Review: Zelens PHA+ Bio-Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads
There are few categories of beauty products that have exploded in popularity quite as spectacularly as pre-soaked peel pads. I don’t remember shopping for these ten years ago, but I’m sure if I’d gone looking I would have found a minuscule fraction of what is available now, if any at all. Their claim to fame is thanks in equal parts to two main factors; their incredible ease of use and the near-instantaneous radiance boost that they provide.
What Makes It Special:
While I love a bottle of acid and a cotton round, the pre-soaked peel pad does have it’s own appeal. They are quick and easy to use, great to travel with and you don’t have to worry about ‘overdoing’ the amount of acid you’re using on your face. Specifically though, the Zelens PHA+ Bio-Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads are extra special. They are a mix of PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids).
PHA’s are especially great for sensitive or dehydrated skin because they hydrate and allow all the products you put on after to penetrate more deeply. The reason they are so great for sensitive skin is because their actual molecule size is quite big compared to many AHAs, so you get a comparable result in your skin but slower and more gradually because the acid isn’t immediately penetrating the deeper layers; this is what can cause sensitivity in some people.
The acids in the Zelens PHA+ peel pads are Salicylic Acid (BHA), Lactobionic Acid (PHA), Citric Acid (AHA) and Lactic Acid (AHA) and although all of these exfoliate, each also has their own set of special skills that they bring to the formulation.
Put very basically…
Salicylic Acid (BHA) – breaks down the oil in blemishes.
Lactobionic Acid (PHA) – prevent and reverse signs of aging, hydrating.
Citric Acid (AHA) – helps uneven skin tone.
Lactic Acid – gentle exfoliator, perfect for dull and dehydrated skin.
Why I Like It:
Unlike many of the peel pads on the market, the Zelens PHA+ Bio-Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads are formulated without Glycolic Acid, which my skin has taken a recent and inexplicable dislike to. I also like that they come in a tub and not individually wrapped like some of the alternatives. In the past, I’ve opened a tub of these and then stopped using it for a couple of months before reaching for them again and they still feel perfectly moist, so don’t stress that they might dry out if you don’t use them up immediately.
What I Don’t Like About It:
I think these are a bit overpriced. They are a great product, but are they worth the $2 a pop price tag? I’m not sure. Personally, I don’t pay full price for these. I’m about to start my third tub and I always pick them up on some kind of offer, recently Zelens even did a 2 for 1 deal.
Application:
These are recommended as daily peel pads but personally, I use them 2-3 per week. I do this because I like to alternate my toners so my skin is getting a bit of everything, but also because these are quite pricey. The official recommendation is to use these daily, in either your morning or night routine after cleansing, and to leave it on or rinse off after 5 minutes. I find them gentle enough to leave on so I’ve never rinsed them off, but if you found them a bit strong at first it could be a good way to ease into using them.
Product Claims:
Gently exfoliates the skin without causing irritation or skin dryness – agree
Helps to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores and uneven skin tone – can’t be sure
Reveals healthy, glowing and younger-looking complexion – absolutely
Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Perfum (Fragrance), Disodium EDTA, Linalool.
Available From:
Cult Beauty
Zelens
Details:
50 Pads – £65.00 / $110
Repurchase:
Have done and will continue to do unless I can find something better.
