When it comes to glycolic and other acid peels I tend to be old-school and go with a mask or a liquid. I take my time and do the whole ritual. I'm not a fan of anything instant or fast-foody, and that applies to skincare as well. But I a few months ago I was sent a press sample of Bliss That’s Incredi-‘peel’!, individually wrapped pads for an overnight glycolic peel, and despite my initial skepticism I got hooked. I guess sometimes one is in a hurry, is traveling, or just needs a quick extra dose of glycolic acid to refresh the skin.
Usage is simple: just wipe the pads over cleansed skin. Don't rinse and wait at least a few minutes until fully dry before moisturizing (or longer, for a more intense peel). The towelettes (each is folded inside the packaging , so it's nearly twice the size of the wrapper) are soaked in the glycolic solution, and there's always a lot of product left so I can use it on both my hands. If I'm not planning to leave the house until evening (glycolic acid increases the skin's photo-sensitivity) I sometimes use Bliss Incredi-‘peel’ in the morning/afternoon as a prep before an event.
Glycolic acid has been part of my skincare regimen for years, so I know it works well for me. Bliss Incredi-‘peel’ is no different. It's an effective resurfacing treatment that removes skin flakes, blackhead and other impurities and makes the skin look fresher and healthy practically after the first use. The long term effect is visible brightening (elevates sun damage and softens fine lines). Since my face (and hands) are used to glycolic treatments I'd say that the intensity level of this Bliss product is medium. If you've never done a peel it might be quite harsh the first time you use Incredi-‘peel’, so take caution (and moisturize almost right away). For everyone else I'd recommend carrying a few packets in your travel bag.
Bottom Line: I bought a new box.
Ingredients:
Water (Aqua/Eau), Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Water, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Bliss- That’s Incredi-‘peel’! ($49 for a box of 30 towelettes) is available at Nordstrom, Ulta, and blissworld.com. The product in this review was originally sent for my consideration by PR.
Hi Gaia, I enjoy your blog. I have a question. I've been using AHAs or BHAs (Paula's Choice) for the last 10 months. This is the first year I've ventured into this kind of skin care. I've noticed quite an improvement on my problem canvas (old acne scars, damage from sun - because sun was one of the prescriptions for acne when I was a teen!) but I still have some very stubborn texture/flake issues and wondered if something like the product you just reviewed would be effective, or if it is just another version of the same stuff I use? The plethora of products is so confusing. And expensive when you factor in mistakes! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThere really is a huge selection of peels and acids, I know. I'd say that if you're good with Paula's AHAs you're covered. To take it up a notch, try her Resist Retinol serum and/or the new(ish) BHA 9. Maybe also add the Vitamin C serum. At a certain point you can move on slowly and gradually to stronger acid peels-- I buy them from makeupartistschoice.com.
DeleteOh, I've wondered about makeupartischoice.com. Re retinol - I seem to have a bad reaction to it, it accentuates red threads in my very thin skin. But I have tried the BHA 9 which is terrific for fast zapping of clogged pores (who knew this would still happen at age 60, arghh). By the way, I just tried one of the Bite lip pencils based on your review and quite like it - more so than some of the Nars I've tried. Thanks again.
DeleteOh, I need to pick up a box of these ASAP. I've been wanting to work glycolic acid back into my skincare routine and this sounds perfect for me!
ReplyDeleteIt's the easiest and quickest way to do it. No need to rinse or anything, which lately I have little patience for.
DeleteHi Gaia,
ReplyDeleteNice review, I'm interested in giving these wipes a go. Have you tried Peeling Groovy by Bliss? It's apparently great for brightening and exfoliating too.
Liz, I haven't yet, but will look into it. It's a different type of acid, so I wonder how potent the serum is.
DeleteHi Gaia: thank you for this review. I would have never thought to try these because I would have them to be too 'weak." You defined this peel as medium, which brand do you think is more of a "strong" glycolic peel? I think I need something that can pack more of a punch right now. Thank you for your recommendation! Minaxi
ReplyDeleteIt really depends on what your skin is already used to. I switch between products too much because I need to test stuff and try not to build too high a tolerance. I took a break from retinol and went back to Paula's 5% and 10% AHA, which I feel are slightly gentler. If you want something stronger try the acids from MUAC, but go slowly and gradually (said she who gave herself a chemical burn).
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