Hey, Pretty Face: Peel Pads for Brighter, Tighter Skin

The bad news: We’re aging right this second. The good news: Help is out there…and it’s at Sephora.

A number of factors contribute to youthful, bright skin and clear complexions: Cleansing, exfoliating, the right products for your skin type, water intake, exercise, sun exposure (I’m screwed there), good vibrations, etc. etc. etc. But I’m a firm believer in incorporating peel pads into your beauty regime. These little face savers are saturated with glycolic acid (what derms use in chemical peels) among other hard-working peptides and skin-improving ingredients for serious exfoliation (sans grainy roughness) and cell turnover. They fight fine lines, tighten pores, even out skin tone, and help prevent breakouts.

I’m a big fan of Bliss’ That’s Incredi-’peel’ (the individually wrapped pads are travel perfection; $50 for 30 pads), but I’ve recently switched over to Peter Thomas Roth’s Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads ($45 for 60 pads) and am fully obsessed (they get rave reviews from users everywhere). As for Origins Brighter By Nature ($38.50 for 40 pads), I have heard good things and love their products in general, so I’m giving them my beauty blessing.


A few need-to-knows for peeling:

1. Peel pads are for all skin types. I have dry skin and I use them two to three times a week, but people with oily skin can pad it up more often.
2. Follow the instructions. Many pads are meant to be left on the skin (like Bliss, which works its magic overnight), while some, like Un-Wrinkle, are designed to be left on the skin for a few minutes, then rinsed off.
3. They can leave a slight sticky residue (hence, why best to use at night). If you can’t suck up the stickiness, chose a rinse-off option.
4. My method is to wipe the pad over half of my face, flip it over and get the other half, then rub it over my neck and tops of my hands. After I rinse the solution off, I apply my moisturizer.
5. You’ll probably feel a slight tingling sensation and may notice a bit of redness after using (which is normal for any exfoliation). But if you feel any serious stinging or notice unnatural redness, discontinue use (and don’t sue me).

Who’s pad?

LYLAS,
Ashley