NEO | PICK
Exfoliation 101:
pad your way to brighter skin
Exfoliation 101: pad your way to brighter skin
by Carolina Malis
Before I jumped into the infinite universe of skincare, exfoliation was always kind of a question mark. The Carolina from the past knew nothing about types of exfoliators or even that there was so many different ones out there, but once I realized not exfoliating was the reason hidden behind my never ending blackheads I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
Since then, exfoliation has been a must on my routine at least once or two times a week. Once I understood it was not about being cursed by the skincare gods but about not unclogging my pores, everything started to make sense.
But exfoliation can be very tricky. In my case for example, my sensitive, acne-prone, rosacea-prone, combo skin (talk about #SkinStruggles) can’t take mechanical exfoliators as good as chemical ones, and if I decide to take the mechanical path I need to be very careful about what I pick to rub into my skin. That’s how I got introduced into the toning/peeling/exfoliating pads universe, and it’s been a nothing-but-love relationship since then.
Pads have been the answer to get rid of dead skin cells and dirt trapped on my pores without hurting or stressing out my face, and that’s why I'm always on the lookout for the best ones the market has to offer. That being said, this week I got to try the >Code 9 Lemon Green Caviar Essence & Tox Tightening Pack Kit - talk about long names - which I must admit has always been on my wishlist.
This super gentle kit not only exfoliates but it’s also tightening, brightening and anti-aging, all thanks to the essence’s formula packed with ingredients such as Lemon, Niacinamide and Vitamin C.
On one side you get the dry pads and on the other a jar full of the magical essence, all ready for you to mix in order to keep the freshness of the product. A tip? Before start using it place it on the fridge for at least 9 hours so the pads can fully absorb the essence!
The pads are made out of 3 layers that help enhance skin’s elasticity and eliminate waste and dirt trapped in the deepest layers of the skin. After cleansing I go for the textured side using a circular motion all around my face and being specially careful on my T-zone, ‘cause let’s face it there’s where my blackheads and pimples village like to camp the most. After around 30 second I switch to the soft embossed side to pat in the essence so my skin can absorb the essential ingredients contained on it.
Not gonna lie, it does leave a little bit of a sticky residue at first, but after a few minutes it completely absorbs and it’s so hydrating that I usually go straight to the moisturizer after this step, and while it is suitable for all skin types I feel like ones with combo/oily skin can make a better use out of it.
My personal opinion? Don't use it everyday! Specially if your skin is very sensitive like mine don't go for these more than 3-4 times a week and remember to be very gentle when massaging with the mesh gauze side.
In comparison to the Gold Caviar Pack, this one is totally focused on brightening and that’s in fact what you get. If I’m looking for a calming and soothing exfoliating pad then I go for the Gold ones, but this one is a must specially when my skin feels dull o after a long day of wearing makeup.
Sounds like this could be a match for your skincare routine? Then I have great news for you, because the Lemon Green Caviar Tox Tightening Pack kit will be featured on Ipsy offers from October 2nd to 6th! Give it a try and let us know your thoughts about it!
