I continue to be a big fan of Exuviance Skincare whose founders were the scientists who the first glycolic acid peel. I love the fact that Exuviance and sister-brand, NeoStrata are serious skincare brands that are rooted in science. I’ve been using their products for more than two years, and I’ve had good results with them all. I was happy to have an opportunity through the blogger association Brandbacker to get to try out another one of their glycolic acid skincare products, Exuviance Performance Peel AP25, in exchange for an honest review.
Exuviance Performance Peel AP25: What It Is and What It Does
Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 utilizes a 25% professional level of an Alpha hydroxy acids and Poly hydroxy acids including Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone. It works both at the skin’s surface level to exfoliate dead skin cells as well as beneath the surface to encourage cell renewal that reveals new, healthier-looking skin. The product has been clinically proven to:
- Refine pore size and smooth texture
- Visibly diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improve clarity and brightness
- Brighten and even skin tone
- Provide an all-over healthy glow, suppleness and smoothness to skin.
The benefits that I myself am most interested in are the reduction in lines and wrinkles, improved brightness and reducing my hard to get rid of remaining dark spots. Clinical studies have shown a reduction in skin issues after 30 days of using the product twice a week. I have had the product for less than two weeks so I have a way to go before I can weigh in with final results. But I wanted to let you know about this terrific addition to my skincare regimen while so many of you are putting together your holiday Wish List and while you’re getting your skin in tiptop shape for the holiday season.
In addition to using Exuviance Performance Peel on the face, it can also be used on the back of the hands, on the neck, chest/decolletage, and body. I am especially interested to see if it will help lighten the dark spots due to sun damage on the back of my hands because I haven’t done anything to treat that area thus far, and those dark spots really bug me.
How To Apply
The two step process for the Performance Peel is easy peasy. First cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser (that doesn’t count as part of the two steps, lol, since you’d do that anyway, right?).
- Step 1: Apply the Activator Pad (a small round pad that’s soaked in the Activator) to your face being careful to avoid the eye area and lips, though I do apply it to the skin between my nose and my lips where I have some vertical lines. Leave the Activator on for up to but no more than 10 minutes. If you experience a tingly sensation or discomfort, remove it sooner than 10 minutes. Some women including me do experience some dryness as a result of using the Activator. I apply extra hyaluronic acid and a richer moisturizer on the nights that I use Performance Peel. From time to time, my skin seems sensitive, but I haven’t experienced any sensitivity or tingling when using the Activator. I am able to leave it on for the entire 10 minutes with no issues.
- Step 2: Apply the Neutralizer Pad over the same areas where you applied the Activator Pad. It feels soothing. Continue with your normal skincare routine.
It is recommended that you use the Performance Peel twice a week. Once you know how your skin will react to this duo, Exuviance mentions using Performance Peel AP25 in conjunction with Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion, a fabulous exfoliator that I own, for enhanced results. I didn’t want to start out using the two products together until I knew how my skin would react to the Performance Peel AP25. But now that I know that my skin reacts well to this cocktail, I will give that a try. They recommend using Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion first and then follow with the Performance Peel AP25.
In their clinical studies, Exuviance found that 100% of the participants reported improvement in fine lines and wrinkles. I’m hoping I’ll agree! So far after a couple of uses, my skin looks brighter and smoother. I’m in for the long haul with these pads!
Product and Purchase Information
Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 comes in a book-like box with a 6 week supply/12 single use peels plus an extra set to do a sensitivity test. The price is $77. Though this set is somewhat pricey, I think it’s worth it. This is a professional level peel, and certainly one salon or dermatologist administered peel would cost a good deal more than this entire box.
Check out the Exuviance website for more information on the Performance Peel, the Triple Microdermabrasion that I also love, as well as the rest of their product line. I especially love my favorite Exuviance Gentle Creme Cleanser for the colder weather we’re having now. You can use Ebates (you can join for free on my homepage sidebar and get a $10 Welcome credit) to get cash back on purchases from the Exuviance site, and Exuviance sometimes has very appealing sales like the 20% off and Free Shipping that I noticed on the site today. Exuviance is also sold at Ulta Beauty, and I know that Ulta usually has its holiday coupon event in the next couple of weeks.
Have you tried Exuviance Skincare yet? If so, which products are your favorites?
Hi Allison,
The before/after photos and website reviews seem pretty impressive and I also have “age spots” that I’m trying to diminish, so am interested in trying it.
I just found it on sale and put it on my Xmas wish list http://www.lovelyskin.com/o/exuviance-performance-peel-ap25 Thanks for your review!
xoxo,
Amy
Oh, the 30% off that you’ve posted via the LovelySkin link seems to be the best I’ve seen, Amy. It really is a very good at-home chemical peel. Exuviance and its sister brand NeoStrata make excellent skincare. Since the researchers who started the company were the progenitors of the Glycolic Acid Peel, they are my go-to for skincare with GA and similar anti-aging products. I also adore the Gentle Creme Cleanser that I mentioned in the post for my dry skin especially for the colder weather. Have a good visit with Katy for the holidays!
Great review, Allison! I’m not sure if I’ll try this anytime soon but ask me again in 10 years and I probably will be all over it. LOL!
