Where I got it
It has been at least over a year since I last bought or use anything from Clinique and it’s a mixture of reasons. I have previously tried a couple of products from Clinique that did not do much for my skin and their products did not really match what my skin needed. Recently, I went to my local Farmers for the Clarins counter and I walked by the Clinique counter and saw their Even Better Clinique Dark Spot Corrector and other associated products in this range. I have just purchased the Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Serum so I did not want to double up on a similar product, but when I saw this Clarifying Do-Over Peel, I picked it up to see what it was. When I saw that it is a watery solution, I asked the Clinique lady and she said this is a leave-on exfoliating peel and it was only $56 for a 30ml bottle.
Clinique Clarifying Do-Over Peel
What I got
This is the Clinique Clarifying Do-Over Peel (30ml). With a special 32% Micro-Acid+ Complex, reveals millions of fresher cells for skin that looks radiant and renewed. This at-home, leave-on peel reveals millions of fresher cells with each use. With a special 32% Micro-Acid+ Complex, it boosts cell renewal through multi-level exfoliation, removing dead skin cells that build up on the surface and working deep within the skin’s surface to help tackle future imperfections early. In addition to removing dead skin cells, it also removes dirt and oil—all of which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Leaves skin looking more radiant and renewed. Helps improve the skin’s texture so it feels soft and smooth. It’s the perfect complement to our twice-daily instant exfoliator, Clarifying Lotion. For a multi-level exfoliation, use Clarifying Do-Over Peel 2-3 nights a week, and then on other nights and every morning, use Clarifying Lotion.
Key Ingredients: An exclusive 32% Micro-Acid+ Complex features:
- A 7-acid blend of AHAs/BHA/PHA: Helps remove dead skin cells that build up on the skin’s surface and make the skin appear dull. The blend includes glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, and pyruvic acid—all alpha hydroxy acids; salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid; and lactobionic acid, a polyhydroxy acid.
- Algae extract: Helps optimise skin’s natural cell renewal by promoting the emergence of fresh new cells on the surface.
- Yeast extract: A nutrient-rich fermented ingredient that works deep in the skin’s surface, helping optimise the skin’s natural cell renewal process to tackle imperfections early.
Ingredients: Water, alcohol denat., glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, sodium hydroxide, butylene glycol, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract, padina pavonica thallus extract, lactobionic acid, yeast extract\faex\extrait de levure, acetyl glucosamine, tartaric acid, pyruvic acid, glycerin, citric acid, caprylyl glycol, disodium edta, benzalkonium chloride, phenoxyethanol
Clinique Clarifying Do-Over Peel
How I find it
As this is an acid peel product, I am very cautious about how I start using this product as well as the other skincare products I use in the same routine. I have previously compromised my skin barrier with excessive use of chemical and manual exfoliation which caused my skin to erupt with clusters of cystic breakouts. This time I made sure my skin started out in a relatively healthy state. I have concerns about blocked pores and little bumps around my jawline area which is my problem area. I also have enlarged pores on my nose and on my cheeks. I also want to brighten my skin overall and improve uneven skin tone. I currently have no major breakouts or cystic acne.
After cleansing with a gentle gel cleanser, I would apply a full dropper of this peel onto a cotton pad and wipe it over my skin. The peel solution is watery and smells like alcohol, despite feeling a little dry after the liquid has evaporated, my skin felt fine. No irritations, no redness, or itchiness. After applying the peel, I would even apply a skin barrier serum and avoid any BHA and AHA products, then just a simple moisturiser on top. I would still use tretinoin at night and an SPF during the day.
After using this peel for 2 nights a week for 2 weeks, I couldn’t see a dramatic result, but I also did not see any new breakouts coming through. I then changed to every other day for another 2 weeks, I did see an overall refined look on the skin without new breakouts and congestion. It all comes down to adding a chemical exfoliation to my routine which I have been missing for a little while.
Clinique Clarifying Do-Over Peel
Overall
If you have been using a dedicated AHA or BHA product in your routine, you may already know what to expect from this Do-over Peel. This is definitely a step up from Clinique’s 3-step Clarifying Toner with a multi-acid formula. AHA, BHA, and PHA so that you get the best of 3 worlds, so to say. AHA helps get rid of dead skin cells, BHA cleans out pores, and PHA is a gentle type of AHA that is also a humectant to maintain skin moisture.
The only thing that refrains me from using it on a regular basis is the alcohol content. I do have combination skin, but I also have acne-prone skin. My acne flare-ups could be caused by damaged skin barrier as a result of excessive exfoliation. However, I would use this 2-3 times a week for maintenance and every second night when I need intensive treatment.
