The Paula’s Choice 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel is something I picked up at CEW and now I am asking myself why did it take so long for me to try this! These days, my skin is so much more sensitive than it ever used to be – I think I was lucky for a long time in that my complexion could take just about anything (other than the Dr Schramek Green Peel – I still shudder and it was 10 years ago) but now I need to be more careful. I keep REN’s Evercalm on stand-by (essential kit if you’re constantly asking your skin to tolerate new and different things) and am always keener to try products for sensitive skin than I am such things as peels.
So, I had trepidation in trying Paula’s Choice 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel – it even sounds a bit scary. This is all of the acids all at once – mandelic, glycolic, lactic, tartric, malic and salicylic and yes, it is a bit spicy when you first apply. I felt that familiar pin prick feeling mainly around my chin and neck for a moment or two – made myself count to ten before washing straight off and it settled well so I gave it the full ten minutes.
Afterwards, the skin across the middle part of my face was slightly reddened, which I expected, so I put Evercalm on straight away and later my current moisturiser. Two days later, my skin still looks and feels smooth with the same fresher look you’d get from a physical exfoliant – a bit brighter looking and a bit more silky. I’ll keep this in my routine for a once-a-week freshener until its all gone. Sephora has it on offer for £32.18 instead of £39 (although I can see it on other sites for £42, inexplicably). It’s a definite recommend from me but you know your skin best, so if you think you won’t tolerate it, give it a hard pass.