Advice on facial/chemical peels and exfoliants ?

[TaylorNoel93]

Hi ladies And gents, I’m new to these forums. My main concern is that I used to always use apricot scrub as an exfoliant on the nose but I’ve been told it’s not good for your skin due to micro tears. So I’m in search for a microdermabrasion exfoliant that will be good for my skin and do what it’s supposed to do. I’ve never done a facial peel/chemical peel before but would love some suggestions. Something that’s actually gonna bring my skin to life. Please and thanks for all of your time ! I appreciate all of your suggestions 💕

[WinglessOne]

My skin generally hates microdermabrasion scrubs, so I do chemical exfoliation instead. I started with FIRST AID BEAUTY - Facial Radiance Pads to very gently ease my skin into this kind of exfoliation. They were my combo toner and exfoliation step.

Then I moved on to Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads 30 Treatments + 5 Bonus  (and occasionally the extra strength version): I didn’t see immediate results, but they did prove effective over time. I had to stop using them because their high alcohol content was drying and burning my skin.

Since then, I’ve used FIRST AID BEAUTY - FAB Skin Lab Resurfacing Liquid 10% AHA and never looked back. My skin LOVES this product: it’s loaded with enough skin soothing ingredients to keep any bad reactions at bay. I was using it 3-4 nights a week before I introduced retinol to my skincare routing. I’ve cut usage back to 1-2 nights a week while my skin makes friends with retinol, and I’ll ramp up usage again over time. 

What’ll work best for you depends on your skin type and sensitivity. The DDG peel is great for travel, but so is a sample/travel pack of the FAB Facial Radiance Pads—though the latter product is much gentler than the former. Sometimes I still travel with the FAB pads. Other times, I travel with the FAB 10% AHA bottle if I want more effective exfoliation. 

[Ispend2much6]

@TaylorNoel93  I agree that Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion Exfoliator is very effective; my son, whose skin does not properly shed and renew on its own, really likes this.  Just so you know, in case you do buy it, this scrub is also a chemical exfoliator (but a gentle one) because it contains lactic acid.  I didn't know that until recently, so I thought I'd pass on that info just in case.  That must be why it worked so well for us, as lactic acid helps slough off dead skin cells and lots of other good things.

My son also started using First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads.  He saw very quick results with that clearing his acne.  It comes in a full size and also a trial size package: https://www.sephora.com/product/facial-radiance-pads-P278317?icid2=products%20grid:p278317&skuId=152...

[GG84]

For Chemical Exfoliants, my go to is ALWAYS Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads 30 Treatments + 5 Bonus

There are two different strengths, I tagged the beginner one for you. They are so incredibly easy to use and provide immediate results. 

[CookieGirl1]

@TaylorNoel93 I like the DR. BRANDT SKINCARE - microdermabrasion age defying exfoliatoras well as the KATE SOMERVILLE - ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatmentfor physical exfoliants because both have very fine "scrubby" granules in them--not large and coarse like in the apricot scrub that you've referenced--and these products aren't likely to cause the micro-tears that harsher scrubs may.

[Jackieex9]

In terms of microdermabrasion, Dr Brandt makes a really greatmicrodermabrasion exfoliator! In terms of a peel, I would start off with the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads (the regular one, not the extra strength). These products both help with fine lines, dullness, uneven texture, discoloration. I find my skin to be more smoother and radiant when using either of these products.