I am incredibly passionate about skincare. Just take a peek at the innards of my medicine cabinet…. obsess much?

Around age 21, which marked the ceremonious start of my battle against adult acne, I embraced skincare lotions and potions with open arms. I have always taken great pride in the care/management of my skin. After all, skin is the body’s largest organ. While many facets of skincare float my boat and light my fire, two groups of products in particular have made the biggest impact on the quality of my skin.

1) Sunscreen

2) Peels

You all now that sunscreen is an absolute MUST for me. I have written countless blog posts on the importance of a daily stand-alone SPF product. In my opinion, sunscreen protects against a multitude of skin issues like pre-mature creasing, hyperpigmentation, age spots, and uneven tone

The second most important area of skincare, in my opinion, is chemical exfoliation….i.e. chemical peels, alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic peels, etc.

Earlier this year I wrote about my battle with hyperpigmentation and graphically detailed my process for ridding my skin of dark (nearly black) post acne spots. In the post I discussed the importance of at-home chemical exfoliation. Today I will elaborate on this most important step as well as highlight several products that I have used over the course of the year and ABSOLUTELY LOVE.

I have been d-d-dying to write this post for months and share with you the at-home peels in my life that truly ROCK.com!

If you’re not currently including at-home peels in your skincare regime, sister — you are totally missing out! Peels are incredibly effective at improving texture, increasing luminosity, reducing pore size, correcting uneven tone, and restoring skin’s overall brilliance. Even though I embrace a very complete and through skincare regime overall, I strongly feel that the process of chemical exfoliation is what has made the BIGGEST difference in my skin. Without sounding like a narcissist, because believe me I am not, my skin’s texture is incredibly smooth and brilliant…even when I’m battling a breakout. The pimple is there, don’t get me wrong…but the surrounding skin maintains a certain level of smoothness. And quite honestly, the surrounding “smooth” skin is what keeps me from slitting my wrists when I’m dealing with the routine dastardly cystic zits!

Over the last year I have had the pleasure of trying many at-home peels and I am delighted to share with you my faves! Each product mentioned below is ThisThatBeauty tested. I have used each for at least 4-6 weeks and honestly love them all. I whole-heartedly stand by my recommendations. My rationale behind listing several products is this: I wanted to recommend a variety of products based on various skin types, budget, ease of use, and regional availability (I recently had a Canadian follower email me regarding products that I recommend that are not available in her neck of the woods).

So without further ado, here are my current favorite, most effective at-home chemical peels. I hope that you will find a product that suits your skin type and budget.

For those of you (like me) who deal with the occasional acne bout, I very highly recommend Cane + Austin Acne Treatment Pads with 5% Glycolic Acid and 2% Salicylic Acid. This one-step acne/glycolic acid treatment is derived from pure cane sugar, which acts as an exfoliator to gently resurface skin while salicylic acid treats acne. What I love most about this product (and its sister product, Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads with 10% Glycolic Acid) is that the treatment is delivered in a single step. With many glycolic treatments, you are required to rinse or use a neutralizer. With Cane + Austin, you simply apply day and night and follow with a moisturizer. Super simple! A 30-day supply is $60.

ThisThatBeauty Tip: When I used this product for 30 days, I used the acne treatment pads during the day and the glycolic ones for night. Admittedly, I tend to overdue it…and I have a very high tolerance for glycolic products. You might choose to start slow with evenings only.

Talk about an unsung hero…I wish this product received more buzz. I first learned of Actifirm Z Peel a couple of NYFW’s ago and it sat in my beauty closet for months before I decided to give it a whirl. If you’ve got three minutes and ActifirmZPeel, you’re well on your way to brighter and smoother skin. Z Peel is marketed as a “smart” peel that targets specific areas and exfoliates only where you need it. If you’re sensitive to glycolicpeels, you might find this product of interest because it is said to mimic nature’s own exfoliation processes and does not cause excessive redness, scaling or irritation. Instead of glycolic, Actifirm Z Peel uses exfoliating enzyme from Japanese mushroom along with 14 additional botanicals. The formula also includes a soothing cocktail of extracted oils from lavender, coriander and Roman chamomile flowers.

