Tag: glycolic acid

Le Metier de Beaute CHEM60 Pro-Peel and GLOW10ai Mask Set

Last week, I made a little field trip to Neiman Marcus Northpark to check out the newest skin care offering from Le Metier de Beaute. A friend and I were treated to the new Peel and Mask that will be available in the next couple of weeks at your local counter. This duo is unlike any other department store skin care product I have ever tried. And you get dermotologist effects in a snap – the words uttered were “Instant Cinderella Effect”. Who wouldn’t want that?

For now, these products will be sold together. At first I balked at this approach, but after trying the Peel and Mask back-to-back, I understand. The Peel is a massive exfoliant and the Mask is a super-charged nourishing hydrator. In the end, you have balanced, calm and clean skin. Note: down the road, they might sell these separately.

Okay… first up is the CHEM60 Pro-Peel. This step uses my beloved glycolic acids along with salicylic acids. I don’t use salicylic acids as frequently, so I was concerned about how my skin would react. While there was some tingling, I didn’t get any redness (nor did my friend). I learned that the addition of salicylic acids can allow for greater penetration and removal of dead skin cells. The process takes a short 60 seconds, although we waited a little longer. I was amazed how instantly the skin looked more even and youthful. It did tone and awakened tired looking spots. Here, my friend has a light layer of the Peel on and you can see her skin isn’t the least bit irritated. And bonus that the iridescent, mostly clear mask won’t scare children and small animals. I wouldn’t hesitate using this 3x a week, even on my irritable skin.

The CHEM60 Pro-Peel comes in handy, foundation like tube with a soft brush on one end. This allows for hygienic application to every nook and cranny on your face. Turn the nozzle to the “on” position and gentle squeeze the tube to dispense a small amount into brush applicator. Apply a thin layer over the entire face, avoiding the delicate eye area and hairline. And then turn the nozzle off to prevent leakage and drying out. Remove the peel with warm water or a washcloth.

Next up was the GLOW10ai Mask. This is a like a big hug for your skin. The mask infuses skin with a concentration of antioxidants, vitamins and hydrators to help skin renew and rebuild, while strengthening skin’s overall appearance. After the Peel, our skin was even and smooth, but the Mask actually gave us a glow. The slight bit of tingling I had during the Peel was instantly soothed by the cooling Mask. This step will come in extra handy for anyone recovering from a laser, microdermabrasion or in-office peel.

We tried both a thin layer of the mask on my friend and a ticker layer on me. Because this mask is a peel off, we decided the thicker layer worked slightly better, although we basically got the same amount of hydration so it boils down to preference. You can use a scoop or spatula, but I think a finger works best for application. Make sure you avoid your hair line… those peel off masks are a mess if you get it in those fine little hairs. If you decide on a thicker application, plan on waiting 10-15 minutes to let it dry. Then the fun begins – Peel Away! Suggested use is 2-3 times a week, but I can see myself reaching for this every single day if I had the time.

Bottom line: Our skin was uber-soft and hydrated. It was almost a shame to put makeup on over it but I could help taking advantage of the talented Dre and trying out the newest Kaleidoscope Eye Kit in Nouvel. Check out that black pigment!

Currently, the CHEM60 Pro-Peel & GLOW10ai Mask Set is sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus. Click below to purchase:

Beach Body Summer Picks

Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite skin-savers I have found this summer:

1. Bliss Blood Orange+White Pepper Soapy Suds: I love a good lather (especially after a hot day), and bliss does it right. But at the same time, it doesn’t dry out your skin. They throw in aloe and vitamin E so soften your skin. I love this for a spicy bath, but it also works great in the shower. And the scent can’t be beat.

2. VI Derm Exfoliating Body Wash with 15% Glycolic and Body Lotion with 15% Glycolic: Those nasty red bumps on my arms and legs are never pleasant. But they are especially bothersome in the summer with tanks, swimsuits and shorts de rigueur. I used KP Duty this winter with some success, but my new favorite weapon against Keratosis Pilaris (50% of Americans have it) is glycolic in the form of body wash and lotion from VI Medical. The citrus scent is delightful and this stuff works wonders. Be careful – glycolic can make you more sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays.

