Kiehl’s At-Home Peel & Microdermabrasion

Over the years I’ve become increasingly obsessed with skincare, especially with somehow magically getting the super smooth porcelain-like skin.  My dermatologist says that’s probably not going to happen without some experimental laser treatments that cost a lot of money and would require maintenance.  Because I’m not loaded, nor am I willing to laser my face quite yet, I’m getting more into being diligent about my skincare routine.

Peels  and microderm-abrasions basically do the same thing. They help remove dead skin cells, and keep your pores clean, giving them a smaller apperance. I had done some experimenting with TCA peels, and of course going to the spa to get a lactic acid peel, all with good results. The TCA peel worked out ok, but it required recovery time, and spa peels are gentler, but require going to the spa.

Keilh’s had sent over a few at-home versions for me to try out. Of course, I was thrilled, as I often  scour the boards at Makeup Alley, looking for that magic product that will give me the smoothest skin.  Kiehl’s Overnight Biological Peel and Epidermal Retexturizing Microdermabrasion both do the same thing (essentially) but in very different ways, so I checked them out to see how they compaired to some of the more bold experiments I’ve been doing lately.

Kiehl’s Overnight Biological Peel: This peel utilizes natural enzymes to give a very gentle peel, coupled with hydrating ingredients that work with your body’s natural regeneration while you sleep. A treatment you can use up to three times a week, you put it on after you cleanse your skin at night and wake up with a fresh face in the morning. I was actually amazed the first time I tried this as my skin, usually dry and pillowfaced was glowing and supple in the morning after use. I tried to use it the three times a week, but I often get scared of straying from my normal heavy duty moisturizers at night. Once a week gives a good effect as it’s gentle, I’d like to give this more time. However I’m happy to recommend, as I continue to use it!

Epidermal Retexturizing Microdermabrasion- My esthetician recommends that I do not get microdermabrasions due to some broken capillaries, but when I’m in a pinch, an exfoliator really makes a big difference. When I first tried this, my first thoughts were, “It feels like sand” That’s because it’s made from ocean sand… but it also really works. As much as I like the microdermabrasion, I’m not sure how much it difference it has from regular facial scrubs, but I can say the sand grains are finer than anything else I’ve tried. I keep this in my shower and use about once a week for those days when my pillowface is particularly lackluster.

I’m happy to add these products to my skincare routine, as they do help keep up appearances between spa visits. And maybe who knows, maybe one day my skin will be porcelain smooth.