Skin Care Tip: Choosing the right exfoliant(s): price vs ingredients

Tip description / details:
The key to saying "goodbye" to dull flaky skin is as easy as choosing the right exfoliant. I have used AHA's and BHA and quite often I combine the two. AHA's are water-soluble and exfoliate the surface of the skin. AHA's are especially helpful for treating sun-damaged skin. I have spent many summers in the hot sun basking in oil to achieve that great sexy tan. Now that I am in my 40's, my skin and its health is more important than ever. For over 2 years, I have tried many of the newest skin care products promising miracle cures for sun damaged and wrinkling skin. I paid anywhere from $145.00 for a 2 oz. bottle of "wrinkle serum" to $7.95 for a 2 oz. bottle of alpha hydroxy acid lotion. I can honestly say that the best results have come from the purest form of alpha and beta hydroxy's on the market, however, without the addition of perfumes and unnecessary additives. I am often told that I look between 32-35 years old - What a compliment! I am very proud to be 46, soon to be 47 years old. Before using alpha and beta hydroxy's, I had enlarged pores around the nose and chin with some facial scaring (from a boyfriend long ago rubbing his whiskers too hard across my chin). I am also a "squinter", so I developed fine lines around the outer corners of my eyes (I used to never bother with sunglasses either). Today I stay out of the sun unless using an SPF protection greater that 30, I wear sunglasses in the sun and while driving and I exfoliate daily to remove built-up layers of dull and sun-damaged skin cells. Daily exfoliation increases the skin cell's turnover rate. The result is an impressive improvement in my skin texture and appearance. No longer do I have dull, dry, sun-damaged skin. The AHA's have improved my skin appearance so greatly, that it appears to be glowing and practically line free. I also use BHA's (Beta Hydroxy) lotion around my nose and inner cheek area. This is where I was prone to enlarge pores. Before using Beta Hydroxy, a dermatologist told me I had white heads and recommended a product that they endorsed (very pricey). Although I purchased the product, I compared the ingredients to other less costly skin care products I researched. The less expensive product showed more improvement. I have since gone back to my dermatologist and he was very impressed and asked what I had been using (his product or another). I told him and he was somewhat surprised. Especially since I compared his product to another less expensive one. Beta hydroxy's are oil-soluble which means it can exfoliate the surface layers of the skin as well as exfoliate the inside the pore to eliminate built-up skin cells that can lead to clogged pores and blackheads. I did have whiteheads, not blackheads but the BHA's removed the whiteheads quite efficiently. My tip in summary, don't purchase your skin care according to the $$$. Research your product or product line and educate yourself about your own skin condition. You will be amazed how beautiful your skin can look using "basic" alpha and beta hydroxy's. Reveal your "new you" the smart way; exfoliate using the right exfoliant and spend less too!

Ingredients:
Ingredients of the products used: Natural skin care exfoliants. Papaya enzymes that are blended with natural AHA's, also includes antioxidants and hydrating honey that help nourish and repair for the softest, silkiest skin possible. The alpha hydroxy lotions used range in 8% - 14% solution with Glycolic Acid, Chammomile flower extract and have the correct PH range to allow exfoliation to occur. The beta hydroxy contains 2% salicylic acid, antioxidants and lightweight plant oils

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Results (observed by submitter):
I have smooth, silky-soft skin that looks "fresh", glowing and line free. Fine lines have disappeared from around my eye area around my mouth (smile lines). My skin looks "glowing" and fresh from proper care and hydration.

Costs involved:
$7.95 - $29.95 per product plus tax