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…My Current Haircare Routine
haha, Shireen! Right, let’s not rush time!
I’ve been looking for a good peel to do at home – I definitely have some skin issues that this would help with!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…MAC x Mariah Carey You’ve Got Me Feeling Powder Blush Swatches + Review
And this one is so easy to use!
Looks like I could use this after I have the baby!
It’s a really great peel, Kat. Congrats again. Hope you’re feeling well xoxo
I think that this is my favorite product from Exuviance! Such an effective product!
Lola Seicento recently posted…Beauty Box Five November 2016 | Unveiling and Review #BB5
I have a long way to go still, but I’m hopeful that I’ll feel the same way, Helen!
I have used this product for years. It is my favorite peeling pad!
Carleen recently posted…Split the Bill and Share Money Easily With Square Cash
That’s great, Carleen! I still have quite a way to go, but I hope I’ll see results. I’m trying to add the Triple Microdermabrasion to move things along faster.
This sounds like something that I want to try since I have fine lines and dark spots. If it works I’ll pay.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Reviva Labs Nourishing Cream Review
I am still in the midst of testing, Aleya, so I’ll come back with results in a few weeks. The good thing about Exuviance is they had good sales from time to time. And Exuviance is my go-to for all things glycolic acid 🙂
I am glad you got great results again from this skincare brand!!
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
I love Exuviance! Ursula, have you tried joining Brandbacker.com, the blogging association?
I don’t think I could use this on my sensitive face but I would love to try this on the back of my hands!
Judy recently posted…Different Dimension Ghost of Jupiter
Hands is a good idea, Judy. I keep forgetting to put it on the backs of my hands after I use it on my face because there’s plenty on each pad for both areas. Thanks for the reminder
Sounds like I need to try this for my brown spots!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Find Your Holiday Kissing Squad with Tarte
That’s my plan! Still have a way to go with them
I think I’m too chicken to try such a strong peel. It sounds great but I’ve never used anything quite like this.
MarciaF recently posted…Evine + Fashion Flash + Beauty Info Zone = great holiday ideas and a giveaway
Do you use glycolic acid? I’m a long time Exuviance user so I’ve tried glycolic acid and the milder form in their products for a couple of years now. I’ve done well with all but the 10% GA toner because I moved up to that higher amount too fast. I was a bit concerned when I was about to try these pads for the first time, but I was pleasantly surprised that my sensitive skin has no trouble leaving the Activator on for the full 10 minutes, no tingling or burning at all. Yay. But I can understand your concern. It would be good if they had trial pads at, say Ulta Beauty, where it’s sold so you could try them first. Maybe they do?
I like peels myself so I am intrigued to try this brand
Kath Thefabzilla recently posted…Animal Print 3 Ways | Style & Makeup Diary
I love masks, peels and exfoliates so I would love to try these!
Babi recently posted…5 HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS from BABBLEBOXX
I think you would, Babi. It’s a terrific chemical peel. Several of our blogging colleagues say it’s their favorite from Exuviance 🙂
I’ve never tried anything from this brand, but it definitely sounds like it’s worth a try!
Destany recently posted…Too Faced Natural Matte palette
Exuviance and their sister brand NeoStrata make fabulous, research-based skincare. I have loved just about everything I’ve tried from both brands. I can’t afford to do a medi-salon chemical peel so I’m glad I’ve got this!
This is definitely worth a try. I’ve heard great things about the Exuviance brand and I need a new at home peel
I know you’d love this peel, Lisa. So easy and so powerful
Great review Allison. I’m very interested to know what your final results and opinions are. This sounds like exactly what I need in my skincare routine. Fingers crossed that you see a noticeable difference in wrinkles and fine lines. Glad to be back home and catching up. I received a lovely compliment while I was away about my eye shadow,it was the creme rose gold one and Laura mercier pencil creme you just reviewed from your subscriptions and I really have to thank you for being the person that made me comfortable with using all eyeshadows and experimenting because before you I fell prey to the opinion that woman of a certain age should only use matte shadows. Anyway,it made my day and I thought I’d share that with you(I also told her and the women we were sitting with about you,hopefully they’ll start following 😉 ). Please make sure you share your final impressions,the peel sounds fantastic but I wouldn’t invest without hearing from someone I trust that it worked for them.
I’m glad your trip worked out, Laura, especially since it was a sad occasion. I am a big fan of Exuviance so I have high hopes for this chemical peel. A number of the other bloggers commented that this is their favorite Exuviance product! It’s so easy to use. I just have to put it on my calendar for twice a week, lol, since I have so many other masks I’ve gotten. Last time I did use in with the Triple Dermabrasion, and my skin was definitely drier the next day so maybe I’ll do that once a week and on its own the other time. I will report back! BTW, I finally got an affiliate link yesterday from Glossybox and I put it up on my two Glossybox reviews. I had to laugh because I would earn 50 cents, not sure if that’s per subscription or per number of months of the subscription. That won’t guarantee me a secure retirement I’m afraid! And again, I’m sorry you waited so long for me to get the link.
Ohhhh, I am so curious about this. I’ve been trying another brand for the last couple of weeks and I’ve loved it. I love these at home peels!