ActifirmZ-Peel is sold in two at-home concentrations – 10% for those with sensitive skin and 15% for folks like me who always want MORE MORE MORE. In fact, I totally wish I lived near a licensed professional who does the professional strength Actifirm Z Peels peels (30-60%). I would absolutely do the occasional in-office peel! $66.30

Naturopathica Glycolic Refining Peel – I cannot say enough wonderful things about this product. In just four minutes a night, this potent exfoliating treatment lives up to its claim. It promotes more youthful and radiant looking skin by increasing cellular renewal. The potent alpha hydroxy treatment is balanced with the inclusion of soothing aloe verato cool and calm the skin. This refining peel contains a concentrated blend of five botanical extracts (bilberry, sugar cane, sugar maple, orange, lemon) that contain naturally occurring AHA’s like citric, glycolic, malic and tartaric acids. This one definitely tingles, ladies. The recommend dosage is four minutes per evening. If you’re new to AHA treatments, I highly recommend starting slow with about 1-2 minutes. $68.

For my “go green” girls, try this: jeune d’age organics 5% Glycolic Pumpkin Peel. I have written about this product before, as part of my Hyperpigmentation Series, but could not resist including it in my “fave peels” roundup (in case ya missed it before). jeune d’age organics 5% Glycolic Pumpkin Peel is an excellent product for individuals who prefer organic skincare. Click here for my previous review. Since my review back in May, the brand has launched new packaging! $23.95

Get the glow you desire with Votre Vu Nouveau Glow. Through a gentle blend of bergamot, healing bilberry, and AHA loaded citrus fruits like lemon, grapefruit and orange, the formula resurfaces skin without irritation. What separates this at-home peel from the other recommendations in this rundown is the use of highly emollient ingredients like Vitamin E, papaya extract and sunflower seed oil….making this peel deeply moisturizing and incredibly soothing. While the product is labeled as safe for all skin types, I imagine that more mature skin types will appreciate the hydrating benefits. $45

Continuing with the trend toward sugar cane derived exfoliants, Bambola Glycolic Sugar Cane Exfoliant is effective at accelerating the removal of dead skin, increasing collagen production, and reducing the appearance of slight facial creasing, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation. This serum also incorporates a balance of smoothing and soothing ingredients…Apple Acid is used to smooth and firm while cucumber nourishes and clarifies. $48

The name says it all. LIERAC Comfort Peel is a 2-in-1 daily moisturizer and face peel treatment. This ultra gentle formula contains time-released glycolic and salicylic acid which leaves skin deeply exfoliated and perfectly hydrated. The slow release of 1% salicylic and 4% glycolic acid optimizes effectiveness, while living up to the product’s claim of “comfort”. No tingling or burning sensations here! $52

Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel is a sure-fire oldie but goodie, and is widely available online and in-store via Sephora. The two-piece kit contains a 2 oz container of Lactic/Salicylic Activating Gel and a small 2 oz tube of Vitamin C/ Peptide Resurfacing Crystals. I love products that have a “participation” element and Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel satisfies. After applying the Resurfacing crystals to dry skin, the activator gel is applied over the crystals. From there a warming sensation takes over and a foam appears…this tells me that the product is going to work to break down the yucky disgusting layer of dead surface skin…and fresh, rejuvenated skin in en route! $65

I hope you’ve enjoyed my run down of my favorite “peels” of the moment. I tried to cover a range of products at different price points that work well for a variety of skin types – acne prone, oily, mature, dry.

Please comment and share your thoughts. Do you see a product that appeals to you? Have you tried any of my recommendations? Was this post over-kill with 8 recommendations? Do you feel there was something for everyone?

