1. My top peel is going to be the Natura Bisse. This one is a glycol peel that packs a punch. I first tried this one when I was staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel. I had a facial service while I was there and their in house peel they used was the Natura Bisse. After a few days the peeling started and it really was a powerful peel. Within a week my face looked refreshed and my fine lines seemed smaller. It seemed to knock a few years off so this one is my number one pick because it seems to be the most potent.
2. MDO Exfoliant comes in a close second as this one is a gentle exfoliation that is derived from a fruit acid. This one is great for sensitive skin and is suggested for a weekly use. I like this peel for maintenance because it can be used weekly as a gentle exfoliator without making my skin be in a constant state of peeling. The exfoliant comes in a pack of four ampules (four uses) or part of a set with the MDO serum and cleanser. The ampules are not stingy either – each ampule is enough for the entire face and has a little extra for the neck or declotage area. This one can be left on for a little longer than directed without irritation. Another perk of this peel is that it comes from the celebrity dermatologist powerhouse of Simon Orian, from Epione medspa.
3. This peel is probably the peel I get most excited about, despite being number three on the list. This one is great because I can use it literally as needed, I have used it twice in one week before with no problems. I know what you’re thinking – if I had to use it twice in one week it must not be that good. Au contraire. I typically do not wear make up daily, so the weeks I wear makeup everyday, especially if it is in the drier months, the texture of my face seeing a decline. I suspect from using make up removing wipes, which have oils that make my face cleansers less effective (in my opinion). Back to the point – I like this peel because I can feel the difference immediately. My skin feels smooth and reset the minute I was it off. Another reason I like it so much? Drumroll…. I can use it in the shower. This peel is the La Prairie 3 Minute Peel. So after I shampoo and wash my face, I apply the cleanser (careful not to let any run in my eyes, obviously) and then I apply my conditioner and then body wash. By the time I apply all three, then I rinse off my body wash, rinse my conditioner then I rinse the peel off since it has been around 3 minutes. Sometimes I will cleanse and apply the peel first even before I shampoo to add a minute or two to the peel time for an extra boost. Leaving it on longer than three minutes hasn’t given me any trouble. Despite being number three on the list, if I could only have one peel on this list, it would be this one.
4. Next up is the ReVive peel. This is a two step peel system, the first step being a prep pad which has a textured side and a softer side. I like using the textured side all over my face first and then I flip it over and use the smoother side for a once over. You let your skin dry after the prep pad and then you apply the second step, which is the glycol peel. This is a good peel for the glycol lovers that seems one could use weekly without irritation. This peel is nice for maintenance but I did not feel it was as potent as the Natura Bisse, which is why it is lower on the list.
5. I used to be a fan of Peter Thomas Roth products, but over time I have drifted away from their line. This peel I didn’t feel I would by again for myself, but I know someone who used this one and she really liked it so it has earned a spot on the list purely because she gave it rave reviews. Just another example of how one product can work for some but not others.