These Exfoliating Pads Erased My Blackheads, KP, and Razor Bumps
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Exfoliationis a necessity in my skin-care regimen. That goes for my face and my body, since I’m prone to stubborn blackheads on my nose and a delightful mix ofKPon my neck and chest andingrownsandrazor bumpsalong my legs. I’m extremely diligent about my routine when I’m at home (both a physical and chemical exfoliant for my body and a daily AHA toner and weekly BHA mask for my face), but that goes out the window the second I travel. For one, I pack light, so there’s no room for multiple bottles and tinctures. Plus, I like to pare it down to the basics on vacation (cleanse,moisturize,vitamin Cin the morning, andretinolat night). My skin is usually a bit bumpier or will have a mild breakout getting back home (quite the opposite of a post-vacation glow), but it’s something I’ve come to terms with.
This happened recently after returning from a beach trip to Puerto Rico. My legs were irritated with red bumps from shaving almost every other day, my chest had a couple KP spots pop up, and my face had a small breakout fromSPF, sweating, surfing and swimming in the ocean, and repeating. I decided this was the time to deploy Barefaced’s new Polishing Pads and put them to the test. I was recently sent the product and was told it could help with all of the above.
The pads are formulated with a high percentage of glycolic acid for brightening and exfoliating, oil-regulating succinic acid and witch hazel, soothing antioxidants, hydrating squalene and glycerin, and a gentle retinyl for improving texture and tone. Because it’s made with 15 percent glycolic acid, it’s recommended as a once- to twice-weekly face treatment and everyday body treatment. I followed the brand’s guidelines to a tee to make sure I wasn’t stripping my barrier. (It’s also worth noting I didn’t use any other actives besides my vitamin C in the mornings and retinol at night to really see how effective the pads were.)
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I started with swiping one on my face, focusing on my problematic T-zone area. I got a slight tingling sensation, which I usually don’t get from my daily exfoliants, and continued to use it on the rest of my body. I was worried about the pads drying me out, but even right after using them, my skin doesn’t get super tight like it does with other powerful exfoliants. (I chalk this up to the formulation’s hydrating ingredients.) I also make sure to follow up with moisturizer every time.
After a week, I noticed significantly less KP bumps on my chest and overall smoother texture from my neck down. The razor bumps on my legs cleared up, and they didn’t come back post-shave. When I followed up withlotionafter, it seemed to seep into my skin faster, too. As for my blackheads, they persisted (this was to be expected), but my breakout subsided. Two weeks in, I started to see even more changes. My breakout was nonexistent, and while I still had some blackheads, they were much less noticeable. My T-zone also seemed a lot less oily throughout the day, and some stubborn texture on my forehead was smoothed out a little. I’m about a month in now, and my skin looks significantly clearer, brighter, and healthier.
The near-immediate results quickly made the peel pads a staple in my face and body routine. Maybe the best part of the pads is how easy they are to add into my routine. Instead of having to reach for multiple products for my slew of skin issues, I have a one-and-done solution I can go to. Plus they’re easy to pack when I travel. Just this past weekend, I took a three-day trip to see family with only acarry-onand personal item and didn’t have to forgo any steps in my usual skin-care routine in the process.
More exfoliators I’ve tested
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This is a gentle everyday way to add exfoliation into your routine.
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I've been a longtime fan of this powder that provides both physical and chemical exfoliation.
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My favorite daily toner for non-drying exfoliation.
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