3. AHAVA Mineral Suncare Sun Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer, SPF 50: You have already heard me go on and on about quality sun care protection and how necessary it is. So I won’t repeat here. But what I also love about this sunscreen is the addition of minerals, vitamins and moisturizing agents. It takes the anti-aging mission a step further and makes my skin look better.

4. Giovanni Cool Mint Lemon Salt Scrub with Crushed Mint Leaves: This vegetarian scrub is like magic. Not only does it smooth, soothe and regenerate skin in the shower. It continues to cool skin long after you have dried off. This has to be an all time summer MVP, especially during these triple digit days down here in Oklahoma.

5. SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes: Bugs hate me and I hate them. Not only do they love to bite me, but I tend to have the most unattractive reaction with itchiness and red bumps. This travel-safe repellant has been my savior. It is completely effective, doesn’t smell obnoxious and keeps those suckers (literally) away.

The At-Home Peel

At one time, peels required a doctor’s visit, inspired fear and often disappointed on results. Not to mention the healing time required afterward. Today, peels have transformed into a satisfying step in skin care that you can do at home with next day results! I’ve heard so much banter on the twitter waves lately about these products, that I had to share my favorites.

Glamglow isn’t a peel in the name, but accomplishes many of the same goals. And it is no longer an underground cult favorite – Glamglow was a Neiman Marcus Beauty Award Winner in2012! It is popular in Hollywood, but the mud base hails from Southern France, home to glamorous Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco. Glamglow was a proprietary technology that allows ‘Super-Squalene’, a moisturizer, and ‘EGCG Super-Antioxidants’ direct into the mud from the pieces of tea leaves. This can be quite granular, so be gentle, but you will not believe your glow afterwards.
Sulwhasoo Skin Clarifying Mask (also technically not a peel, but I had to include it since you peel it off) is a very gentle and very gratifying way to lift out impurities and dead skin cells to detoxify and clarify dull, devitalized, and problem skin. Korean medicinal herbs on in this honey like formula that you allow to dry on your face and then literally peel off. This is better for those who lean to the oilier side of skin.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skinare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel is a peel designed for daily use because it is so gentle. I love the simple two step proccess: simply wipe the face with a pad from Step 1, wait two minutes, then repeat with Step 2. This stuff can stand up to any problem: fights wrinkles, balances oil, tones skin, increases clarity and radiance, and calms redness.
For those with sensitive skin try Natura Bisse NB Ceutical Tolerance Enzyme Peel reviewed here. Instead of glycolic or lactic acid, this Peel uses enzymes. It has a great texture that is rubbed in until it liquifies. My skin looked brighter and more even immediately after I used it. There was absolutely no tingling at all.
La Prairie Cellular Resurfacing 3-Minute Peel is a little more active. I could feel tingling, but wasn’t left with any redness. They recommend using this once a week, which I would adhear to. La Prairie is serious about the inclusion of “professional level” exfoliants, including AHAs, BHA, Salicylic Acid and Mixed Fruit Acids. The skin is retexturized by the removal of surface debris. My skin was incredibly smooth and evened after using.
Kate Somerville Micro Glycolic Polisher uses both glycolic AND lactic acid work together to promote surface cell turnover, gently and effectively. At the same time, she added anti-aging to leave us with a youthful glow. Can it get any better? Blue Lotus extract delivers anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits to calm skin and fight against free-radical damage. This doesn’t cause my skin to tingle at all and I can see immediate results.And I’m already hooked on Felicia’s, Bergdorf’s Social Media Beauty Editor, trick: “Add one pump of Micro Glycolic Polisher to your regular night time moisturizer for a little overnight mild exfoliation. Wake up glowy.
Kate Somerville also makes Clinic-To-Go™ Resurfacing Peel Pads which are genius for travelling. When I first started using them, I did get a little tingle. No more. I love having these around for the evening after a long airplane ride or the night before an early morning important meeting.

Do you use a peel?