Cat got your tongue??? Share!!!

xoxoFelicia

Does your pretty little face require specific skincare at different times of day? It’s a question worth pondering, particularly given the financial investment we make in our arsenal of topicals, lotions, potions, serums, and creams. Let’s face it (pun intended), keeping 30+ skin disguised as 25+ comes at a price. Isn’t it worth it to go the extra step and make sure you’re getting the absolute most out of your products?

While anti-aging, reparative ingredients (like retinol and glycolic) are highly effective at improving tone, texture, and easing the appearance of creasing, they’re best applied at bedtime, as skin goes through its regenerative process. But what about day?…what’s the best possible way to treat skin during the day?

For daylight hours, skin requires an antioxidant rich regimen designed to fight free radicals, pollution, and the photo-aging affects of the sun. SkinCeuticals AOX EYE GEL‘s triple antioxidant treatment (Phloretin: increases eastin, Vitamin C: promotes collagen production, Ferulic Acid: neutralizes free radicles) is perfectly suited for daytime use and is effective at combatting the plagueing signs of fatique. For the last month, I have been generously applying the gel-like serum under my eyes and around my brow area. The immediate benefits are increased hydration, luminous texture, and vibrant appearance. The formula penetrates easily without a sticky residue. I generally apply my CARGO under eye brightener directly over SkinCeuticals AOX EYE GEL and the product does not run, fade, or crease…a major feat! Over time, I have noticed that my eye area appears more supple and fresh. The added caffeine in the formula gives my tired, puffy eyes a much needed boost in the a.m. and also helps to improve circulation.

Keeping in mind that this particular product is antioxidant packed and suitable for daytime use, for evening I recommend an eye cream that is formulated for overnight repair. I like ROC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream.

Do you adjust your routine from day to night? You should!

I’d love to hear about your skin rituals. Leave a comment & share.

How often do you evaluate your skin care routine? I mean, really critically analyze the needs of your skin against the efficacy of your products. Perhaps the serum you’re using is great for managing acne, but that was five years ago and suddenly you’ve noticed tiny fine lines on your forehead. Or, perhaps your usual daily moisturizer feels great and applies well, but when stacked against current technology and advanced delivery systems, you realize that in addition to increasing hydration, maybe there are creams on the market that also eradicate wrinkles, fight hyperpigmentation, and leave a luminous finish.

I say all of this to say: Skin beyond the age of 20ish regularly goes through a laundry list of changes. It’s up to you to make sure that the products you apply topically are the cream (pun intended) of the crop and best suited for skin’s changing needs.

Does your skin suffer from diminished vitality? Is it not as plump, smooth, and supple as it used to be? In just four weeks, ANEW Genics Treatment Cream (patented with YouthGenTM Technology – inspired by genetic research on human longevity) is a fairly recent skin care breakthrough that promises to do a Cher (“turn back time”) in as little as four weeks. By boosting specific skin proteins, ANEW Genics Treatment Cream stimulates skin’s Youth Gene and triggers younger acting skin. Momma ThisThatBeauty has been enjoying the benefits ever since I gave her a jar about a month ago. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I could not help but marvel over mom’s much improved 58-year old skin…Isn’t she pretty?!

Most women first reach for an eye cream somewhere around early 20′s…usually due to the effects of dryness, puffiness, or dark circles. However, as skin matures, the prevention of fine lines, wrinkles and creasing is a primary concern. Newly launched, SK-II Skin Signature Eye Cream smooths the early signs of aging at the corners of eyes and underneath.

The signature complex, a proprietary blend of Pitera™, Oli-Vityl (anti-oxidant protection), Signaline, and concentrated levels of Niacinamide, work in concert to reduce dull appearance, increase hydration, and firm the look of crepe-y skin. SK-II Skin Signature Eye Cream is serious treatment for eyes and an appropriate next step option for those of us in search of an eye cream that does more…much more! (ME!!)

