Skin Care Review: Philosophy Microdelivery Peel

Rating
Excellent

Benefits
Skin looks instantly smoother and brighter.

Drawbacks
Awkward packaging.

Details
Having tried both Philosophy's Microdelivery Peel and professional microdermabrasion through a cosmetic surgeon's office, I have to admit I saw little immediate difference between them in how my skin looked and felt.

The Microdelivery Peel kit contains two parts: a thick, citrus-smelling exfoliant that is lightly rubbed on the skin (do NOT scrub) for a minute or two, and a follow-up vitamin-c "activator" gel or lotion rubbed into that for another minute or two. The combination can produce a little bit of foaming, which is normal, and a very slight stinging sensation for a minute or two.

Over-exfoliating can cause temporary but unpleasant stinging and redness. Over-use of the product in general (more than 2 times a week) can cause dryness. But with my regular moisturizer and building up from once to twice weekly over the course of a few months, it did not aggravate my occasionally dry and very sensitive skin.

Immediately after using this product, my skin looked looked and felt noticeably smoother, and looked quite a bit brighter, and fresher, with a healthy glow. It remains the only non-rx product I've used that ever caused anyone to ask what I'd been using. And at first look, it was easily comparable to professional peels I've had, though I had to repeat Philosophy's treatment far more often.

I have serious doubts about claims that this product halts or deters aging (doubts I frankly have about all non-rx products), but the vitamin-c following exfoliation may have some benefit.

Conclusions
A brightening, smoothing, cost-effective alternative to microdermabrasion.

Price (paid by reviewer)
$60

Where to find it
Sephora