Easy-to-use, effective peel pads for clearer, brighter skin

Is your skin normal, but lately you are seeing some oily patches, pimples, blackheads or even break outs?

Would you like an easy solution to quickly tame these occasional skin flare ups? It's easy - consider peel pads!

Even for those of us who normally have clear skin, sometimes breakouts crop up. You might suffer from blackheads, whiteheads, blocked pores, oily patches or dry patches, even though your skin is normally healthy.

Why does this happen? There are many reasons why the skin can undergo stressors that cause visible imbalances. 

Why is my skin acting confused?

Some of the reasons include:

• Changing seasons 
• Changing weather-dropping temperatures, dryness or humidity
• Emotional or mental stress
• Lack of sleep or poor diet
• Wearing a mask regularly
• Hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause 

Personally, I am dealing with meripenopause.  So I’ve been reading about how hormones can affect the way the skin looks. As hormone levels surge or decrease, the skin (and body) is finding its new normal.

Pregnancy also affects the skin. Many women get a glow, but some suffer from breakouts or hyperpigmention.

How can you improve the appearance of the skin in the face of these stressors? Try peel pads! These clean beauty peel pads can make a real difference in your complexion.

Exfoliate regularly for a clearer, cleaner complexion

One clear, simple way to improve the skin is regular exfoliation.

If you have sensitive or redness prone skin, you may be afraid of exfoliation. You might be concerned about damaging sensitive, thin or mature skin, with good reason.  

However, regular exfoliation is appropriate and essential for all skin types, especially for those of us over 40 years old. Cellular turnover slows down around age 30, and many women experience changing hormone levels in the mid thirties and forties. Careful use of the right acids can help speed up cellular turnover to keep skin looking fresh and healthy.

The key is to use the right ingredients and percentages of active, at the right frequency, to control the level of exfoliation to fit your own personal skin needs.  Peel pads are a convenient, effective way to exfoliate.

Keep it simple with home use peel pads

If you prefer to treat your skin at home, one easy option is to exfoliate regularly with one of the many peel pads now available.  Most are not true peels - you will not see visible peeling or shedding.  You will typically see tighter pores, clearer skin and a brightening affect.

The key is to avoid over doing it.  For most, using acids once or twice a month is about right. Acids can be a bit addictive since you often see results quickly.  Skin may even look firmer or tighter, but remember that this tightness is minor swelling that acids can (temporarily) cause.

Personally, I like peel pads with lactic acid, willow bark and/or salicylic acid. These are relatively gentle and most skin types respond well with minimal to no inflammation. The key is to use them occasionally, not daily as some directions suggest. Depending on your skin type, a thorough application 1--4 times a month can make a real difference without overdoing it for delicate or aging skin.

I use 302 Skincare for my daily routine, which includes Vitamin A (retinol) and Vitamin C 2-3 times a week. Once or twice a month in the fall and winter, I also use peel pads to keep my skin bright and my pores refined, clear and clean. 

Some favorites for mature, sensitive or redness prone skin types

Option 1

Bliss Incredi-Peel is a favorite (5 pads, $10).  These pads are really effective in helping get rid of blackheads and clogged pores on and around the nose and t zone.

The main active is Glycolic Acid, a well known Alpha hydroxy acid that reduces excess dead skin cell build up. It also contains antioxidant Vitamin E and Licorice Root Extract, an antioxidant that helps increase hydration and soothe irritation.

This product has made a significant difference for me in my skin's appearance, especially when I'm wearing a mask regularly! No stinging!

Option 2

Sensitive or mature skin? Here's a fantastic option: Iceland Skyn Peel Pads ($48). These tingle a bit, but are not irritating to my sensitive, redness prone skin.

Ingredients include:

• White willow bark is a naturally occurring form of salicylic acid to reduce breakouts and congestion
• Papaya fruit extract dissolves the dead skin layer
• Lactic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that provides gentle exfoliation

Option 3

Last but not least, Acure's Inter-Gly-Lactic Peel Pads (10 pads, $19) work well to clear up minor flare-up and refine the complexion. Glycolic and lactic acids, along with willow bark and tea tree oil leave skin refreshed and super clean without irritation.

For dramatic results, consider a medical grade peel

Professional peels can be an excellent option for a more dramatic result. Check with your favorite medical spa or dermatologist and see if you are a good candidate for a medium depth medical grade peel such as The Perfect Derma Peel.

This is a combination peel that blends multiple acids to address aging, acne, dullness and sun damage. If applied properly, it is mild enough for almost anyone to use. Best of all, you'll see results in 7-10 days (some patient need a series of 1-3 peels for maximum benefits).

Benefits include:

• Improves tone and texture
• Reduces redness
• Refines the appearance of pores
• Controls acne
• Reduces sun damage for a youthful glow

Ingredients include TCA, phenol, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, glutathione and vitamin C. 

Do you have any tips about using peels to clear up problem skin?  I'd love to hear your favorite peel pads, or products for clearing your complexion!