AMOREPACIFIC
Treatment Enzyme Peel

Are you still using one of those harsh exfoliators with scrubbing beads that feel like sandpaper? Well, the word is out: it's all about enzymes. I'd tried countless exfoliating scrubs from Bliss (not a good experience) to La Prairie, and settled with what I thought was the best out there. To think I was subjecting my sensitive, generally pampered skin to such cruelty is criminal. 

Now, we know I love my Chantecaille products, and their masks are among the best I've tried. Their exfoliating solution is the Fruit and Flower Acids Mask has been my go-to exfoliator – until now. Sensitive-skinned friends, we have a winner. 

(click photo to enlarge)

Oh my. Why the heck am I just now discovering the wondrous world of AMOREPACIFIC?! My beauty guru had been lovingly nudging me to get my feet wet with this standout Korean brand, and I started with their Treatment Enzyme Peel. Peel sounds harsh, yes? Something you get done periodically at the dermatologist or your facialist, followed by three days at home with scary red face. Fortunately, this enzyme peel dissolves dead skills without any harsh ingredients or face-reddening chemicals, readying skin for serums and moisturizers. Much like Tatcha's Enzyme Powders for cleansing, the AMOREPACIFIC bottle packaging  automatically dispenses the proper amount of product (powder) into the palm of your hand, which turns into a gentle foam when mixed with water. Simply massage on your face, neck and décolletage for a minute and rinse. It's designed to be used as often as you like. No, seriously. It's that gentle. I keep it in my shower and use it 2-3 mornings a week. My skin immediately feels transformed, from the gloriously smooth texture to the lovely glow. It's simply perfection. 

My verdict? Not only am I in love with the Treatment Enzyme Peel, but I've since tried three of their other products and am head over heels. No more scrubby beads! The best new product I've tried in at least a year. 

AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peel is $60 for a 2.7 oz. bottle. 

Available through AMOREPACIFIC, as well as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. 

Perricone MD Blue Plasma
6/3/13

A non-acidic daily peel that's non-irritating and only targets and removes dead skin cells? Well who the heck wants dead skin cells chillin' on their face? I had to give this relatively new (released in 12/12) daily peel a go. I've had mixed results with another Perricone MD product, but had read raves about this new miracle peel. I've tried various home peel/exfoliating products over the past year or more, so I have a solid basis for comparison. 

One has to accept that Perricone MD products all have a "fishy" smell, particularly during application. This product contains salmon egg enzymes, which gently removes dead skin cells. The good news is that my nighttime serum and moisturizer mostly mask this scent, which seems to dissipate on its own after a little while regardless. That said, I recommend skipping it on date night. Because of this killer exfoliation, the only Retinol or Retinoid products I use are now solely reserved for my eye area. I won't bore you with the rest of the ingredients. I'll sum them up as intensive yet gentle, and optimal for all skin types and those seeking a brighter, smoother, more even complexion. I have normal/combination skin, and always have a slight paranoia that a new product will cause a breakout in the dreaded T-zone. I've had no problems on my fair and somewhat sensitive Irish skin. After experiencing irritation with another facial peel fairly recently, I was pleasantly surprised by the gentle yet effective nature of Blue Plasma.

Inside the box you'll find the coveted blue bottle with a screw cap, as well as a dropper for application. Usage instructions call for application once daily. I've chosen to add this peel to my nightly regimen, as I'm a firm believer in nighttime healing. After cleansing, use the dropper (about the amount shown above on the bottom right), apply directly to the face and smooth on. Allow a few moments for it to dry, and continue with your regular nightly regimen. Do not rinse off. I then apply my night serum, night moisturizer (Crème de la Mer), and eye cream. This is the first peel I've used that doesn't require rinsing, proving the gentle nature of the product. Most peels require being thoroughly rinsed off after about 3-5 minutes. After the first few nights, my skin was noticeably smoother and brighter. It seems to give my other skincare products a boost, which is pretty darn cool. 

Perricone MD also has outstanding, personable customer service. I've exchanged several private Twitter messages with Dr. Perricone and he's always quick to respond with helpful answers to my questions regarding which products are best suited for my skin type, what to use when, etc). Love that he personally manages his own Twitter account. I recently opened a drawer in my bathroom where I keep my current day and night products to find that the bottle's dropper top had leaked the blue, fishy, pricey miracle peel all over the place (photo of old, defective bottle above). Needless to say, I was rather upset between the cleanup and loss of product. I sent an email to customer service on the Perricone MD website explaining the faulty top and frustrating experience, and they immediately shipped me a replacement free of charge. Excellent customer service is so rare these days, and was greatly appreciated. If you intend to keep this in a drawer as I did, I recommend standing it upright or using the screw top. Lesson learned!

My verdict? Gentle, effective, and completely worth the money. I imagine the bottle will last about three months. Far gentler than any other home peel products I've tried, and it delivers on its promises. Gotta love it!

2 oz. bottle is $95. 

Available at Perricone MD, Nordstrom, & Sephora.