[re]fresh Fruit Acid 15% Gel Peel: the Optimal Starter Peel

Dry skin, wrinkles, and fine lines, acne, and pigmentations are normally common concerns when talking about beautiful skin. For all of those skin conditions, scientists (and even celebrities’ makeup artists) assure that exfoliation is the number one beauty routine that every woman should follow. There are many ways to exfoliate your skin, mainly physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation (commonly know as peel).

I had the chance to try a gentle peel from [re]fresh; the Fruit Acid 15% Gel Peel with Kojic (a natural skin brightener). It is my first experience with peels, so I had to research a little bit before I use it. In this post, along with the following blog post next week, I will share with you all I learned.

Looking at [re]fresh peel ingredients, it contains the following: Purified Water, Natural Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic & Pyruvic Acids), Xanthan Gum. In other words; three alpha hydroxy acids.

For those who are not familiar with alpha hydroxy acids (also known as AHAs), they are exfoliators derived from fruits, milk, and sugar canes, used widely in beauty products for chemical peeling. What makes AHAs fabulous is that they encourage the skin to slough off old dead skin. Exfoliation removes dead cells that might clog the pores, thus less formation of acne. It also reveals new skin layers causing scars to become less visible. This process also promotes collagen formation in the skin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines, and delays the formation of new wrinkles.

[re]fresh states that this peel can:

• Erases fine lines, dark spots and improves skin’s texture and tone while revealing noticeably smoother, healthier skin
• Skin is noticeable brighter and complexion is more even-toned after the first application
• Shrinks pores and balances oil production across combination skin

You should always remember; to read the labels, follow the instruction, be patient, and maintain a regular beauty routine for best results.

How I used [re]fresh Fruit Acid 15% Gel Peel

It has a gel consistency, and it is very easy to apply on your skin, just like the way you use a serum. It has a light smell that reminds me of chemistry classes in college.

I decided to start slow and follow the instructions, so I did the following:

• The first week: I used it once for 1.5 minutes, it caused my skin to sting, and there was redness, but nothing serious. After that, I rinse thoroughly with cool water.
• The second week: Since the first time was a success, I used it twice, each treatment for 2.5 minutes. Same sting and redness during the treatment, but it lasted for only the first minute and redness for an hour or so.
• Third week: I used it also twice, but this time for 3 minutes for each treatment, less sting and redness occurred this time.

Post peel, I did not exfoliate my skin because that would be too much for my skin. It needs to rest and heal from the process of chemical peeling. In addition, I used the peel at night; in that case, I avoid sun exposure immediately after the treatment. I moisturize using a cream that contains hyaluronic acid. In the next few days post peeling, I make sure to wear sunscreen since peeling makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

How did my skin feel post peel?

Clean and glowing! That is the first thing to notice after peeling, my skin is soo clean, my pores are less visible, and glowing. Imagine all that dead skin removed, and new healthy skin appear from underneath. After a few treatments, there were fewer breakouts, and the sunspots slightly lightened.

Things You should keep in mind:

• Increase dosage or time of treatment gradually, give your skin time to heal, do it at night, and avoid sun exposure for a few days afterward.
• Make sure to put on your sunscreen EVERYDAY, since AHAs increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.

My Over All Experience

[re]fresh Fruit Acid 15% Gel Peel is a great chemical exfoliator for starters who wish to enjoy the benefits of chemical peeling at home. Though a one-month period was not enough for noticing any fine lines dimension, my skin is more luminous, less acne occurrence, and my pores have shrunk. I will keep on using it regularly for the best results. [re]fresh Fruit Acid 15% Gel Peel is available on Amazon for $32.95 (also on [re]fresh website for $ 34.95 ). It is a good alternative for expensive chemical peeling sessions at the clinic. It is Alcohol-free, Paraben-free, Phthalate-free, vegan, no artificial colors used fragrance or preservatives.

Over to You Now

Have you ever used a chemical peel? What regimen worked best for you? Tell me in the comments.

*Though the brand sent me this product for review, all opinions are my own, and completely based on my own experience.