I tend to have uber dry skin so I've been searching for an exfoliation product that removes my flakey skin but keeps me moisterized as well. I used to use exfoliating scrubs like St. Ive's Peach exfoliating scrub but it was too harsh on my already dry and sensitive skin. I heard about glycolic peels which are supposed to help stimulate collagen and loosen up dead skin (top layer of skin). Here's some scientific sounding information I found on glycolic peels:
"Glycolic acid has the ability to penetrate deep beneath the surface of the skin. It stimulates cell regeneration in the skin by increasing the production of collagen. Glycolic acid’s fast acting results can be witnessed through the rapid shedding of the skin’s exterior to reveal fresh new glowy skin underneath. Abrasive exfoliating methods can be effectively replaced by glycolic acid peels as it removes dead skin cells with ease.
While the benefits of glycolic acid peels are numerous, it is important to let your skin get accustomed to using glycolic peels regularly. There are different levels of strengths to glycolic acid peels: and all glycolic peel solutions range from 20% to 70% concentrations. If you are new to glycolic peels, start with a lower concentration and work up."
I was using a glycolic peel from Patricia Wexler and I loved it. Then I discovered Bath and Body Works stopped selling it so I had to try another brand. I recently purchased Peter Thomas Roth's Unwrinke Peel Pads. The PTR pads "are designed to exfoliate the skin for the superior glow of a professional facial peel, while also preparing the skin to allow Un-Wrinkle and/or any treatment products to better absorb into the skin...These unique peel pads contain a blend of Alpha, Beta, Gamma Hydroxy Acids and Amino Acids (the building blocks of peptides). These, combined with powerful botanical extracts and antioxidants, reveal beautiful, clear, radiant, glowing skin."
I love it so far and it really does make my skin seem smoother, cleaner and brighter. My skin is also no longer dry and flakey.
Do you use glycolic peels? Any suggestions for other products I should try? If you want to try the PTR pads, you can purchase them at skinstore.com right now for 20% off using this coupon code: "ssfans" Sale ends Monday, April 11, 2011. skinstore.com also sells cosmetics, haircare and fragrance. I just discovered this site and think 20% is a great deal since much of this stuff usually never go on sale elsewhere.
