin using the Exfoliator again to maintain your results.
So what ARE the results?
Of course, this is just my experience, so your results may differ. But after two peels (this is a bi-weekly peel), I can report that my skin is MUCH softer and smoother. My icky acne scars are probably about 75% less visible. I have experienced almost NO new blemishes, and the ones that are still there are much easier to extract with a steam facial. They are also much less noticeable. My complexion is also a lot less dull looking, which is a nice plus for me!
Overall, I am really happy with this Glycolic Peel. I’m getting great results, and without the expense of the dermatologist’s visit! I am really excited to see further improvements with each successive peel. I’m looking forward to trying some other products from their site. I will update you all again in about a month and let you know about my continued results. If you have any questions at all, just leave me a comment and let me know! In the meantime…
Buy It!
NaturalSkinShop.com has graciously offered an exclusive coupon code for my readers to use on their own orders. Simply enter the coupon code SHEBLOGS and you’ll save 25% on your order! This coupon code is good until February 21, 2011. You can also get free shipping with any order over $75. When you place your order, make sure to come back here, or post on Facebook, and let me know what you think of the products.