Paula's Choice says:
- Effective for: Acne Breakouts, Anti-Aging, Brown Spots, Wrinkles
- AHA exfoliant reduces multiple signs of aging
- Builds skin-firming collagen
- Corrects uneven skin tone
- Silky lotion calms skin with anti-irritants and antioxidants
- Clinically proven non-irritating
- 100% fragrance free, no added dyes
- No animal testing
This has a wonderful light lotion texture with a faint, fresh somewhat chemically scent (that I don't mind at all) and a slight yellow tint that disappears upon application. It feels silky and light and hydrating. It doesn't stay tacky and it dries to a nice natural finish that feels like you have nothing on at all. It just feels wonderful on the skin.
My favorite thing about this product it what it actually does for the skin.
It uses Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA--aka glycolic acid) to brighten and smooth the skin by "ungluing" the dead skin cells from the surface. (As we age our natural cell turnover rate slows, and cells get sort of stuck to the skin which is what creates dullness, roughness, discoloration, etc.) Because it increases the rate of epidermal cell turnover, it also encourages the production of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin, which reduces fine lines. It improves brightness and evens out skin tone (and helps to fade post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation like acne red marks) by sloughing off those dead, discolored cells.
It also has Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA-- aka salicylic acid) in the formula to help prevent acne and keep the pores clear. (Salicylic acid works differently than glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is not oil soluble which is why it works only on the surface of the skin to unglue dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is oil soluble, so it can go into the pores and soften and liquify hardened sebum, which is why it is effective against acne.) By keeping the pores clear, they appear smaller and less noticeable and make the skin look smoother.
It also contains antioxidants and anti-irritants to protect the skin from free radical damage, irritation, and environmental stress that ages the skin.
So what does all that mean?
It evens out my skin texture and tone, reduces flakiness, brightens, keeps pores clear, and protects it from free-radical damage. My face feels softer, smoother, looks more even, and brighter.
I uses this every other night, trading nights with my Retin-A. Retin-A can make my skin flakey and patchy in certain areas (around the nose, the chin, and occasionally in between my brows), so the glycolic acid in this gently exfoliates my skin to keep it flakey/patchy free.
Just like any skincare product, you have to give it 4-6 weeks of use to see the full benefit of using it (you have to be patient!).
Like I said, I love this. I highly recommend it for any skin type since all can benefit from the ingredients and what they do for the skin, as well as how lovely it feels.
Paula's Choice is sold at paulaschoice.com (not an affiliate link), and the Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% AHA is $25.95 for 1.7 oz. You can also buy packette samples with a few days use in them for $.80 each.
NOTE: It is really important to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen during the day if you are using any glycolic acid (AHA) product since is makes you more photosensitive (likely to get burned/sun damage). Honestly, you should really wear it anyway even if you don't use an AHA.... (My favorite is the Josie Maran Daily Moisturizer with SPF 40.)
Any skincare favorites I should know about?
Have a beautiful day!
