Product Review: MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads

I, like all make up artists, am obsessed with skincare especially exfoliation.  I love to exfoliate! Exfoliation is essential to skin care as it removes all of the perspiration, bacteria and dead skin cells that are the leading cause of breakouts and dull lifeless looking skin. Dr. Dennis Gross, a New York bases dermatologist, has turned exfoliation into an art form with his Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads an easy two step system that is not only designed to fight acne, but all of your major skin concerns.

So how does it work?  Well, you get two separate containers one containing the Step 1 pads the other contains the Step 2 pads (kinda like Stridex pads only better).

The Step 1 pads contains five different Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids and they are Lactic, Malic, Citric, Glycolic and Salicylic. Each one of these acids addresses a different skin concern from acne (salicyic) and fine lines (glycolic),  but also skin tone, texture and oil production (lactic, malic and citric) as well. Dr. Gross himself is quoted on his website saying:

“This anti-aging product not only diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, but helps complexion problems, balances oil, tones skin, and increases clarity and radiance. Plus, it proves a daily, gentle approach can give superior results vs. a harsh approach. Like exercising daily is better than a long workout once a week, it’s better to treat your skin daily.”

It’s easy to use too. Yes, it does require two steps but it really won’t add any more time to your normal daily routine. On clean skin apply the Step 1 pad to the entire face avoiding the immediate eye area. There is quite a bit of solution in each pad so if you have some left over apply to the neck and decollete as well. Still damp? Try the back of your hands, they are always forgotten. Let sit for two minutes. I usually brush my teeth (multitasking at it’s best). The Step 1 pad contains all of the active ingredients so there may be a slight tingling sensation. Once the two minutes is up take the Step 2 pad and apply it everywhere the first pad touched.

The Step 2 pads deactivate the solution from Step 1 and are loaded with hydrating ingredients including Vitamin A, E and Hyaluronic Acid. Do not rinse off. Simply apply moisturizer right over it and then your make up.  A really oily skin type may even want to skip a moisturizer but I recommend a light hydrating gel. Ive been using this moisturizer and been getting good results.

The results are immediate. The first day I tried them, I noticed a remarkable difference in my skin’s tone and texture. The all over tone was more even and the texture was baby smooth all day. Within a few days, I noticed a decrease in pore size and I have pores the size of the Grand Canyon so YAY!  The fine lines that are starting to march across my face (ah, the joys of aging) are in retreat and I’m using less and less foundation. I also am touching up less throughout the day down to maybe two blotting papers a day instead of five.

As usual, the only down side is the price. A 30 day container is $78.00 and a 60 day container is $128.00 so if you want to double your money what you can do is cut the pads in half or even thirds (you can really only do the face with thirds). There is enough solution in the container that it shouldn’t be a problem. And store them upside down so you can guarantee that the solution is in the first pads you pull out and not all trapped in the bottom pads. I cut them in half and get 60 days for the cost of 30. With the results I’ve seen it’s totally worth it.