It all sounds so sci-fi…A renewable energy project, turned anti-aging discovery is the real life true story inception of Algenist. Picture it: A team of San Francisco based biotechnology scientists were hard at work developing microalgae-based renewable energy solutions when they uncovered “alguronic acid”, a powerful compound connected to cell regeneration. When tested in clinical trials, younger-looking resulted…in as little as 10 days. Yes, 10 days! Now, who doesn’t have 10 days to put the claim to the test?

Ladies, start your engines…I mean, er, start your infrared LED light. Sure, topicals are effective…but why not work deeper? LightStim helps create collagen (the secret to plump, line-free skin) and improve skin’s elasticity by emitting pain-free amber and red infrared LED light. The wavelengths energize skin’s youth cells and promote radiant, brilliant complexion. The handheld, at-home device is a must add to your routine. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

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Give your skin the attention it deserves. Take a step back. Look in the mirror. Survey your skin. Now, survey your medicine cabinet? Are you well-equipped to handle the skin care challenges before you? If not, re-read this blog post and compile your shopping list. Thank me later!

@cnicholac shares her thoughts on AMORE PACIFIC:

Moisture Bound is AMORE PACIFIC’s collection of rejuvenating skin treatments. The collection is formulated with high concentrations of bamboo sap — an ingredient known to provide skin with intense hydration, which in turn plumps and reduces the presence of creasing and tiny lines. Bamboo sap improves skin radiance and overall complexion. The Moisture Bound collection includes:

• Rejuvenating Creme
• Vitalizing Masque
• Rejuvenating Serum
• Natural Protector SPF 30/PA+++
• Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel
• Refreshing Hydra‐Gel
• Treatment Cleansing Foam
• Treatment Enzyme Peel

For a limited time, specific items from the Moisture Bound Collection are available at Sephora for up to 50% off!

All green tea used in AMORE PACIFIC products is grown in the company’s own garden. This tea is combined with Korean red Ginseng and Bamboo Sap — the main botanicals used to formulated AMORE PACIFIC Time Response collection (ThisThatBeauty’s favorite of the two lines). Time Response products are formulated to help restore skin’s volume, density and elasticity on a cellular level. The Time Response collection includes:

• Skin Renewal Creme
• Skin Renewal Serum
• Skin Renewal Eye Creme

Side note: Bamboo sap is also what gorillas sip on for a beastly happy hour. Don’t let the gorillas have all the fun with the Bamboo Sap, get on it!

ThisThatBeauty Contributor Jennifer L. investigates Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water. Read on for Jen’s two cents …and follow her beauty babble via @plushpinkallure

As the season’s festivities begin, we’re sure to see a flurry of red lips, smoky eyes, and shimmering cheeks. Protect your sensitive skin from the whirlwind weeks ahead with Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water. Designed to easily remove face, lip, and eye makeup, along with gently cleansing the skin, this deliciously floral scented water is the ultimate calm-after-the-storm treatment for exhausted holiday skin. To use, saturate a cotton ball, and run it all over face…no rinsing necessary.  Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water even stands up to waterproof mascara! The end result is skin that’s smooth, calm and refreshed.  Ah, serenity. ‘Tis the season!

*Now that crisp fall air is upon us, I thought I would re-publish my “Winter Skin Care Solutions” blog post with originally ran in December 2010. Enjoy!*

Dry winter skin happens to the best of us…even a top notch Grade A (my words, not yours:)) Beauty Editor like myself. I generally have fairly oily skin, so you can imagine my shock and dismay over my recent bout with parched, winter, sandpaper skin. After returning from Paris (where is was 20 degrees), my skin decided to betray me and behave as if it’s one hundred and eighty five years old. My cheeks were dry and wrinkly, my forehead was extremely dehydrated…with every facial expression, deep dry lines road-mapped my entire face. So very un-pretty!

If you’ve noticed, I am speaking in the past tense and using words like “was” and “were” because thanks to a few incredibly effective skincare products from my beauty closet, I am healed!!! In a matter of two weeks, my skin’s balance has been restored and supple hydrated skin is mine. Not one to keep a good thing to myself, I created a quick video to demonstrate my step by step regime for combating dry winter skin. This regime worked for me and I hope it works for you! Here are the products used:

jeune d’âge organics Premiere Cleanser

jeune d’âge organics Marin Toner with Mister

Clarins Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate

Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum

And here is my video tutorial. I would love to hear your thoughts on my regime.

