Peels and Exfoliants to Keep Your Skin Clear

At least once a year I try to give myself a series of chemical peels, but I recently decided to incorporate a series of less aggressive peels into my yearly routine.

If you haven’t heard of ilike Organic Skin Care yet, the first thing you must know is that it is a Hungarian organic skin care line that contains whole fruit and herb pulps as primary active ingredients – yes, this is an organic skin care line that will give you results. Additionally, the entire line of ilike products has been acknowledged as a certified natural cosmetic by BDIH (always a plus!).

I recently had the opportunity to try the Botanical AHA Peel from ilike, and I loved it! It is perfect for practically any skin type (even those who are sensitive and prone to inflammation – think rosacea). If you want your skin to feel softer, look brighter, your pores to appear smaller and the appearance of fine lines diminished, this peel is what you need.

Active ingredients:

• Hollyhock: Anti-inflammatory; soothes skin
• Lactic Acid: AHA that gently dissolves the bonds that hold skin cells together – exfoliates the skin while hydrating with the help of natural milk sugars
• Lemon Oil Bioflavonoids: Brightens and evens out skin tone
• Vitamins B & C: Fortifies skin and boosts cell renewal (for younger looking skin)
• Tannins: Anti-oxidant; protects the skin from environmental aggressors like pollution
• Mineral Salts, Trace Elements: Remineralizes the skin to boost cellular functions

How it’s used:
Now the directions state that this peel may be used 1-2 times per month, but since my skin is naturally oily and tends to be on the thicker side, I conducted a patch test and decided that it would be gentle enough to use once a week for one month.

Each week for 1 month I applied the peel to my face and neck at a medium thickness for about 3 minutes. You have the option of massaging the peel into your skin for about 2-5 minutes with your fingertips of a manual brush, or you can use a rotating brush for 2-3 minutes. I used my rotating brush with a very soft, gentle brush head. After this I removed the peel with a damp towel and followed up with a toner and moisturizer.

At first I did not know what to expect because I am used to more aggressive peels, but I could feel a slight tingling activity on my skin in drier areas almost as soon as I applied the peel. Once I removed the peel my skin was slightly red but it did not last long.

After the first peel my skin felt soft to the touch, and the next morning I noticed that it helped to bring a breakout that had been hibernating under my skin to the surface. The best part is that the breakout healed very quickly and did not leave any type of pigmentation/brown spot behind– which is usually what happens with every breakout I get.

Once I had completed my series my skin looked brighter and I was breaking out less. My pores looked cleaner (despite the fact that I wear makeup every day) and some of the pigmentation I had from acne breakouts was less visible. My skin felt soft and my makeup looked very smooth when I applied it.

Overall I am quite impressed with the results that I was able to achieve with this peel. In fact, I have been using it once a month and my skin continues to look amazing.

Pevonia Enzymo-Sphérides Peeling Cream uses encapsulated enzymes for maximum skin exfoliation. Pineapple and Papaya enzymes eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells, sebum, and toxins as you work this cream into your skin and gain a bright, smooth complexion.

What it is:
This is a peeling cream to rejuvenate your skin and clear your pores.

Active Ingredients:
The active ingredients are Pineapple Enzymes (Sphérides), Papaya Enzymes (Sphérides), Gingko, Calendula, and Chamomile.

How it’s used:
The peeling cream is used all over your face and neck, avoiding the eyes. You work it into your skin with a bit of water on your fingertips. After two minutes, wet your fingers again and rework the peeling cream again all over. Wait another two minutes. Remove the peeling cream with pads that are moist with warm water, and then cleanse your skin again.

Don’t worry – your skin will not literally peel off. It’s more of a deep exfoliant that clears debris and oils. So, when you use it on a regular basis, you’ll get clear, clean skin – and fewer breakouts.

Dermaquest Glycolic Acid Resurfacer (30%) with Stem Cells is  a professional-grade product that I purchased after my last facial. This stuff is powerful and I highly recommend it for those with stubborn acne (especially hormonal, cystic acne, like mine).

What it is:
This professional resurfacing treatment to support age management concerns and assist with the elimination of Grade-0 non-inflammatory acne, is formulated with stem cells, the latest in anti-aging technology.

Active Ingredients:
The active ingredients are 30% glycolic acid and plant stem cells.

• Stem cells provide antioxidant and cell preservation benefits
• Increases cellular turnover
• Assists with the release of comedones (acne)
• Decreases fine lines and wrinkles
• Evens skin tone and texture
• Stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and GAGs in the dermal matrix
• Strontium Nitrate reduces the itching/irritation often associated with peels
• Anti-inflammatory and soothing plant extracts support

How it’s used:
You apply to dry, clean skin. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash off thoroughly with water. You may feel a burning or tingling sensation. That’s fine – just don’t overdo it. Start with 60 seconds and work your way up. I use this every now and then when I need a deep exfoliation, but you can get away with using it a couple times a week. Since this is a professional Dermaquest product, you have to purchase it from a spa or esthetician. Click here for Dermaquest’s consumer line of exfoliants and masks (you can order those online).

When using any peel please use it according to the manufacturer’s directions unless otherwise advised by a skincare professional, and always remember to apply your sunscreen whenever you use any type of exfoliating product.