How-to: At-Home Glycolic Peel Using Ellen Lange Retexturizing Peel

Skincare aficionados know that glycolic acid is one of the most common and safest ingredients (when used in lower concentration) in treating oily and/or acne-prone skin as well as fine lines and uneven skin tone. Part of the AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) family, it's naturally sourced from sugar cane. It acts by sloughing away dead skin cells, purging impurities, and keeping oil at bay. I am not new to glycolic peels (I've done both in-clinic and at-home in the past) so my experience with Ellen Lange Retexturizing Peel will differ compared to a first-timer. I had to preface my post with this disclaimer because as with other products, it's different strokes for different folks!

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From a plastic surgeon's office to the spa, and finally to your home. Ellen Lange's claim to fame is her first-to-market at-home peel. As a medical esthetician, she worked with cosmetic chemists to "perfect" the peel using real people at her own med spa who regularly provide feedback and product improvements. Over the years, Ellen used the experience to develop high performance skincare. The Retexturing Peel is sold as a kit ($79). It contains Glycolic Peel Solution (1.68 fl oz/ 50.5 ml), Peel Prep Scrub (2 oz/ 60g), and Peel Accelerator Pads (60 pads), which all equates to 8 at-home treatments (2 months worth if you're doing it once a week). The word "peel" sounds a bit scary to beginners; would you shed like a snake or peel like crazy? With glycolic acid, it's almost nil, at least based from my experience, past and present combined. Minus the little sting for few minutes, it's tolerable and safe for the most part. The Ellen Lange system works this way:

Step 1: Cleanse face and gently massage the Peel Prep Scrub to slightly wet skin for about a minute. It gently exfoliates dead skin cells with just the right amount of grit.

Step 2: Gently wipe cotton pads on entire face to hasten exfoliation. It contains glycolic acid, witch hazel, caffeine, menthol, among others, which explains the cool and minty sensation as you apply it.

Step 3. Pump about a teaspoon of Glycolic Peel Solution into the dispenser cup (it's part of the kit together with the brush). Dip the brush and apply it over forehead, T-zone, cheeks and chin. It foams upon contact with the skin. It does sting a bit so I sit in front of the fan to help reduce the sensation. After 3 minutes, massage the solution into face with damp fingers. Allow the solution to foam again and leave for another 5 minutes. Rinse afterwards.

Immediately after the process, my face looks red but not inflamed. It took about ten minutes for the redness to go away. My skin feels soft, like I had pricey facial done in a spa. I have been using this kit for 3 weeks now, no unsightly peeling whatsoever but as with other products that contain AHA, it's imperative to wear sunscreen because this may increase your sensitivity to the sun. But other than that, I am glad to add Ellen Lange to my skincare routine.

Have you tried a similar product?