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It’s been awhile since I shared what I’ve been testing lately and that’s mainly because my threshold for BS is super high so I don’t even bother trying things that don’t fit my skin needs or that I think would be high quality for my readers. Not that I didn’t do that before, but my standards for products and ‘qualifications’ (so to speak) is MUCH higher these days. With that said, I’ve been (and typically always am) currently testing skin care for dull tired skin. Gee, wonder why? I have a ten month old…
Ok let’s get into it…
I’m a HUGE chemical exfoliator. For those that don’t know what that means, there are two different ways to exfoliate your skin: physical (think: scrubs, washcloths, etc) and chemical (acid-based, mild formulas at home or stronger versions in salons/spas).
I like chemical exfoliants better because they get deeper into the skin and really ungunk your pores. They also do a kick ass job at refining texture, smoothing fine lines and lessening hyperpigmentation/dark spots/acne scars. Also, they’re typically much gentler on the actual skin in terms of potentially damaging elasticity.
Physical exfoliators are nice every once in awhile but I always say I can get that job done with a washcloth and don’t need to spend money on a scrub for my face.
So you’ll find that the three products I’m sharing today all have that chemical element to them.
The PHAT Glow Facial is a PHA-based (polyhydroxy acid) mask that can be used before makeup during the day, or before bed at night.
PHA is said to be one of the MOST gentle acids to use and have an added benefit of giving the skin a plumper appearance.
They don’t go as deep into the skin as other acids, but rather loosen up the dead skin cells closer to the surface. Which helps in giving the skin a plumper, smoother effect.
This mask is best for those with very sensitive skin or newbies to chemical exfoliants.
I’ve tried it a couple of times now before makeup and it’s SUPER gentle and left my face looking fresh and smooth.
I used it on my husband who has very dry, sensitive skin and he was OBSESSED. This rarely happens. He said, “You can totally use this on me multiple times a week. Is that ok to do??!” 😀
I was told this Overnight Resurfacing Peel (item pictured is in old packaging. it’s been newly repackaged in a gray glass bottle – gorg!!) is often known as “Botox In A Bottle.” Um, yes please sign me up because I don’t have the time or money to be getting Botox even though I’d be very curious about it…
This is an AHA/BHA (alpha hydroxy acid/beta hydroxy acid) blend leave-on treatment that you use before bed. It has 15 botanically-derived acids with a focus on combining effective exfoliants with soothing/calming acids to leave your skin exfoliated, yet without irritation.
I was given a sample of this (with a bunch of other Beautycounter products) recently and was hooked after the first try. I had to order the full size the next morning and that doesn’t often happen with someone like me who tries new beauty products 57 times a day.
I am shocked at how beautiful, even toned and smooth my skin has felt after using this twice a week for two weeks now. I literally stare at my pores in the mirror and am astonished at the improvement.
If you like the Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial (that is HIGHLY rated and loved), but hate to have to remember to wash it off after 10 minutes when you just want to go to bed, then you must try the Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel.
It’s so convenient to put 1-2 pumps of this on before bed, wait 3 minutes (I usually brush my teeth), then put your moisturizer on and go to bed and wake up beautiful.
*DISCLAIMER – since initially writing this post a couple of weeks ago, I decided to become a Beautycounter consultant. This peel helped totally seal the deal. It’s THAT good. But if you choose to try it, please consider shopping with me as your rep at beautycounter.com/steffanieentralgo 🙂
Vitamin C is a staple in my skin care routine. I talk about it on my blog and YouTube channel and Instagram all the time. This is nothing new.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that not only protects against aging, but it’s been integral in improving hyperpigmentation and fading my acne scars that I struggle(d) with.
I use a 15-20% vitamin C serum daily, but sometimes you just want MORE.
My friends Lauren from Little Blushing Birdie and Julie from Collective Beauty have both raved about Erno Laszlo’s skin care and this Vitamin C peel gets top notch reviews everywhere you Google it. 4.7/5 on Sephora with a 97% recommended rating!
It’s a two-phase peel which means you apply one granular scrub onto your skin, let it sit for a minute, then apply phase two… which is the activating serum.
This peel has vitamin C and lactic acid to help break up any dead, yucky gunk on your face to reveal a baby butt when you’re done 🙂
This treatment is also highly recommended to help acne scar fading, FYI.
Alright, guys! I hope that was interesting and maybe you found something that would help you out with your skin woes lately.
As always, let me know if you have any questions otherwise, stay tuned in the future to see if any of these make it into my favorites or upcoming skin care routines!
Have you tried anything from these brands, let me know.
-Steffanie
