Review: Med Peel Glycolic 50% Medium Strength Peel Kit – Thumbs Up

The Claim:  Glycolic Acid 50% is a medium strength peel that’s perfect for those whose skin can tolerate a stronger Glycolic acid peel. Glycolic 50% is best for sun damaged skin with an uneven skin tone. This medium strength concentration combats problematic skin conditions by removing pore-clogging debris evenly, and stimulating healthy, new elastin and collagen growth. 

Ingredients:  Deionized Water (purified water), Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide (controls pH), Xanthan Gum (thickening agent), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (skin conditioner), Potassium Sorbate (preservative) and Hexylene Glycol (slip agent - helps other ingredients spread over the skin).

The Review:  I was sampled the Med Peel Glycolic 50% Medium Strength Peel Kit for review from Skin-Peel.com  and gave it a go the last night.  Let me start this review by emphasizing that you really, really need to know what you are doing before applying chemical peels.  If you have never had a chemical peel before, you should consider seeing a dermatologist or esthetician before trying this at home.  

Estheticians don't give this advice because we want you to buy our products and services.  We give this advice, because many of us got into the business of skin care in order to make people happy with their appearance (as well as the pure joy of squeezing a blackhead - yeah, it takes a certain type).  If you damage your skin you're not going to be happy.  Some things to know before your first peel are:  what pH has to do with the skin, the Fitzpatrick's Classification Scale, and understanding what chemical peels do for your skin. 

I went with the 50% Glycolic peel, because I'm quite familiar with chemical peels and have very tolerant skin.  I've been using peels for quite some time to help to reduce fine lines and to combat pigmentation issues.  I opened up my kit and was very pleased with the packaging and the size of the products.  There is more than enough product to perform a series of peels.  Generally speaking you may see some results with your first peel, but it usually takes a series of 3-6 peels to see true results.  Also remember to give yourself proper down-time between peels and to stop after you've completed your series.  I usually do my series of peels and then wait 4-6 months before performing another series (that is just my personal preference, you may want to wait longer).

My skin tolerated the 50% Glycolic quite well and I only experienced a mild burning sensation.  Everyone's skin is different so you may feel more discomfort or none at all.  A patch test before starting is always a wise idea.  I left the peel on for a couple of minutes (basically until the tingling sensation had mostly subsided) and then I applied the neutralizing spray.  You will notice a slight increase in tingling after neutralizing and that is normal.  Afterward I rinsed my face with cool water and applied the Hyaluronic Replenish Serum, which is fabulous.  Hyaluronic acid is great for hydrating the skin and keeping it supple.  My skin is looking good and feeling nice and soft today.  I have not noticed any actual peeling yet, but that is common with at home peels and doesn't always happen with peels given by an esthetician either.

The only things I would suggest if you're going to give this a try are:  Start with a lower percentage and work your way up, speak with one of their consultants if you're not familiar with chemical peels (the instructions were a bit short on information) and purchase some cotton 2x2s (the cotton gauze that comes with the kit isn't really good for applying this peel).
 
Purchasing Information:  This peel kit, along with a variety of others, can be purchased at http://www.skin-peel.com.  They are also offering a 20% discount on all orders until December 31st, 2010 when you use the discount code "SHEBLOGS".