Now that we’ve got your dry skin in check above the neck, let’s journey south. Annet King, Director of Global Education at The International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica shares her top tips for winterizing skin. To add to my tips above, here are Annet’s top to do’s for a beautifully hydrated body!

Lower humidity levels, extreme cold, and varying indoor and outdoor environments can all damage the skin’s protective outer layer, causing irritation, sensitivity, dryness and even stinging. We all know the look: Dull, flaky, dry skin around the eyes, red cheeks. Winter can wreak havoc on all skin types.

Here are some simple tips to protect your body from the elements, while keeping your skin hydrated.

For the body and hands:

• Avoid hot water as it removes moisture from the skin. Instead, use lukewarm water and pat skin dry, don’t rub. While the skin is still damp, apply your body moisturizer immediately. Try Dermalogica’s UltraRich Body Cream for supreme nourishment and protection from the elements.
• Nylon and wool can worsen any sensitivity or eczema, so try to wear 100 percent cotton and natural fabrics.
• With shower and bath products, avoid soap, artificial fragrance and high-foam products, as they dehydrate the skin. Alternatively, add a few pumps of aromatherapy oil to your bath. Try Dermalogica’s Stress Relief Treatment Oil and Conditioning Body Wash.
• Slough off dead cells effortlessly by adding Hydro-Active Mineral Salts to the bath for a relaxing and exfoliating soak. If your prefer to shower, try Dermalogica’s Exfoliating Body Scrub and use in gentle, circular movements paying special attention to knees, elbows and hands. For super all-over-smoothness, use with the Ultimate Buffing Cloth.
• Opt for the paraffin dip the next time you get a manicure – it’s good for locking in moisture.
• Wear 100 percent cotton gloves to bed over a healing cream like Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment; this practice speeds up absorption and you’ll wake up with super-soft hands.

It is truly truly a sin that I have not formally reviewed La Liscious Brown Sugar & Vanilla Sugar Soufflé Scrub sooner. I’ve been using it for well over 6 months. And in my years of evaluating body scrubs I can confidently say that it is one of the best, if not THE best body scrub I have ever used, and here’s why:

Unlike most scrubs I’ve tried, La Liscious Brown Sugar & Vanilla Soufflé’s scrub particles are super fine. I despise huge chunky bits in my body scrub. The particles in La Liscious Brown Sugar & Vanilla Soufflé Scrub are in fact sugar, and naturally, sugar dissolves when wet.

The moisture factor sets La Liscious Brown Sugar & Vanilla Soufflé Scrub apart from most other scrubs I’ve used. After rinsing the scrub from skin, there is absolutely no need to moisturize. Simply blot skin dry and moist silky skin remains. Major!

Earlier in this blog post I stated that La Liscious Brown Sugar & Vanilla Soufflé Scrub is one of the best, if not the best body scrub I’ve ever used. The one characteristic that keeps me from flat out proclaiming La Liscious Brown Sugar & Vanilla Soufflé Scrub as be THE absolute best I’ve ever used is the scent. While I adore the brown sugar scent (it is positively yummy) it might be a bit much for everyday. If there were just a hint of citrus to break up the sweet, I’d be slathering on the creamy concoction with every shower. So until I can get my hands on a citrus/ brown sugar variation (La Liscious offers Lily Mango, Passionfruit Lime, Island Guava), I’ll continue with my Saturday night La Liscious Brown Sugar & Vanilla Soufflé Scrub ritual. It’s my once a week sweet treat!

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Details from the manufacturer:

This natural body scrub is made with coconut oil which absorbs quickly and easily into your skin, leaving it moisturized and protected without feeling greasy. Pure cane sugar crystals exfoliate dead skin cells while sweet almond and vitamin-e oils condition, moisturize, and smooth you to perfection!

