As someone with rosacea and ultra-sensitive skin, I usually shy away from anything with the word "acid" in it for fear it will irritate my skin. However, I've also always longed for a product that gently exfoliates my skin, since that's one of the keys to a brighter complexion, and any Google search will tell you acids are the best ingredient for sloughing away dead skin cells. So I was torn—to live with dull, uneven skin texture or to potentially cause a major skin freak-out by testing an acid. First world problems, I know, but still, the struggle is real.
So after a lot of trial and error (and I mean a lot of error), I decided to bring this problem to my esthetician Vanessa Hernandez. Without hesitation, she recommended M-61 Skincare's PowerGlow Peel Pads soaked in not one but two acids. I was shocked, trust me, but she knows my skin issues like the back of her hand and she promised me the other ingredients counteract any irritation glycolic and salicylic acid may typically cause me, and if used once a week at night I would wake up with clear, glowing skin.
After using the pads for a few months now, I can personally attest to how gentle these are. I swipe the pre-soaked pad lightly over my face, neck, and décolletage before bed and wake up with brighter, glowing skin—with zero signs of irritation. However, I've been warned that because of my skin type these pads can and will irritate my skin if used too often, so I've stuck with my just once a week rate. If you aren't the sensitive skin type you might be fine with more frequent use, but I would consult your dermatologist or esthetician for a professional recommendation before doing so.
I asked M-61 Skincare's founder Marla Beck why these pads can be used on ultra-sensitive skin types like mine, when most other products with glycolic or salicylic acids I've tried cause me major problems."I developed the PowerGlow Peel to be used on all skin types, even those with rosacea. I knew first hand that exfoliation—especially with glycolic acid—is one of the best catalysts for creating a glowing complexion," explains Marla. "So I blended glycolic and salicylic acid with vitamin k and calming naturals, including bilberry and chamomile, to exfoliate and soothe in the same step." The calming ingredient counteract the more aggressive acids, so someone like myself can use them at a less-frequent cadence without fear or irritation. "It’s not just my favorite, we sell one every 5 seconds," Marla added.
I think it's safe to say a beauty product has reached cult-status when one is sold every 5 seconds—if my math is correct that's over 6 million a year. So if you have sensitive skin and are looking for a gentle exfoliating product, I highly recommend the PowerGlow Peel pads. Keep scrolling to shop the pads for yourself, along with some of my other favorite products from M-61.
Here they are: the product that launched a thousand clicks.
Shop M-61 Skincare's other best-selling products:
The original PowerGlow Peel pads also come in this gradual tan version that leaves you with a subtle, sun-kissed glow.
When you feel a breakout coming on, these are your best friend. Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and witch hazel help to reduce the appearance of blemishes by helping to unclog pores—meaning you can say goodbye to pimples.
This pad is soaked in hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and vitamin E to leave skin feeling firm and moisturized for up to 48 hours.
This radiance-boosting pad is loaded with 15% vitamin C and E as well as gallic acid to leave your skin feeling ultra-bright and glowing.
This set allows you to try all of the best-selling pads in one chic, travel-friendly case.
These daily cleansing cloths have a blend of AHAs to remove impurities, pollution, and makeup while also protect the skin from radical damage.
Goodbye, zits! This overnight spot treatment contains salicylic acid, witch hazel, tea tree, and aloe to shrink blemishes in a flash.
Say hello to a moisturizer that works double duty. This hydrating cream contains peptides and vitamin B5 for extra hydration your skin will love.
I use this moisturizer daily and can safely say my skin is obsessed with it. It's super hydrating without being heavy or greasy. The hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and vitamin E also help plump my skin to give it a fresh, healthy look.
The Hydraboost Moisturizer, but make it eye cream.
Like the Hydraboost Moisturizer, but with glycolic and salicylic acid to help reduce pore size and fine lines.
Speaking of fine lines, this serum uses seven different peptides to help plump the skin as well as vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to hydrate. Say goodbye to those pesky crow's feet.
Who doesn't love a face mist? This one contains peptides, cucumber, vitamin B5 and B3 to refresh and hydrate your skin on the go.
Next up: 21 beauty products so good, I bought them in travel-size, too.
