I’m frequently asked “if you could pick one all time favorite Beautycounter product, what would it be?” And, while that’s a tough question, I do have an answer: The Overnight Resurfacing Peel. A lot of products take time to deliver results but The Peel works its magic almost immediately. Since I started using it consistently 3x a week (read more about my nighttime routine here) I’ve noticed a significant difference in my skin’s texture, brightness and – gasp – even breakouts!
I know, I know, it sounds too good to be true! But this beautiful (glass) bottle packs a serious and safe punch. While most conventional peels are filled with icky sticky ingredients with not so cute side effects, this one is formulated with 15 botanically derived acids that remove dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin and fatty acids help to boost and hydrate.
I know the name is intimidating – as someone who had never used a peel before I was a little nervous. Like…is my skin going to peel off? Do I have to peel the product off of my face? Will I be left with red flaky skin!? The answers are sort of, not at all and def not. Still have questions? I did too! So I figured it’d be helpful to break down why it’s important to use peels in the first place, why this peel is safer than most and, once that beautiful bottle arrives, how to use it most effectively.
WHAT DOES THE OVERNIGHT RESURFACING PEEL DO?
The Peel helps promote cell turnover, which is basically the continual process of shedding old skin cells and replacing them with new skin cells. A bit of basic biology for ya:
CELL TURNOVER
Our skin naturally produces and sheds skin cells every 28-90 days (more on that range in a sec) in a process called desquamation. During this process, skin cells are created in the deepest layer of the dermis, the basal layer, and move up towards the skin’s surface as they mature (see diagram below). When those new cells arrive to the surface, they push the old ones off and skin looks healthier and brighter! Makes sense, right? And while this process is continually happening, it slows down as as we age: what takes 2-3 weeks for babies takes 3-4 for teens, once a month for adults and 45 to 90 days after age 50. Here’s the thing though: we have the ability to speed up cell turnover by exfoliation!
FACT: Cell turnover isn’t as efficient in people with acne! With acne prone skin, the natural desquamation process breaks down resulting in retention hyperkeratosis: basically more dead skin cells are produced and those cells aren’t properly shed. This makes proper (don’t confuse this with aggressive) exfoliation super important for acne prone skin!
EXFOLIATION
Proper exfoliation – aka the removal of dead skin cells – is key to maintaining healthy skin. Age, stress, and environmental factors can cause dead skin cells to build up and clog pores over time. If those cells aren’t removed in a timely (or effective) fashion, they can cause build up which leads to dullness, roughness, unevenness, breakouts and can even inhibit skincare absorption! There are two ways to exfoliate: mechanically (aka scrubs and rubs) or chemically (aka acids and peels). The first literally rubs the skin off and the second works by breaking the bonds that hold the cells together so they quickly shed.
EXCUSE ME DID YOU SAY ACIDS?
Okay, yes. But hear me out! There are three types of chemical exfoliants – all of them are acids and some are gentler than others. The higher the concentration and lower the pH, the more intense the exfoliant effect. Most acids used in skin care are either alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
AHAs are a class of chemicals that are naturally occurring in fruits, milk and sugar cane, but can also be made synthetically. Because AHAs dissolve in water, they work on the skin’s surface to exfoliate, increase cell turnover and improve texture.
Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs)
BHAs are chemically very similar to AHAs, but they are oil-soluble so they work on the skin’s surface and penetrate pores to unclog and clear out any dirt, impurities or excess oil to reveal a more clarified skin tone.
SO HOW DOES THE PEEL WORK?
Because The Peel uses both AHAs and BHAs, it works in two steps. First, resurfacing acids (hence, resurfacing peel!) work together to break down the top layer of the skin. Then, a combination of soothing acids rehydrate and replenish the new layer of skin, revealing a smoother complexion with boosted clarity and radiance. YES. PLEASE.
HOW DO I USE THE PEEL?
The Peel is a “treat” step (check out this post for the best order to apply your products), so you should use it at night after you cleanse and prep/tone but before you protect/hydrate. Apply one to two pumps to a clean face and neck three to four times per week and leave it on – you guessed it – overnight 😉 Wait three to five minutes to let the product fully absorb and then follow with a protect step (moisturizer, cream or oil). If you need help tweaking your routine, simply fill out this form and I’ll identify a process and products that work best for your skin type, goals and budget.
PRO-TIP: If you’re like me and you typically only rinse with water in the mornings, mix it up on mornings after you use the peel by using a gentle exfoliating cleanser. It will give your skin an added boost and scrub away all of that excess dead skin! I use and love this one because it’s gentle enough for my temperamental skin yet super effective for calming redness and breakouts. Also make sure to wear sunscreen (I like this or this for the face) the next day as your freshly exfoliated skin is more prone to UV rays!
WHY IS THIS PEEL SAFER?
Beautycounter’s Overnight Resurfacing Peel is formulated without retinol, synthetic fragrances, PEGs, and formaldehyde-based preservatives that may be found in other peels. Why does that matter?
RETINOL
Retinol is considered the exfoliator of all exfoliators and can be found in most peels, anti-aging and acne products. The base ingredient, retinyl palmitate, is composed of palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A). Data from an FDA study indicate that retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may result in everything from lesions to photosensitization. Plus, the FDA, Norwegian and German health agencies have raised concerns that vitamin A application may contribute to excessive vitamin A intake which can lead to toxicity and fetal abnormalities for pregnant women.
FRAGRANCE
An engineered scent or flavoring agent that may contain any combination of 3,000-plus stock chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens. Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets and therefore can remain undisclosed.
PEGS
PEGs are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. Depending on manufacturing processes, PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are both carcinogens.
FORMALDEHYDE
Used as a preservative in many cosmetics, despite it being a known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity.
PARABENS
A class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (or hormone) disruptors, which may alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies.
OKAY SO WHAT’S ACTUALLY IN THE PEEL?
While some peels may cause irritation with high levels of resurfacing acids, THIS peel uses a combination of resurfacing acids and soothing acids to hydrate, replenish and protect skin. This precise combination optimizes performance while maintaining the correct pH level to reduce irritation and increase effectiveness.
- Glycolic Acid: improves skin texture, resurfaces, exfoliates.
- Lactic Acid: stimulates cell renewal promoting a smoother, radiant-looking complexion.
- Citric Acid: Helps refine and renew skin.
- Arginine & Fatty Acids: aid in conditioning and moisturizing the skin.
WHO IS THE PEEL FOR?
Anyone concerned with dull skin or uneven texture and tone! The Peel is designed for people with all skin types, and those with acne-prone skin, aging skin, hyperpigmentation and/or melasma can especially benefit. If you are sensitive and/or have really dry skin, I recommend spot testing first (go for a spot on your cheek or neck) and always following up with proper hydration. If you’re using a prescription or over-the-counter acne treatment, you may want to check with your doctor first! Also, unlike most peels this one is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding (makes you wonder why other products aren’t, right?).
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?
Some people see results after one application but the best results come with consistent, long term use!
That’s the full scoop! And guess what? Plus, right now if you join Beautycounter’s loyalty program Band of Beauty for $29/year and spend more than $50 on your purchase, you can snag a smaller version of the peel AND the charcoal mask (another dynamic exfoliator) for FREE (a $43 value!). BOB makes sense if you think you’ll place a couple of orders a year – other benefits include free shipping on orders over $100 and 10% back in product credit on EVERY purchase. This is what I did before I was a consultant – love me some product credit!
If you’re looking to take your skincare routine to the next level, I highly recommend the Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel. Your glowing skin with thank you!
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