Let’s cut to the quick. I have extremely oily skin….said in less PC terms, “greasy”.  And while most skin care experts claim that my over active sebaceous glands all but guarantee wrinkle-free skin for life, I can not help but feel somewhat unlucky in skin when my complexion shines like a disco ball. Clearly, there’s a thin line between dewy and doused in oil.

I have road tested many oil control products that claim to mattify skin, without robbing luminosity. A lofty claim that rarely lives up to the hype…until NOW!

Mally Poreless Perfection Skin Finisher (in Medium) gives me perfectly balanced skin that is semi-matte with a healthy glow. The product is called a “finisher” but I prefer to use it as a primer. After applying moisturizer with SPF, I use a fluffy powder brush to apply a dusting of Mally Poreless Perfection Skin Finisher to my skin. This immediately helps to cut the shine left behind by my day cream. The talc free Skin Finisher also helps to blur imperfections like large pores and fine lines. I love using Mally Poreless Perfection Skin Finisher as a primer because it gives my concealer a sturdy base to adhere to. After applying Skin Finisher, I can’t help but marvel in how smooth and semi-matte my skin appears…without looking dry, powdery, or cakey.

Mally Poreless Perfection Skin Finisher gets two thumbs up from this uber oily beauty girl!

Uhm…amazing!

And my “for serious” beauty writer side generally tries to avoid such overused language like “amazing”, but tis what it tis. In a matter of 24 hours, Clean & Clear Advantage Popped Pimple Relief Drying Paste completely wiped out a major complexion-marring zit.

It went a little something like this:

Day one – Zit arrives. I immediately inspect my beauty arsenal to assess my options. I generally rely on Mario Badescu Drying Lotion but decided to go with something new.

Day two – Drats! Totally forgot to apply drying paste and now I have to hop on a plane for a press trip to Atlanta. What self respecting Beauty Editor arrives to a press outing with a zit…Igad! At this point, the zit is now inflamed, dark, and an imposing eyesore. I am near tears! (#firstworldproblems)

Night two – I apply a dap of Clean & Clear Advantage Popped Pimple Relief Drying Paste to the dastardly intruder. By morning, after washing with Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash (complements of the W Atlanta), the dark surface of the pimple dried up, flaked off, healed the skin underneath, and now it’s like the zit was never ever there. It’s a miracle…I am healed {said in Jimmy Swaggart voice}.

Note of Caution: The treated area is now dry as heck…but it’s the kind of dryness that will subside after a few days of intensified moisture to the surface. Nooo worries….I’ll take a few days of residual dryness over a residual acne mark ANYDAY!

According to the manufacturers of Orlane, “aging begins to settle in beginning at age 25 and becomes visible towards age 35-40. By effectively fighting against invisible signs of aging, you can delay the transformation of the skin.” Iʼm not one for dramatics but First Time-Fighting Care cream from Orlaneʼs Anagenese 25+ line is fantastic. Used in conjunction with Morning Recovery Concentrate my skin was more radiant almost over night. On day two of using these product I had to check to see if someone had changed the light in the bathroom because my face was glowing.

The secret of First Time-Fighting Care cream is “pro-cellular growth factors” that use “specific peptide to heighten the youth-potential of the cells.”

Also in the line of Orlaneʼs Anagenese 25+ line is the Eye Contour cream that uses “two pro-cellular growth factors, protected and boosted by crinopexy, it activates the production of collagen, encourages cell renewal, and revives the skin’s radiance.” This eye cream is very light and absorbs completely into the eye area.

If you are between the ages of 25 and 35 this line of products is simple and easy to use. All you need to round out your daily regimen is a cleanser and SPF.

Donʼt wait for the signs of aging to appear before you start the battle to keep them at bay…I suggest you get on it now! Orlane products are available at the finest department stores, like Neiman Marcus.

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This review was written by ThisThatBeauty Contributor, @cnicholac