I’ve decided I don’t want to age naturally- I want to fight it and stop it as much as possible!

So I’m on a quest to find some products to help me battle my crowsfeet and aging skin.

I recently checked out the Living Well Medical Spa to get some information on a few different treatments….specifically ways to combat my hooded eyes / crepey eyelids, my crowsfeet, and just overall skin tone.

One of the treatments the “doctor” recommended was the Pyruvic Acid Peel.  It’s a chemical peel labeled as a “medium” level peel.    She said the best way to get the best results is to do it monthly for 4 months straight, then just a maintenance peel once a year thereafter.  She said to expect some redness (like a nasty sunburn) for the first day or two after, then there will be two to three days of peeling sloughing skin, and about day 5 or 6 I’ll have fresh glowing skin.    She recommended having the procedure done on a Wednesday so that my peeling days are at home over the weekend.  The cost- about $100 per treatment…. or a package deal of 4 treatments for $350.  She pointed out that a facial treatment at a spa would run about $100…..and wouldn’t have the same lasting effects of an actual peel….and that kind of had me sold.

I brought home the information and decided to sit on it for a bit.

I Googled “chemical peel at home” and the results continued to point to the “Philosophy Microdelivery Triple-Acid Peel” as being a great at-home peel.

philomicro

From the manufacturer: “The triple-acid formula contains mandelic, phytic, and azelaic acids that dissolve and sweep away dead skin cells to help improve skin tone, buffer the appearance of fine lines, and enhance skin clarity. The pads also feature a skin-brightening technology that visibly reduces the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. After just two uses, skin is smoother and brighter.”

It has mostly 4-star and 5-star reviews and at $5.00 per treatment, it beats any spa prices.  And you can’t beat the ease of use- simply swipe it across your face, neck, chest and back of hands before going to bed, wash it off the next morning!   I decided to order a sample pack of 4 from someone on eBay.

The first night I applied it and then followed with a moisturizer (as recommended) and my face felt really sticky all night (like sticking to my pillow- it was gross).  I didn’t notice any measurable difference the next morning.

The second night (yes, I used it back to back) I did not follow with a moisturizer (after reading several reviews that said they didn’t feel it was necessary) and my face still stuck to my pillow a bit (and yes, I changed pillow cases).

The next morning I could see a difference in the overall clarity and texture of my skin!  For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like I needed to wear foundation.  (I don’t normally wear foundation except maybe once or twice a week when I want to look “extra good”).  My skin has a bit of a glow to it and the texture and tone were evened out.

I skipped a day, then repeated the process for another two nights in a row.

The results?  My skin was absolutely glowing!!  So smooth and bright and clear.  I love it!  I ended up using only a half-pad (cutting it in half and storing the unused half in a ziplock for the next night).

My face seems tighter, smoother, more even and I swear the tiny fine lines are gone and my pores are smaller…..but the immediate “glowing” effect seems to fade away.  This seems like a product that you’ll want to use back-to-back for a week or two, then maybe once or twice a week?  Not sure.  I suppose it’s only $2.50 per “facial” if I cut the pads in half….and you can buy a container of 100 pads for around $80, but I’ve read that they dry out before you get through them.

Hmmm…

I haven’t decided if I will buy more or not.  I’m going to give the Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion Peel a try next and see how that one works out.

Stay tuned!