Exfoliating dry skin

About a year ago, I started noticing dryness on my skin. It was most obvious when I would use a primer and the primer would just flake off my face. I felt like the primer could not soak into my pores to create that flawless canvass that a primer is supposed to do because my pores were already clogged with dirty dirt stuff. I tried exfoliating with scrubs but they just aggravated my face more and made it more dry. Then I started using exfoliating pads saturated with glycolic acid. Glycolic acid "works as an exfoliating agent because of its high acidity but easy solubility. When placed on the skin as part of an exfoliating cream or gel, glycolic acid goes under the damaged upper layers of skin and destroys the 'glue' which holds dead skin to the surface. As this dead skin is chemically burned off, the other ingredients carry the individual flakes away and a water rinse neutralizes the remaining acid. The result is a much-smoother skin surface and a more youthful appearance. A secondary benefit is glycolic acid's ability to draw moisturizers into the newly-exfoliated skin surface."



I've been using Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads for a few months now and I have totally noticed a difference. When I apply foundation in the morning there is no flakiness on my skin. Primer does not slough off my face anymore. My face is also more glowing and less sallow. Glycolic acid is supposed to help "stimulate new growth of skin and collagen by decreasing the bond that holds dead skin cells on the surface. This allows dead cells to be removed gradually, leaving behind a layer of smoother and softer skin." I have noticed my brown spots being less prominent.


Anyhow, I really like exfoliating pads with glycolic acid. It is not meant for everyone- you definitely want to use very little at first to see if you are allergic to this kind of alpha hydroxy acids or AHA. The strength for glycolic acid can range from 10%-70%. 70% is usually reserved for professional chemical peels. It is also intended for aging skin so definitely don't use if you have youthful skin with few problems. Always consult your dermatologist.

I buy my unwrinkled pads from Skinstore for usually 20%. off $45 so it is $36. You can always try to buy it for less on Amazon.com as well. It is also sold at Sephora. Let me know if you try it. Or if you are already using something similar. I am always looking for new products to try.