Rites of Spring
- thoradaniels
- Apr 25, 2017
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 11, 2020
When Stravinsky played his Rite of Spring concert in Paris in 1913, it resulted in a riot. Similarly, the winter months can make someone feel the same way about their skin. Dull and lifeless skin can make a person seem worn down and older. What is needed is a fresh start - full of hope and possibilities. Luckily, we are leaving the harshness of winter behind and spring is slowly but inevitability approaching. With it, our skin can have that hope of rejuvenation and change.
One of my favorite ways to recharge my winter skin is through a gylcolic peel. Gylcolic peels, a type of chemical peel, are one of the easiest ways to achieve change and bring about a beautiful spring glow. Glycolic peels are specifically meant to address dry, dull, mature, or even in some cases sensitive skin. All alpha hydroxyl acids can help to break up any dead skin on the face. They are derived from sugar cane and fruit (that is the glycolic portion) and is considered an AHA acid. This type of peel uses a more mild approach to exfoliation through peeling. There should be little to no redness or itchiness - thus making it very appealing for the average person. If you are a first time peel user or someone who is apprehensive about walking around blistered from a deep chemical peel, an at home gylcolic peel can be a good starter peel.
Here are some examples of a superficial glycolic peel you can do yourself:
Kate Somerville RetAsphere Micro Peel
One of the most popular American lines, Kate Somerville combines botanicals with quality active ingredients. The RetAsphere Micro Peel is one of her best products. It is a leave on peel that I personally do up to 4 times weekly. It uses 10% glycolic acid, a natural lactose, and encapsulated retinol as a way to help address dullness, fine lines and wrinkles, and overall general skin health. The combination ingredients in this peel are what make it unique – licorice root and retinol combined help to addresses the exfoliation while combating fine lines and wrinkles.This is a great builder product - meaning you can introduce it slowly and build up to using it more frequently. As always, start slow and consult the directions first. Your reaction really depends on you and your tolerance. While you can see results after one night, it will really show with consistent use (this holds true for most skin products).
It is meant to be used only at night after cleansing the face. The best part is – if your skin can tolerate it – you can leave it on overnight. I like to alternate it with a great exfoliating scrub. One night scrub, two nights rest, one night micro peel, etc. If you have red or sensitive skin, you may not want to go that aggressive. If you like to play with products and find the right level of comfort for you, this is an excellent option.
· Caudalie Glycolic Peel
The marriage between the States and mother France lies somewhere in the Caudalie line. Caudeline blends active and cutting edge ingredients with the traditional French approach of incorporating herbs and natural ingredients. This particular peel is powerful, but still contains over 87% natural ingredients. This is the perfect peel for someone who is looking for a more natural approach to skin care but wants to see effective results.
The Caudeline Glycolic is touted as a two in one approach – it is both a peel to help resurface skin and a mask to help brighten. Utilizing glycolic to help administer exfoliating enzymes to the skin, this peel cleanses the skin and then revitalizes the appearance. I am always more likely to use a product based on whether or not it appeals to my nose. This product's incorporation of papaya personally appeals to my sense of smell. Beyond that smell, there is merit. The papaya is a powerful enzyme that helps make this peel exceptional. The fruit enzyme helps to penetrate deep down in the skin as opposed to traditional exfoliation which can involve roughly sloughing off. This peel is quick (about 10 minutes) and I would not advise leaving it on longer than that. It can have a bit of a stingle (a sting and a tingle combined). The time factor and combination style of mask and peel make this product stand out as an option for a quick spring refresh
· Boot No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-Aging Glycolic Peel Kit
Boot No7 is a well-known brand based out of the UK that has a healthy reputation in both the States and Europe for providing quality skin care at a lower cost. Utilizing the glycolic, this kit helps give you a beautiful glow by applying a gentle peel with a brush included and neutralizing peel pads. According to Boot No7 market research, this product has great results. While those results may not be typical for the average skin, this kit is effective. It is ideal for someone who enjoys the ritual of skin care at home. I have personally seen positive results, but it requires paying attention to each step. That being said, unlike other formulations mentioned, this is a more gentle approach because it only uses only about 7% glycolic, It helps to lighten and brighten as well as exfoliate in a less aggressive manner by using a lower dose of glycolic. That gentler formulation makes it ideal for a first time user.
Take a moment and think about the overall malaise that comes with winter. All the Hygge in the world, can not offer the hope that spring can bring. We made it - let's celebrate and gylcolic riot. Let me know how it goes! If you have ever used any of these products or have additional suggestions, we would love to hear about it. Feel free to leave comments below.
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