Estée Lauder Perfectionist Instant Resurfacing Peel

Where I got

A couple months back, it was singles day (11th November), and I usually don’t do much shopping for this occasion because, I don’t see a lot of bargains by the stores I usually shop from. Also I have been trying to refrain myself from buying certain skincare products now that I am using Biologi serum products and I actually have so many products in stock to use.

However, I have been listening to The Beauty IQ podcast by the lovely ladies from Adore Beauty. Joanna Fleming have been raving about this product in a couple of their episodes and it’s not even a brand that Adore Beauty carries!

So when Life Pharmacy was doing the Singles Day Sale, offering 20% off plus reward points, I went ahead and bought it. It was RRP$160, and it came down to $128. I have seen this on Sephora.nz and farmers.co.nz for $158, but 2% off with reward points is not common to come by!

What I got

This is the Estée Lauder Perfectionist Instant Resurfacing Peel 9.9% AHA + BHA (50ml). An at-home chemical peel to reveal radiant skin and reduce the look of pores. This “micro-facial” peel instantly reveals baby-soft skin. Inspired by professional chemical peels, this power treatment balances a high concentration of AHAs with hyaluronic acid and a patented ingredient to prevent irritation. Glycolic, tartaric and citric acids, along with salicylic acid, help maintain a higher refinishing potency for longer. One use begins to accelerate your skin’s natural cell turnover, unveiling a smoother, glowing complexion. Formulated for gentleness, it refinishes your skin’s texture and reduces pore visibility and dull skin.

How I find it

This is a 10-minute peeling mask using chemical exfoliants, to be used twice a week or less depending on your skin sensitivity and tolerance to acids. I’m a regular avid user (glycolic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid).

Using this at night, I make sure I double cleanse my face to get rid of all makeup and debris and impurities. It has a cream texture and I use about 4 pumps for an even layer all over the my face. Within about the first minute, I started to feel a little tingling around my cheek area and that subsided very quickly and there were no other sensations to be felt. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then remove gently with a damp, warm cloth. Then rinse everything off with lukewarm water. Skin looks a little flushed, but that calms down very quickly.

My skin felt really smooth and soft and it looks brightened and no redness at all. I followed it up with my Biologi Bf serum for hydration and Br rosehip oil to nourish my skin. Next morning, my skin looked really radiant and plump. Skin has a natural glow to it from the rosehip oil which I really enjoy. No peeling, dry spots or sensitivity whatsoever, and I make sure I use and SPF of at least 30 during the day even on an overcast sky.

Overall

As per the recommendations, I’ve been using this twice a week for 6 weeks and my skin really likes it. When I do have active breakouts I can feel a bit of a Sri then I apply it, but it calms down within seconds. 10 minutes goes by so quick and when I wash the mask off, my skin feels smoother, looks brighter and glowy. The next morning, my existing breakouts have diminished and my skin just feels rejuvenated.

I currently do not have deep lines and wrinkles, but I see some fine lines and using this regularly I can see an improvement. I will continue using this in the future, but if you do have an existing AHA/BHA product, do not use in conjunction with those at the same time. You can alternate them or just use this when you need a SOS treatment.

I recently got the Alpha-H Liquid Gold Holiday Duo which includes the original Liquid Gold and the Liquid Gold Rose. I wouldn’t use these two on the same night. But I could use the Alpha-H every other night, and use this EL mask once a week in place of the Liquid Gold. Keeps my skin glowy without needing any highlighter!