Surreal Skin, Without The Spa Trip

Spa-Less Surreal Skin

I’ve never been a real devotee of regular facials, but I’m a huge fan of microdermabrasion and peels and the incredibly luminous, “new” skin that they reveal. So much so that, in an effort to support my habit, I’ve tried just about every at-home alternative that I come across, hoping for the “professional results” that they all promise. Though all of them pretty much accomplish some level of smoothing and a give a temporary glow, they don’t come close to a real spa or dermatologist treatment in their strength or results. But, I’ve found a few that come awfully darn close, and are a great smart and frugal fix when a triple-digit-dollar-amount is not an option. Here are my current faves for DIY smooth, even-toned, radiant skin.

 

Note: This type of treatment is all about deep exfoliation and sensitive skins should proceed with care. Err on the side of caution regarding the product level you use, the amount of time you leave it on, and how often you use it!

 

MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel has gotten raves from beauty editors for years, and with good cause.  It’s fast, idiot-proof, gentle and blends alpha and beta hydroxy acids to clarify and smooth skin. Ideal for normal to drier skins; $78 for 30 applications; www.sephora.com.

 

Natura Bisse Glyco Peeling 50% has been my go-to skin fix for years, but you’ve got to have strong skin and the bank balance to handle it. (The 25% version is good, gentler and cheaper if you’re unsure!) It’s nothing short of miraculous for rendering pores virtually invisible, dissolving blackheads and dry areas, and fading sun damage. Recommended use is twice per week for six weeks, followed by a few months off; $170; www.neimanmarcus.com.

 

Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System uses two-steps to mimic a spa microdermabrasion session and peel, but is gentle enough to use twice a week. As the name implies, it regenerates the skin by encouraging cell renewal, resurfacing skin texture, and diminishing the look of dark spots, lines and wrinkles. The truly amazing part is that provides eight weeks of treatments for about one-fifth of the price a single spa microdermabrasion session; $26.99; Drugstores.

 

 

 

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask uses potent fruit acids like pineapple, passionfruit, grape and lemon to exfoliate and glow up your skin. Not for sensitive skins, but great for oily, congested or dull skins; $55; www.bluemercury.com.

 

Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel not only smells fantastic (Resist the urge to eat it!) but gives visible, cumulative results after every use. Using the power of antioxidant-rich berry extracts of pomegranates and blueberries plus raspberry seed oil, salicylic acid (for purifying pores), lactic acid (for smoothing and brightening), and other natural skin resurfacing ingredients. The intensive peel only needs to be used one to three times per month to breathe life into dull, lackluster or toxin-loaded skin of all types; $85; www.ReneeRouleau.com.